Welcome to the clink. Hotel Katajanokka began life as a prison built under Tsar Nicholas I in the early 19th century, later remodelled on the Philadelphia model; by 1960, 10,000 prisoners passed through each year. It closed in 2002 and was transformed into a high-class hotel, with the outer walls, central hallway and old prison church protected by the Finnish heritage authorities.
At a glance
Location: Katajanokka, central Helsinki, Finland
Stayed in: Room
Best for: travellers looking for a memorable, quirky stay
Reviewed: September 2014
8.1 out of 10
Setting and arrival
The hotel is in the middle of Helsinki, beside Linnanpuisto Park. Staff are friendly and have fun with the building’s past.
The rooms
The once tiny cells are now spacious rooms with first-class amenities: a flat-screen TV, minibar, coffee and tea and a safe. Junior Suites even have private saunas. A few spaces, such as the Holding Cell and Group Cell, are preserved in their original state to give a taste of prison life.
Facilities
There is a Finnish spa and gym.
The verdict
A one-of-a-kind building, comfortable rooms and a central location make Katajanokka Helsinki’s most memorable hotel.
- Rooms: 8.0
- Service: 8.5
- Dining: 7.5
- Facilities and spa: 8.0
- Location: 8.5
Best Western Premier Hotel Katajanokka Helsinki, Katajanokka, Helsinki, Finland.
David stayed as a guest of the hotel. Based on a stay in September 2014. Facilities, menus and prices may have changed since.
