Hotel review: Katajanokka – Helsinki

Last July I went to Helsinki to attend fashion week, a wonderful event dedicated to sustainable fashion. But I will talk to you in detail about the fashion week in the next post. In today’s post I want to talk about the hotel I stayed in during that week: the Katajanokka Hotel. Among all the hotels I reviewed this is certainly the most unique: the building is in fact a former historical prison that was closed in 2002. The historic 19th century building was therefore transformed into a hotel, which currently has a chic atmosphere of the boutique hotel still keeping some details that refer to the past of the building.

Room

Our room was a Classic Queen, the least spacious of the rooms offered by the hotel but still with all the comforts you may need. I enjoyed the bathroom with a very spacious shower and the light from the windows of the room which was wonderful, especially in the morning. The design furnishings in shades of green are in a classic and minimal style. The keys and padlocks framed and hung above the bed refer to the past function of the room.

Interior

As I mentioned before, the interior of the hotel is modern and elegant with a colorful design furniture with minimal lines. Despite this, many elements of the former prison were left unaltered, such as the stairs that I find wonderful. This contrast between the relaxed atmosphere of a boutique hotel and the unaltered elements of the former prison are truly unique and I appreciated that the building was not completely distorted but it retained its character. In the large courtyard there was also a beautiful terrace where you could dine, while next to the reception there is a lovely little bar where you can sip something or read a good book. The restaurant and breakfast room was in the basement and the atmosphere is more suffused and candlelit.

Breakfast

Breakfast was just perfect with lots of choice for all tastes. I love eating sweet in the morning and I enjoyed the wide selection of croissants, cakes, donuts, fruit and even some typical Finnish dessert. A great way to recharge and start the intense days of fashion week!