Folio.YVR Friends: Hotel Katajanokka – Luxury in the Heart of Helsinki, Finland

Some would say that taking a prison and converting it into a hotel would seem an impossible task, so to achieve this and provide a boutique luxury experience has proven Hotel Katajanokka likes to throw the rule book out when it comes to creating the perfect getaway.

It’s this unique ethos that runs throughout the hotel and has seen them recently celebrate a successful and award-winning ten years. To track the history of the building you will have to go way back to 1888 when it was first opened as Helsinki’s County Prison. Architectural details of its history can be seen in its exterior details with red brick construction and small arched windows.

A clever understanding of its unique character meant that when recent refurbishments were undertaken, its original design elements were incorporated and celebrated rather than modified or removed.

Unlike its previous occupants, such as the infamous Jan Jalutsi (also known as the “Escape King” of Finland), who scaled the prison’s walls to escape to freedom, the Hotel Katajanokka has guests clambering to experience its unique offering of chic, contemporary hospitality.

The Full Luxury Experience Customized to You

The hotel offers a full luxury boutique hotel experience. Public areas and reception spaces are finished with impeccably stylish carpets and soft furnishings while each room is meticulously planned to maximize the use of space.

Four accommodation choices have been created to adapt to solo, group, business and leisure travellers. Each of the guest rooms has been created from the original cell blocks which have been cleverly repurposed to provide cocooning and comforting luxury. The ultimate pad for privacy, each cell has metre-thick brick walls that make each room the perfect space for an undisturbed evening of sleep.

All rooms are finished to an impeccably high standard with the latest technology incorporated, along with comfortable beds and chic soft furnishings and hand-picked fabrics. Each has a Nordic-inspired design with airy, chic and contemporary furnishings created to appeal to a varied audience. Beverage-making facilities are available in each room and a range of pillow choices means that every guest can tailor-make their comfort to aide a comfy night’s sleep.

Choose Your Sleeping Comfort

There are thirty-seven Classic Queen rooms that offer a place to relax, work and unwind. Each has a welcoming Queen-sized bed with a private bathroom and shower and the guest amenities expected at boutique level accommodation.

Forty Classic Twin rooms provide two twin beds, desk space and an en-suite private bathroom with bath or shower.

The Superior King, Twin and Family suites provide versatile accommodation with all the benefits of a private living area, generous bed choices and lavish bathing facilities. The twenty-six Superior rooms have all been finished with impeccably chic furniture and soft furnishings. For those wanting to keep connected while on their travels, high-speed internet ensures that guests don’t miss a thing.

For solo travellers and couples looking for an indulgent escape, the Junior Suite is a generous size. Each one of the three Junior Suites incorporates an octagonal, open-plan space where guests can unwind in their own private living area or for that ultimate indulgence, your own en suite private sauna. Each guest staying within a Junior Suite is presented with a welcome gift upon arrival with a specialty coffee maker and guest amenities included.

Onsite all-inclusive office spaces help business travellers keep up to date with emails and meetings, while an onsite gym with state-of-the-art equipment will appeal to the health-conscious. For those looking for that ultimate well-being stay, a traditional Finnish sauna provides a more sedate way to rejuvenate and recuperate.

Be Immersed in Vibrant Nordic Culture

Hotel Katajanokka also has a restaurant with a unique atmosphere. The Linnankellari restaurant is a definite must-be for fans of delicious Nordic Cuisine. Dishes are cooked from the season’s best local ingredients – in a historic setting, with impeccable, personal service. Refurbished into the prison canteen in the basement of the building, Linnankellari is open from early until late. Naturally, goodies are available with a call for in-room enjoyment.

In the summertime, Linnankellari invites its guests to a vibrant and lively terrace in the middle of the garden area. This is the perfect oasis where hotel visitors and local people enjoy the vivid atmosphere with sun, music, grilled dishes and refreshing drinks. Lobby Lounge Bar serves hot and cold drinks and delicious snacks 24 hours a day.

Locally, Hotel Katajanokka offers the perfect central location to explore the delights of local Helsinki. From taking in the local culture, exploring the cities architecture and history or just relaxing and partying with friends.

One of the must-sees during the stay is the historical tour which leads visitors set in a historic prison atmosphere and unique areas like the old prison time isolation cells. Their Head Concierge oversees organizing these interesting tours where one will hear many unbelievable stories of this historical landmark of Helsinki.

It’s not just the accommodation and location that makes the hotel an unforgettable experience, but the dedication of an attentive team of staff that are highly trained at upholding rigorous standards while offering a personable experience to each and every guest.

This award-winning hotel has, even more, to celebrate this year with recognition from the prestigious Luxury Lifestyle Awards panel who presented it with the highly coveted Best Luxury Hotels in Northern Europe awards. Congratulations Hotel Katajanokka!

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