The best hotels in Finland

Just a short distance from central Helsinki, on the Espoo side of the city, Hotel Hanaholmen is anything but an ordinary hotel, something that becomes clear the moment you arrive on its own private island. The grounds are dotted with sculptures, and there’s even more art waiting inside. The interiors are also filled with Nordic design classics. Fancy sipping your afternoon coffee while sitting in an iconic designer chair? You can. Rest your head on a cushion upholstered in Svenskt Tenn’s instantly recognisable patterns? Absolutely. Spend a while beside an indoor waterfall (yes, really), enjoy breakfast surrounded by sculptures or stroll through a mirrored corridor? All of the above. Hotel Hanaholmen offers an abundance of art and design, but it’s much more than that.

At its heart, Hanaholmen is a Swedish-Finnish cultural centre and venue for state visits, conferences and meetings. Rather than detracting from the hotel experience, that only adds to its appeal. There’s something fun about wondering whether you’re sharing the sauna with a Hollywood star or trying to guess what fields the people around you at breakfast might work in.

There’s no need to retreat to your room, as the hotel has plenty of inviting spaces to spend time in. Comfortable lounge areas, the café’s designer furnishings, the sunset jetty and the terrace overlooking the sculpture trail all encourage guests to explore every corner of the property. The rooms are equally inviting, with colourful interiors that complement the building’s original 1970s architecture. Refurbished rooms feature playful Svenskt Tenn fabrics alongside thoughtful design details.

The hotel’s close connection to nature becomes even more apparent in the morning, when you open the curtains and look out across the pine trees, keeping an eye out for swans gliding past or perhaps even a hedgehog wandering through the grounds.

Staying on the hotel’s own island feels wonderfully special, especially given its location so close to central Helsinki. Although the motorway is just moments away and Kamppi can be reached by bike in little more than 15 minutes, the island itself feels remarkably peaceful. That unique atmosphere makes Hanaholmen an excellent choice for a staycation. You could easily spend a full 24 hours here without leaving the island, or head into central Helsinki once or twice before returning to the calm.

Time Out tip: At the far end of the hotel grounds is a glass-fronted sauna that can be hired privately and offers some of the gentlest löyly in the Helsinki region. During the summer, the hotel also hosts free sauna sessions for guests.

Address: Hanasaarenranta 5, Espoo
Expect to pay: Standard rooms from €180 per night.

Located in the heart of Porvoo, Runo Hotel Porvoo was the first hotel in Finland to receive a coveted Michelin Key – the Michelin Guide's equivalent of a Michelin star for hotels. This is anything but an ordinary place to spend the night.

Runo offers a very different kind of luxury from what many people expect. It's the antithesis of bling. There are no gilded surfaces or crystal chandeliers here. Instead, luxury comes from the quiet confidence that every detail is exactly where it should be. The hotel lives up to its name: like a haiku, it is understated, elegant and stripped of everything unnecessary, with every element carefully considered.

Founder Erkka Hirvonen built the entire concept around four S's: Sight, Sound, Smell and Surface. Everything should look, sound, smell and feel good. That philosophy explains the extensive use of natural materials throughout the hotel – the only materials, in Hirvonen's view, that satisfy all four senses at once.

The perfectionism borders on obsessive. Hirvonen travelled across the Nordics in search of the perfect armchair for the guest rooms, while finding the right Karelian pies for breakfast meant tasting his way through bakeries across Finland. The result is an atmosphere that feels remarkably calming. Runo is like a life-sized vision of a more harmonious world – the sort of place where slowing down comes naturally.

Time Out tip: Even if you're planning to explore Porvoo's sights, leave plenty of time to enjoy the hotel itself. Browse the design magazines in the lounge, unwind in the cosy sauna, sip one of the town's best cocktails and linger over breakfast. It perfectly reflects the Runo philosophy: not the biggest spread you'll ever see, but one where every single item has earned its place.

Address: Rihkamakatu 4, Porvoo

Expect to pay: Rooms from around €220 per night.

The moment you step inside the beautiful St. George hotel in the heart of Helsinki, you’re left speechless. Or rather, it’s the enormous Ai Weiwei rice paper installation suspended from the lobby ceiling that does it. Resembling an ancient dragon watching over arriving guests, it’s impossible not to stare. The artwork immediately sets the tone: this is a hotel designed to deliver memorable experiences.

Every detail of this exceptionally stylish hotel has been carefully considered. Although Finland doesn’t officially use a hotel star rating system, St. George is widely regarded as one of the country’s few true five-star hotels. That’s reflected in its impeccable service, peaceful atmosphere and outstanding facilities. Everything you could want from a staycation is under one roof. Work out in the Hintsa Performance gym, popular with elite athletes, unwind in the Turkish-inspired spa and saunas, enjoy cocktails in the hotel bar, or stop by the in-house bakery café for freshly baked bread, pastries and lunch. Then there’s the excellent restaurant downstairs, serving both one of the city’s finest breakfasts and an elegant Thai-inspired fine dining menu in the evening.

The biggest impression, however, comes from the rooms themselves. Bright, beautifully designed and effortlessly elegant, they also feature playful touches that prevent the Nordic aesthetic from feeling too restrained. Just when the minimalist style risks becoming overly serious, whimsical Klaus Haapaniemi prints or a vibrant Turkish rug add warmth and personality.

Another standout feature is the sense of calm. Close the door behind you and the outside world simply disappears in a way that few hotels manage. It’s the kind of place where you can lose yourself in the views over Old Church Park, curl up with a good book and simply enjoy the stillness.

St. George’s breakfast is one of Helsinki’s most popular brunch experiences, and it’s well worth allowing plenty of time to savour. Rather than overwhelming guests with endless choice, the emphasis is firmly on quality. The bread and porridge are among the best in the city, while the homemade Turkish yoghurt, excellent omelettes and beautifully prepared fish dishes make repeated visits to the buffet almost inevitable, even when you’re already completely full. Whatever you do, don’t skip the porridge. Slow-cooked overnight until perfectly creamy, it’s outstanding.

Time Out tip: It almost feels wrong not to celebrate a stay at St. George with a drink at a rooftop bar. Helsinki doesn’t have many, but one of its most iconic is just a stone’s throw away at Hotel Torni. Head to Ateljee Bar for sweeping views across the city skyline.

Address: Yrjönkatu 13, Helsinki
Expect to pay: Rooms from €325 per night.

There's a reason the Imatra State Hotel (Imatran Valtionhotelli) is often called Finland's most beautiful hotel. Completed in 1903, this magnificent Art Nouveau castle rises above the Imatrankoski rapids with its towers, bay windows and fairytale silhouette. Look closely and you'll even spot a large black cat arching its back on the roof – just one of the building's many playful details.

The hotel exists for one reason: Imatrankoski. At the turn of the twentieth century, the rapids were one of Northern Europe's greatest natural attractions, drawing aristocrats, artists and wealthy travellers from across the continent. To welcome them, the Finnish Senate commissioned a grand hotel, which opened in 1903 under the decidedly elegant French name Grand Hôtel Cascade. Central heating, running water and electric lighting were all cutting-edge luxuries at the time.

The hotel has since passed into private ownership (today it's run by the family-owned Peurâ Hotels & Cottages), and its heyday is long behind it. That's precisely what makes it so charming. Thankfully, this fairytale castle hasn't been transformed into an eye-wateringly expensive five-star retreat. Instead, it remains a place where ordinary travellers can still afford to spend the night and experience the romance of a true grand hotel.

Inside, the Art Nouveau atmosphere is wonderfully intact. Ornate staircases, stained-glass windows, original period details and handsome public spaces transport you back to an era when arriving at a hotel was an event in itself. And because no castle hotel would be complete without a ghost, the State Hotel has one too. According to local legend, the mysterious Grey Lady still wanders the corridors – fortunately, she's said to be a remarkably friendly spirit.

The hotel's story mirrors that of the rapids outside. Imatrankoski was dammed in the 1930s, but on summer evenings the water is released once again for spectacular 20-minute rapids shows. The thunder of the rushing water and the towering whitewater still offer a vivid glimpse of the natural force that made Imatra famous across Europe.

Time Out tip: Thanks to the rapids and the State Hotel, Imatra is an almost essential stop on any tour of Lake Saimaa, Finland's largest lake. Before continuing your journey, browse the delightful VirQ by Virkkukoukkunen, an independent boutique selling the designer's own colourful clothing and accessories.

Address: Torkkelinkatu 2, Imatra

Expect to pay: Rooms in the historic Castle Building from around €180 per night. Note: The hotel also offers cheaper rooms in the more modern Park Building next door.  

It’s hard to think of another hotel in Finland that’s as deeply woven into the identity of its city as Radisson Blu Grand Hotel Tammer is in Tampere. Standing proudly on the banks of the Tammerkoski rapids, this muted orange Art Deco landmark is more than just an architectural icon. It’s a living piece of history where you can actually spend the night. The building has welcomed guests since 1929, offering the rare chance to step back into the atmosphere of the early 20th century, a feeling that still shines through in every corner of the hotel.

The hotel has 87 rooms, and no two are alike. As you’d expect in a historic building, the layouts and proportions vary from room to room, making every stay feel unique. The interiors respect the building’s heritage without feeling stuck in the past, resulting in spaces that are both elegant and inviting. There’s plenty of period charm, but it never feels over the top. Details such as the chain-operated toilets that still remain in some rooms add a wonderfully nostalgic touch and make the experience all the more memorable.

The views are equally appealing. One room overlooks the park, while another offers a glimpse of everyday life in the city towards the old fire station. This is one of those hotels where spending extra time in your room is part of the experience.

Breakfast is the perfect finale. At weekends, it’s served beneath vaulted ceilings in the hotel’s historic dining room, surrounded by heavy curtains. There’s something delightfully incongruous about enjoying such grand surroundings while dressed in casual city clothes, but that contrast is exactly what makes the place so special. This is a grand hotel that never forgets it’s meant to be enjoyed.

Time Out tip: Make time for coffee at the lobby café, Vihtorin Veranta. With its winter garden feel, it’s one of Tampere’s cosiest cafés, especially on rainy days.

Address: Satakunnankatu 13, Tampere
Expect to pay: Rooms from €100 per night.

Ready to check into a piece of Finnish history? Perched on Kakolanmäki in Turku, the former county prison once housed some of Finland’s most notorious inmates. The prison closed in 2007, and today guests sleep behind the thick walls of former prison cells, tucked into crisp hotel sheets in beds far more comfortable than anything the prisoners who once lived here could ever have imagined.

The hotel makes a striking first impression from the moment you arrive. Its red brick walls, towering fortifications and hilltop setting feel almost cinematic. Inside, though, the atmosphere is anything but austere. Chains and handcuffs have been incorporated into the décor as playful reminders of the building’s past, ensuring no one forgets exactly where they are.

While the original prison cells were tiny, today’s hotel rooms are surprisingly spacious, created by combining several cells into one. Little remains of the prison atmosphere inside the rooms themselves, where soft colours and high-quality materials create a genuinely luxurious stay. Still, it’s impossible not to wonder what it must have felt like for those once imprisoned here to look out at the very same view through the window.

Alongside its stylish and comfortable hotel rooms, Kakola also gives guests the chance to spend the night in an original prison cell. On the ground floor, one preserved cell has been left largely untouched, complete with bunk beds and only the most basic comforts. It may not be luxurious, but it delivers an authentic experience unlike anywhere else.

The hotel is also home to the excellent basement restaurant Ruben and the Hilarius wine bar, making it entirely possible to spend the whole evening within the old prison walls.

Time Out tip: Stay immersed in the prison atmosphere by exploring the rest of Kakolanmäki. Unwind at Kakola Spa, pick up pastries from Bageri Å and finish the evening with dinner and drinks at Kakolan Ruusu.

Address: Kakolankatu 14, Turku
Expect to pay: Standard double rooms from €139 per night, including breakfast.

Gáldu Hotel is one of the most exciting additions to Saariselkä's growing luxury hotel scene. This family-run spa hotel offers a proper taste of Arctic indulgence, but refreshingly, it's the sort of luxury that's still within reach for travellers who don't arrive by private jet.

Ever since the famous glass igloos of Kakslauttanen put Saariselkä on the world's travel wish list, the area has become synonymous with high-end Lapland holidays. Gáldu occupies a sweet spot in that market. It feels sophisticated without becoming ostentatious, luxurious without losing its warmth. Prices inevitably soar during the Christmas and northern lights season, but outside the busiest months it's surprisingly attainable by Lapland standards.

The stylish rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the surrounding pine forest, inviting nature inside without sacrificing comfort. They're perfect for keeping an eye on the sky in case the northern lights decide to make an appearance – although if they do, you'll want to head outdoors, where the show is even more spectacular. Throughout the hotel, Scandinavian design, natural materials and soft lighting create an atmosphere that's both elegant and deeply calming.

The real highlight, however, is the spa. Beautifully designed and blissfully peaceful, it's exactly where you want to end a day spent skiing, snowshoeing or chasing the aurora. Take a dip in the hot and cold outdoor pools, move between the different saunas and let the Arctic air do the rest. 

Afterwards, there's no need to venture back into the cold: Gáldu's restaurant is one of the best dining rooms in Saariselkä, serving refined Nordic dishes that easily surpass the usual expectations of hotel cuisine.

Time Out tip: Saariselkä's most legendary sauna experience is undoubtedly the traditional smoke sauna at Kiilopää, next to Urho Kekkonen National Park, but Gáldu offers a thoroughly modern alternative that's every bit as relaxing. Even if you're staying elsewhere, the spa is well worth a visit for its heated indoor and outdoor pools, salt sauna and beautifully tranquil atmosphere. Overnight guests, however, enjoy complimentary access – one more reason to book a room.

Address: Rovaniementie 3222, Saariselkä

Expect to pay: Rooms from around €200 per night in summer and from around €450 per night outside the Christmas peak season, with significantly higher rates during the busiest winter months.

Yöpuu succeeds where many hotels fall short: every room genuinely feels like its own little world. Fancy resting your head in a Marimekko-inspired room, or one decorated in the spirit of Alvar Aalto? Perhaps a room dressed in cheerful canary yellow, or a monochrome space dedicated to classic Finnish cinema? Whatever the theme, Yöpuu commits to it wholeheartedly, and the result is delightfully memorable.

The hotel has just 26 individually designed rooms, available as both single and double accommodation. One thing to note is that the protected 1920s building does not have a lift, making it unsuitable for guests who require step-free access. Admittedly, the room – and especially the bed waiting inside – felt even more inviting after carrying luggage for two adults and a newborn up to the second floor.

Despite its central location, the atmosphere is wonderfully peaceful. A complimentary welcome drink and a private sauna session, both included in the room rate, add a touch of luxury that sets the experience well apart from an ordinary hotel stay.

Breakfast continues in the same vein and, yes, you can even start the day with a glass of sparkling wine. Be sure to try the Karelian pies, which are excellent. Yöpuu is equally suited to an everyday escape or a special occasion, especially if you enjoy surprises. There’s something particularly fun about only discovering your room’s unique character once you open the door.

Time Out tip: Check out the hotel’s cultural and sports perks. Thanks to its season ticket partnerships, you could find yourself at a symphony concert or an ice hockey league match that very evening, without any extra planning.

Address: Kansakoulukatu 2, Jyväskylä
Expect to pay: Single rooms from €116.10 per night. Double rooms from €144.90 per night.