Planning to visit Helsinki sometime soon? — Welcome to Finland’s capital, a Nordic gem known for art, wellness, and sustainability. From the design district to serene saunas and eco-friendly initiatives, the city offers a blend of experiences for the mindful traveller. In this blog, I’ve curated a list of the best hotels in Helsinki, based on personal experience as a Helsinki local.
When to visit Helsinki: Tourists typically visit Helsinki during the warm months (June-September). I recommend staying at least 2–3 days to explore the main sights, and longer if you want to explore the islands and nature around. August is my favourite month, when you can still enjoy sunny and long days, before autumn sets in. Note the sunset times and head out to enjoy the golden hues over Helsinki!
A good thing about Helsinki is that vegan options are easily found, clearly labelled, in almost every restaurant. There is no need to request vegan options beforehand when staying at hotels, but in case you don’t spot any, simply request it from the staff.
Looking for spots to dine out in Helsinki? Check out my list here: Helsinki Vegan Guide
Helsinki is a compact city, with elegant Art Nouveau buildings and a skyline free of skyscrapers. Let’s explore luxe and concept hotels in Helsinki, each featuring stunning rooftop bars that let you soak in the city’s charm from (not too high) above.
1. Clarion Hotel + SkyRoom
Tyynenmerenkatu 2, 00220 Helsinki
Clarion stands out in the Helsinki skyline as a modern matchbox design tower, with the SkyRoom bar on the 16th floor. The bar is completely indoor, not technically rooftop, but has one of the best views of Helsinki, and is open to non-guests. The hotel makes a great place to stay in Helsinki, especially for business travellers and couples. We have been here on a few staycations too! Read a detailed review in this post.
🏨 Location
Clarion is situated near the West Harbour, a bit outside the town centre, but easily accessible by Tram no. 7 and 9, which run between Helsinki Central Railway station and West ship terminal (Länsiterminaali). There is a tram stop right in front of the hotel.
🛏️ Room Details
The rooms feature modern Nordic interior design and neat, comfy beds with huge pillows! The bathroom is better than average hotels, with a well functioning shower and Rituals products. They don’t stock one use toiletries. View from Superior Room:
Standard and Superior Double rooms are similar, but the Superior tends to have better views and include bathrobe and slippers for use. More spacious Deluxe rooms and Suites are also available.
🍽️ Breakfast & Dining
Breakfast is complimentary with your stay, and served at the Kitchen & Table restaurant downstairs. It’s pretty much a standard hotel buffet breakfast. Clarion brags about their sustainable steps, but I wasn’t satisfied with their food offerings. I do hope they have changed things by now to be more plant-based.
They have on-site bistros, which is pricey European cuisine, few plant-based choices.
Nearby dining options: Banu Café, Sen Viet and Mount Kailash have good veggie food
🏊♂️ Facilities & Services
Business hotel facilities, event and conference space available. There’s a rooftop pool & sauna, plus a small gym facility for hotel guests. The SkyRoom bar is open to non-guests, there is no entry fee (cloakroom fee of 3.5 EUR), simply take the lift up from the hotel lobby. They have some events and a DJ on weekends.
💰 Price Range & Booking
The price per night ranges from about 150 EUR for a Standard Double room, up to 400 EUR for a Suite.
Book Clarion Hotel, Helsinki* (rated 8.7 on Booking.com)
Clarion is part of the Strawberry Hotels group and can also be booked via their website (in Finnish). Sign up for the Strawberry Club membership for discounts on stays, which includes a couple of other hotels mentioned in this post.
2. Torni Hotel + Ateljee
Yrjönkatu 26, 00100 Helsinki
Torni means ‘tower’ in Finnish, and Hotel Torni is a historic landmark in Helsinki, being one of the first ‘skyscrapers’ built in the city, back in 1930s. This architectural gem effortlessly combines old-world elegance with modern sophistication.
🏨 Location
Torni is one of the best located stand-out hotels in Helsinki, bang in the centre, next to the Forum shopping centre, and a walking distance from the Central Railway Station. So getting here and around the city sights is not an issue. See a presentation of the hotel in our clip from 2023:
🛏️ Room Details
From sleek, contemporary spaces to charming art-deco-inspired suites, Torni offers accommodations designed to suit solo travellers, couples and business travellers. We chose the King Solo room (Art deco themed). Very classy! Check-in from 15:00. Check-out 12:00.
🍽️ Breakfast & Dining
The breakfast at Torni was not bad, but not exceptional either. They had the basics and we found a spot with vegan yoghurt, cheese and cuts. The staff also mentioned that we can ask the kitchen for warm food separately.
As for other dining options, you are surrounded by restaurants in this location so just a walk and select from various options!
🏊♂️ Facilities & Services
The Ateljee rooftop bar is the highlight – on the 12th floor, and open to non-guests. It’s a small space, so be prepared for it to be packed during summer. But being centrally located, has views all around Helsinki (the toilets have a nice view too, so don’t forget to make use of it : D). The only negatives are the prices (while the entry is free, they have the most expensive beer in town). The classic American Bar is also on-site!
💰 Price Range & Booking
Torni is part of the Sokos Hotels group, and you can book direct via their website. Room rates per night range from 170 EUR for a Classic room to 350 EUR for an Executive Suite.
Book Torni Hotel, Helsinki* (rated 8.9 on Booking.com)
3. Scandic Hotel + Monkey Rooftop
Simonkatu 9, 00100 Helsinki
Scandic group of hotels is the largest hotel chain in the Nordic region, and has a strong presence in Helsinki, with several properties strategically located around the city. This Scandic Helsinki Hub is centrally situated and comes with a lovely rooftop terrace bar. The hotel combines modern Nordic design with a bustling urban vibe.
🏨 Location
The hotel is nestled in Kamppi with convenient access to public transport network – Kamppi Bus Station and Helsinki Central Railway Station are minutes away. Helsinki’s top sights, shopping streets, and restaurants are within walking distance. Scandic Helsinki is the perfect base for travelers who want to be at the center of it all.
🛏️ Room Details
Standard and Superior Double rooms, as well as Suites available. The rooms are sleek and functional, featuring cozy beds, smart workspaces, and all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. It’s a good choice for both business and leisure travellers.
🍽️ Breakfast & Dining
Since we don’t have experience of staying over here yet, I can’t review the breakfast, but I have heard that Scandic generally offers good vegan options in their hotel breakfast buffet. Incl. plant-based milks, vegan spreads, fresh fruits, veg, cereals, and bread.
🏊♂️ Facilities & Services
The highlight of the hotel is rooftop bar Monkey! It’s open seasonally, and to non-guests – enjoy 8th floor views over Lasipalatsi square and central Helsinki from the terrace. We dropped by here last summer for a glass of bubbles, and it was a nice experience! Jungle vibes and plenty of indoor seating as well as cosy outdoor tables.
Hotel guests also have a gym and sauna at their disposal.
💰 Price Range & Booking
The prices range from 120 EUR for a Comfort room up to 200 EUR for Family rooms. Breakfast is typically included in the room rate but make sure to check on booking.
Book Scandic Hotel, Kamppi Helsinki* (rated 8.5 on Booking.com)
Website: Scandic Hotels
4. Klaus K + SkyTerrace
Bulevardi 2-4, 00120 Helsinki
Klaus K is a boutique hotel which showcases interior design, culture, and modern luxury, inspired by the Finnish epic, Kalevala. Located just steps away from the Design District in Helsinki centre, it offers a unique stay for travellers seeking both style and substance.
🏨 Location
The hotel is situated in a posh street of Helsinki, a few blocks from Torni Hotel, and a short walking distance to the Esplanade, and major sights. The Central Railway station is only a tram stop away.
🛏️ Room Details
From a cosy Mini to a Sky Loft, Klaus K offers a variety of stays for all, including solo travellers, couples, and friends! They also have ‘Art Rooms’ featuring works by various Finnish artists.
We stayed in one of the 3 different Sky Suites (how we ended up staying one night at Klaus K is a story for another blog.. and to be honest, I don’t have very good memory of it XD). Messy room pic because it was taken the next morning.
🍽️ Breakfast & Dining
I do remember the breakfast buffet! Hands down, one of the best hotel breakfast/brunch in town! We’ve dined here on two occasions, once while staying over, complimentary breakfast included. Another time, we checked out their weekend vegan brunch, open for non-guests. It’s hearty and generous as stated on their site, unlike typical hotels.
🏊♂️ Facilities & Services
The 1880s building now has a rooftop bar, part of Klaus K, which is also accessible to non-guests. It’s not a large space on the 7th floor, with a very ‘Helsinki’ view around the streets, you can also spot the white church. Indoor & outdoor seating is available. It’s known for speciality cocktails. The G&T was served quick. Drinks only, no food.
In other on-site facilities, there is a gym and sauna for hotel guests.
Local Tip: Plenty of veggie restaurants around.. try Yes Yes Yes for vegan sharing plates.
💰 Price Range & Booking
Prices for rooms range from 100 EUR per night up to about 400 EUR per night for a Sky Suite. Klaus K Hotel is also part of the Strawberry hotels family. View current offers and visit their website: Klaus K
Book Klaus K Hotel, Helsinki* (rated 8.6 on Booking.com)
5. Valo Hotel & Work
Mannerheimintie 109, 00280 Helsinki
Valo is a modern business hotel, housed in large modern apartment block in the Pasila district of Helsinki. It’s the only hotel on this list that’s located a bit outside central Helsinki, but we just stayed here and it exceeded expectations! Valo has been awarded Finland’s Leading Hotel 2024 by World Travel Awards, and has also been awarded for its sustainability initiatives.
🏨 Location
It’s near Pasila train station, with direct connections to the city centre and airport. There is unfortunately not a lot to do around here within walking distance, but with a short bus trip you can explore the main sights and shopping centres of Helsinki.
🛏️ Room Details
Valo offers many rooms, with different types, from a small Comfort room to Suites. Go for the deluxe, as we did – it’s spacious, well laid out, with large windows (road view), and the most spacious bathroom have seen in a hotel recently.
The check-in time is 16.00 and check out by 12.00. There’s just enough time to chill in room, visit the gym and wellness rooftop, have dinner and then enjoy a good night’s sleep on staycation.
🏊♂️ Facilities & Services
Valo hotel boasts a rooftop wellness area, which consists of two log saunas with views, a pool, hot tub and a cold plunge. It was pretty nice! My only complaint is that it’s the space isn’t too large – you need to book a time slot but there’s still crowding in the evenings.
🍽️ Breakfast & Dining
The Valo breakfast buffet is decent with vegan fare, labelled (Ve). We didn’t make any request beforehand and there was enough for a filling brunch: Vegan mini buns and croissants, sweet-chili tofu, seitan, roast veggies, bread, cereal and overnight oats with berries.
The breakfast space on the weekend was slighlty chaotic and we had to queue up to get food. They really need to have larger amounts of the plant based options as it seemed to run out (the seitan and tofu). Another hotel that brags about sustainable steps but still offer plenty of meat and animal based products !!
Local Tip: if you’re looking for a place to dine at, check out Loi Loi Rooftop restaurant in Pasila.
Book Valo Hotel Helsinki* (rated 8.7 on Booking.com)
Hotels to also consider:
There are a few other hotels worth mentioning here, if you’re looking to stay in downtown Helsinki. I often recommend these to travellers,
They are quite similar to each other — modern, luxurious and strive for sustainability. Also, part of the Strawberry Hotels group, and you can make reservations via the website (in Finnish). OR use our Booking.com affiliate links below 🙂
- Hotel St. George — located in an upscale district of central Helsinki, in a 19th century building, it offers accomodation in luxuxry rooms including a ‘Serenity Studio’ and penthouse Suite. The wellness Care Spa & Gym is known to be luxurious. Michelin restaurant and St. George bakery below and a glass roof Wintergarden bar on top. Vegan breakfast options available.
- Hotel Lilla Roberts — another chic boutique hotel, with Art Deco style rooms, with a luxury yet cozy vibe. We have no experience of staying here, you may need to request vegan options beforhand.
- Hotel Haven — I’ve wanted to stay here, it does sound good ; ) A classic style hotel located in an old stone building, on the waterfront by the main ship harbour of Helsinki. I will have to report back on the vegan options after staying here!
Didn’t find one to suit your needs? Browse more hotels and accommodation in Helsinki through this search map below*
*affiliate links with companies I trust and use myself. These are links to the hotel page on Bookingdotcom and I may earn a small commision if you book via our links – this supports the blog, thanks!
Last updated on February 16th, 2025
