Best Western Premier Hotel Katajanokka - Helsinki

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

My husband and I stayed here two different nights, on our way en route to and from Rome and enjoyed the stay a great deal. On our first stay, we had to depart the hotel at 5:30 am to make our flight to Rome and the hotel was kind enough to pack breakfasts for us to take and eat on our journey as regular breakfast service did not begin until 6 am. Both […] evenings, we ate at the Jailbird restaurant and had expensive but tasty meals. If we are ever in Helsinki again, we would likely stay here again. Our only complaint was that the wi-fi didn't work in our room; had to be in public areas. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Very pleasant experience. About a 20 minute walk to the heart of downtown worth a repeat

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The hotel had a lot of character yet the room was modern. The bathroom was larger than we expected and the shower was absolutely fantastic. I would recommend this hotel to anyone needing a place to stay in Helsinki.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This was very interesting hotel. The hotel used to be a prison at one time. I lived 1 block away from the "prison" when I went to school in Helsinki in sixties. The remodeling of the prison into a premere hotel was done extremely well. They had left some aspects of the building's history untouched including one of the prison sells. Hotel was very high-tech […] and confortable. The hotel staff was wonderful and helpful. They had a great restaurant that served breakfasts, lunches and dinners. The location of the hotel was in easy reach to most of the site one wants to see. The tram connection was right on front of the hotel. Helsinki has a great transportation network. I would not hesitate to recommend The Best Wester Premier Hotel Katajanokka located in Helsinki, Finland to any traveler going to Helsinki. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This hotel was very interesting, being based in an old jail. My kids loved it, especially the well stocked playroom in the basement (next to an original preserved jail cell!). Everything is "jail house" themed and the history is available on a brochure in the hotel. The location was brilliant - on a quiet street on the island, just 5 minutes walk from […] the pier area and market and 10 minutes walk to downtown. The hotel has a lovely outdoor area / beer garden which our kids enjoyed playing around in. The only thing that spoiled our stay was that we spent more money to upgrade the room to a larger one with a king bed and sofa bed for the kids, but the refridgerator didn't work and also the telephone didn't work, so we couldn't call down to tell them we had a problem. The staff were very apologetic, but the problem couldn't be fixed, which made it difficult to keep milk and snacks for the kids fresh as well as no cold drinks for us. They did give us a 12 euro voucher for the restaurant to make up for it! The staff were very helpful and nice and lots of Helsinki information was available. The restaurant was excellent, included breakfast was very well stocked. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

This is a fabulous hotel. The hotel is an converted historic prison from the mid 1800's. The rooms have been expanded (two cells equals one room) and are tastefully decorated and appointed. You can still see the structure of the prison with the small windows, the iron stairways and balconies. The Jailbird restaurant in the basement provides a wonderful […] full European breakfast. The hotel is a bit out of the way from downtown but the tram stops right outside the door. If I ever get to go back to Helsinki I will stay here. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This hotel has a great deal of history dating back to its construction in 1852 as a prison. The prison model was based on the Philadelphia, PA prison system. It is very conveniently located with a tram stop located at the front door. The downstairs "Jailbird" restaurant is a popular eating establishment.

Genuine Expedia guest review

The hotel was fantastic. In a great location if coming from Viking Ferry. Just up the road from there. It has nice amenities and the staff is very hospitable. It is a 15 minute walk to the central market...but if you don't like walking, you can get a tram transportation ticket and ride that right into town. If we are ever back in Helsinki, we will stay […] here again. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

We stayed in 5 different hotels in this trip to Scandinavia. Paid about the same rate and this one is the 2nd best. It lost out to the one in Stockholm, only because this one does not have couch and cocktail table and sink outside the bathroom. We are quite pleased with this hotel and its staff.

Genuine Expedia guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel is in a good area, in easy walking distance of the Cathedral square. The 'jail' concept is not overdone, the bathroom has a heated floor, and the beds are very comfortable. The free Wifi worked well, and the breakfast was excellent--lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, and fresh cooked eggs on demand. I would happily return if I am ever in […] Helsinki again. We particularly liked walking along the nearby waterfront, on a walking path, not just the streets. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

good idea( jail to hotel) ,tram is very close but air port is 50 minutes away not many restaurents nearby staffs are very helpful

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I really found the "prison" aspect interesting and there's no question that structurally it still looks very much like any prison you would see on television. That said, the room was ver nice and clean (although I ha to duck my head to get in the door) and the staff were outstandingly helpful and kind. Really enjoyed the stay. The only (very minor) […] possible complaint is that the hotel is somewhat isolated from the city, but the walk to Esplanadi and Alexanderinkatu is short. There are no real restaurants in the areas, but there are a couple of great neighborhood bars. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The Best Western Katajanokka was a great hotel and a very cool concept being transformed from a jail. The breakfast and surrounding location was great as well and a very short tram ride to anything else you want to see. Would highly recommend a stay here if you are in the Helsinki area.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Yes it was a jail and therefore is kind of unique. Reasonable rates and efficient staff. Breakfast is very good. Nice little gym. Trolley line right outside the door in case you don't rent a car - get the daily or multiple day pass if you are going to use it more than once. Only negatives are that the rooms are on the smaller side (it was a jail cell […] after all) and the in-house restaurant was little pricey. Overall I would definitely recommend this as a fine place to stay! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Very good hotel, very comfortable, good location, good restaurant,

Genuine Expedia guest review

Simply amazing. Very good service , amazing friendly and professional staff. Highly recomend this hotel. Must stay place in helsinki.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The front desk clerks were very nice and kind. Other than that, the room temperature was low, and bathroom was not cleaned up well. Also, the location was inconvenient. Egg dishes served at breakfast were burned like charcoal.

Genuine Expedia guest review

This is a best hotel and fantastic hotel because it is a prison before and keep the original looking very well, clean and bright, best restaurant and nice waiter to introduce their famous food and gave u a suitable menu, good quality food. All staffs and workers are very nice. I would like to live it again in the future.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Very nice property, comfortable, great bathroom. Interesting concept - converted prison. Restaurant and bar were good. Breakfast excellent. Good location, easy to catch tram just in front, very close to walk to central downtown. Only downside - not many restaurants in immediate neighborhood. Highly recommend this property.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Nice job of converting a prison into a hotel...standard room was equivalent of two cells with nicely done bAthroom facilities added. Jailhouse restaurant was very good. We usually search outside the hotel for a restaurant but reviews were good so we tried it and were not at all disappointed. breakfast had lots of choices including a chef waiting to […] make your egg order if you so chose. Would highly recommend it, especially if you are arriving by ferry as you can easily walk to hotel. Even train station was only about 25 minute walk. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

One of the best boutique hotel i have stayed in. Cant believe its Best Western. I am not a fan of BW chain. Its modern, comfy, friendly & way above my expectation. Not much of a Jail feel since its been completely remodeled but no disapptment at all. Not much atmosphere at the bar but convenient location.. tram stop right infront of the hotel. Will […] definitely stay again. Perhaps this hotel will get more business by disassociating itself from Best Western. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The fact that this was a prison until 2003 was the attraction for me. The room had free internet and the hotel provided a very long ethernet cord so you could use your lap top anywhere in the room. The bathroom was large. You also had an in room safe to use at no charge. The free hot breakfast was great. I didn't find any eating places close by, but […] there is a tram stop right in front of the hotel that could take you anywhere. The staff was helpful in directions and use of the tram and what to see. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I can't say enough about how helpful and cheerful the staff was during our stay. The hotel was often very busy yet the staff maintained their cool as they helped visitor after visitor with problems, inquiries, restaurant recommendations, etc. We had several situations that they were particularly helpful with, and always asked the next day how things […] had gone. The room was comfortable, quiet, and very clean. The breakfast was an ample buffet. I highly recommend this lovely hotel. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Wow! What a great hotel. It's an old, renovated prison, with such an intriguing atmosphere. Very clean and modern, the hotel staff were extraordinarily kind to us and spoke perfect English. We arrived in the city at 6AM after an overnight bus ride from St. Petersburg. Of course we couldn't check-in so early, but the clerk at the front desk was happy […] to confirm our reservation and hold our bags behind the desk for a few hours. She even made us coffee that we took on our early-morning exploration of the island, which btw, is quite possibly the most beautiful part of Helsinki! The tram system, which amazing in its own respect, runs immediately outside the front wall (a prison wall, mind you). Getting on and off the tram at the hotel is very easy, and you can quickly get rides anywhere in the city. The rooms aren't HUGE. You have to remember, it WAS a prison. When renovating the building, it seems that each room was built from two prison cells. So of course, the rooms won't be terribly spacious...but that's also part its charm. Temperature was quite pleasant. The rooms lacked individual air conditioning systems, but this went largely unnoticed. The continental breakfast was incredible. Any drink you could want, including mocha chino. A huge variety of fruits, grains, cold cuts, eggs, etc. In all...I recommend with NO hesitation (and will return on a future trip). Oh, and did I mention that the price is right (when compared to the prices of other hotels there). Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Loved it. Very unique setting, lovely stuff. Great breakfast.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel was very good and only about 3 years old. It is a converted county jail that they use to thier advantage keeping the halls and stairs in prison style. Some doorways have bars on both sides for image. They have the jailhouse newletter, the Jailbreak bar and resturant, and the Jailyard terrace. The rooms are bright and new with modern lighting […] and a nice wall to wall shower. They have a desk with free internet cable hookup. They are located 3 blocks and 10 minutes from the Viking line ferry to Tallin and Stockholm I think. The number 4 tram line will get you to the center of the city in about 5 minutes. Very comfortable beds and good blackout curtains. I enjoyed my stay. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Not many people can say that they've stayed in an old prison... However, the Best Western Katajanokka offers just that. For an old building, the hotel is well maintained with modern furnishings in the rooms & bathrooms. And the rooms were clean. The decor is fun with a jail house theme. The service is great - the employees go above and beyond to help […] you enjoy your stay (and also provide great, local tips about what to do in Helsinki). Located immediately in front of a tram stop, the hotel is a 5-10 min tram ride from anywhere in town. The only downfall is that the sauna, a tradition in Finland, is only open for a short time in the morning. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Nice hotel which was an old jail converted to a Best Western Premier. Friendly and helpful staff, excellent buffet breakfast. The hotel is located close to the ferry terminal and about 10 minutes from the main square. The rooms are modern and well appointed. A FANTASTIC value!!

Genuine Expedia guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

No towels in room, safe out of order. In addition, room was small and at ground level, with only glass door and tiny window to a busy parking spot, where also hotel workers took their smoking breaks, ie noisy and smelly. Got a new room for last day after my request. Much better, 2.floor - spacious, clean and silent, but signs of wear and tear. Forgot […] a book in my room at checkout, when I returned the next day, they could not find it, ie thrown it away... Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Everything at this hotel was amazing!! The staff were extremely helpful with everything, the room was fairly big and comfortable, the shower and bathroom were some of the best I've ever seen, breakfast was good, etc. It takes about 15 minutes to walk into the beginning of the "city," but it's not far or difficult at all. I would recommend this hotel […] to anyone who wants to visit Helsinki. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This was one of the most interesting quality hotels I have stayed in. It is worth it just for the experience. A tastefully converted prison which has retained enough of the atmosphere whilst providing a very comfortable stay. Good location for the waterfront and town centre. Helsinki has a terrific tram system that passes the front door. Highly recommend […] the experience. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Would recommend to anyone. Lovely place, friendly staff and a really good restaurant in a totally different building.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I visit Helsinkis very regulalry for up to 15 days at a time so am familiar with most of the business hotels. I'd definitely recommend this one for the price, its much better value for money than the more famous ones and also more enjoyable. The rooms are quirky (cells) and the whole atmosphere is pretty joival but excellent service. The internet isn't […] brilliant but still managed to do my work well enough. Brekafast very good but dinner was OK (but this is Helsinki!). Maybe they could put a coat hook in the room doors! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The room and corridors are cold - cold and cold.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Who would have thought an old prison could make such a comfortable hotel? The room I had was large and well fitted out, the staff were very helpful and all spoke good English. And the side benefit of the thick prison walls is a very very quiet room. Just a little out of the centre of town, but not inconveniently so, it is in a very attractive area with […] a good tram connection to the centre. The breakfast in the downstairs restaurant was good, but the evening meal there was a bit disappointing. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The room was clean, service was good. The beds were comfortable, shower also works well.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Good location , good public transport to town centre. A bit of a different hotel!! (was a prison!) some original features included. Interesting atmosphere in the downstairs restaurant/bar

Genuine Expedia guest review

This is a very good hotel. A bit out of the centre of the city, but very easty to walk in or take a tram. The rooms were excellent, very quiet and very comfortable. Very comfortable beds. The breakfast service was ok. The bread was good and the fresh fruit. We would have liked some muesli - there was only rice krispies on offer. But overall the quality […] was fine. The problem is getting at the food. It's a big hotel and the layout of the buffet and seating makes it tight at times to get to things. There is often a rush at certain times and coffee ran out, for example. Some people get testy. Not so relaxing for everyone. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

This is more than just a "theme" hotel. Yes there are prison themes around the hotel but they add to the character of the hotel rather than smoother it. Though a little further out than the central hotels tram 4 stops directly outside the hotel. Breakfast is a good continental style with a cooked breakfast option if hams, chees, salmon or herrings […] don't appeal with morning coffee or tea. Fruit and yoghurt also available. The room was well designed and comfortable with a decent shower and toilet. Well worth considering. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Very comfortable room but not all curtains would draw properly and the telephone did not work. But I didn't need the phone and the window was very high up so not really a problem. I would definitely stay here again. Tram stop for line 4 (tourist line) is right outside the hotel so very convenienet for city centre and train station and coach link the […] airport. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

All in all, we were happy with our stay. The location is great, central but quiet. It's an easy 10 minute walk to the market square or you can take tram number 4 from right outside the hotel. Art Nouveau enthusiasts couldn't pick a better place to stay as the whole of the Katajanokka island is a treasure house of Art Nouveau architecture. We found the […] hotel clean and comfortable with excellent bathrooms and a good breakfast. Our room was on the ground floor which has a wide central area that people use for sitting or internet access. A couple of times we were disturbed by people talking loudly on their 'phones outside our room until we asked them to be quiet. If you are likely to want afternoon naps, it might be worth asking for a room on a higher floor. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review