Hotel Helka - boutique art hotel in Helsinki, Finland

From its stylish rooms, quirky art and delicious Scandinavian breakfast, to its focus on promoting inclusivity, sustainability and wellbeing, Hotel Helka is a great place to stay in central Helsinki. Here’s a review from my recent stay at this colourful boutique art hotel…

Disclosure: This stay was hosted by Hotel Helka. All views, opinions and photos are my own and remain a trademark of Roam with Rakhee. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click on a link and proceed with a booking, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Equality

Hotel Helka was founded by Finland’s YWCA, one of the oldest women’s organisations in Finland. Hotel Helka helps girls and women of all ages, around the world – from each sold room, the hotel donates part of the profits to the YWCA. It was also satisfying to learn that Helka is one of the most liberal hotels in Finland, promoting equality and not discriminating against any person or group.

Sustainability

Hotel Helka has been awarded with a 2023 Green Key certificate, demonstrating its leading standard for excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operation, within the tourism industry. With the ‘Stop The Water While Using Me’ cosmetic range, ‘Only For Writing Sustainable Thoughts’ pens and clear messaging about waste reduction and recycling around the hotel, Helka goes over and beyond to create an environmentally friendly accommodation.

Central location

Located just 250m yards from Kamppi metro station, a 10 minutes walk from Helsinki Central Station, and within walking distance of Helsinki Cathedral, Senate Square and the design district, Helka’s central location provides easy and convenient access to the city.

Art

The hotel is really quirky, with a different art theme on each floor. As soon as I entered the hotel lobby, I was in awe of the brilliant interiors and cute quotes, which truly light up every corner of the hotel and create a wonderful atmosphere for guests.

As part of my booking, I received a free pass to access all the amazing #purkutaidevaltaus exhibition rooms and areas at the hotel.

Room

My room was bright, stylish, and spacious, with Finnish designs and furniture by Alvar Aalto. From a luxurious bed and a Smart LED TV, to bathrobes and organic bathroom amenities, the room was equipped with everything needed for a perfect stay.

The simple touches such as a retro phone, pink cushions and house plant made this Nordic room feel really cosy and home-like! One of my favourite aspects was the wooden canvas painting hanging on the ceiling, on top of the bed, which is something I have never seen before – I thought it was a really innovative idea, which created a true sense of calm and peace.

The free WiFi was super fast, so perfect for people who want to stay here for business too.

Scandinavian buffet breakfast

With locally grown organic food, and a wide range of hot and cold breakfast options, Hotel Helka offers the perfect fuel to start your day. There are also plenty of vegan-friendly and gluten-free options to choose from. I especially loved the cute little pastries and biscuits cut out in heart and flower shapes!

Covid-secure

Hotel Helka has an efficient disinfection programme for all of the hotel’s surfaces, which meet official standards. Check-in is safe, hand gel and wipes are provided in hotel rooms, and check-out is contactless, where you can drop your room cards into the bucket, next to the reception desk.

Sauna and massage studio

The hotel truly prioritises the wellbeing of its guests – everyone has free daily access to Helka’s relaxing on-site sauna and there’s also a massage studio too, perfect for unwinding during your stay.

In the happiest country in the world, it’s really the simple touches that go a long way in making guests smile – and Helka delivers on that perfectly! I loved my stay and highly recommend this hotel if you’re planning a trip to Helsinki – you can book directly here!