In the middle of Helsinki, in a lively district, lies Hotel Helka - a place that combines peace and urban life in a special way. People stroll through the streets, cafés invite you to linger, while the hotel offers a relaxed atmosphere.
Hotel Helka is an independent boutique hotel with a special history. Founded by one of Finland's oldest women's organizations, the YWCA, the building served as a safe place for women in the late 1920s. Even today, the profits go to projects supporting women and girls. The building has been operated as a hotel since the 1960s - with the aim of creating a safe and comfortable environment for both guests and staff.
The design of the hotel is characterized by Scandinavian aesthetics. Artek furniture and lights designed by Alvar Aalto can be found everywhere. In the rooms, art on the ceiling - inspired by Finnish nature - creates a calming atmosphere. The furnishings are functional and stylish at the same time, from cozy single rooms to spacious suites with saunas. The spacious, light-flooded foyer invites you to arrive, while the breakfast impresses with organic and regional products.
Rooms + Rates
| Single room | from97 € |
| Double room | from104 € |
| Junior Suite | from167 € |
Sustainable
ArchitectureThe hotel is located in a historic building from 1928, designed by Wivi Lönn, one of Finland's first successful female architects. The listed facade gives the house its classic character, while the interior reflects a successful combination of history and Scandinavian design. The focus is on timeless pieces by Artek and Alvar Aalto - high-quality furniture, lighting and details that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also durable and sustainable. Local materials were used when the house was built in the 1920s, a tradition that continues in today's interior design.
FoodHelka is dedicated to offering regional and sustainably produced food. Many products come from small producers and organic ingredients are used whenever possible. This philosophy is particularly evident at breakfast: a diverse selection of cold and warm dishes, including many vegan options, ensures an enjoyable start to the day. To reduce food waste, consumption is continuously measured and optimized. Leftover food is collected separately and passed on at a reasonable price via the local ResQ platform. In addition to the daily breakfast, the hotel restaurant also on request caters to groups offering lunches and dinners.
The hotel places great value on fair working conditions that go beyond legal requirements. In addition to a generous annual sports allowance, all employees receive one free hotel night per year and the opportunity to use the hotel's meeting rooms for private events free of charge. In addition, individual training is encouraged, private dental care is financially supported and discounts on food and drinks are given. The hotel's social commitment is closely linked to its owner, the YWCA of Finland. The organization is also committed to promoting and supporting girls and women across the country.
EnvironmentRecycling stations are available on every floor of the hotel for easy waste sorting. The hotel uses the high-quality drinking water that flows from the Helsinki city groundwater reservoirs. Environmentally friendly cleaning products with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel are used for daily cleaning. Wastewater disposal is also carried out sustainably by the city authorities - Helsinki is one of the cleanest cities in the world. As a Green Key-certified hotel, Helka commits to sustainable measures and actively encourages guests to separate waste and avoid food waste. Relevant information can be found both in the rooms and in the hotel's public areas.
Well-BeingA masseur is available and on the top floor there are separate guest saunas for men and women, which can be used daily in the morning and evening.
Characteristics
- Independent boutique hotel in a 1920s house in the heart of Helsinki
- Founded by one of Finland's oldest women's organizations
- Perfect blend of modern comfort and Finnish charm
- Art exhibitions are regularly held in the hotel
- Many of the city's attractions as well as the sea and parks are within walking distance
- Good Travel discount code: Use the code "GOOD25" to get 8% discount on all bookings made through the hotel's website
Features
- City hotel with 155 rooms
- Breakfast included in the room rate
- Some rooms have their own balcony
- Suites, some with private sauna
- Hotel bar with terrace
- Women's and men's sauna
- Massage studio in the house
- Various event rooms
- Hotel parking spaces (fees apply)
Testimonials
Located in the central Kamppi neighbourhood, Hotel Helka was built in the 1920s by the Finnish Young Women’s Christian Association as a women’s refuge. Today, it welcomes people from all walks of life. There’s a sauna, bar, art deco touches in the lobby and rooms furnished with Alvar Aalto’s iconic midcentury chairs, alongside local art.
Conveniently located in the heart of the city, this hotel is special in that it has work by different contemporary artists on display, as well as some themed rooms. Staff are very friendly. They have a nice breakfast, a lovely bar area and, of course, a sauna, as you would expect in Finland. They also pride themselves on being inclusive, which is definitely something you feel when there.
Rooms + Rates
| Single room | from97 € |
| Double room | from104 € |
| Junior Suite | from167 € |
Location + Directions
By public transport
From Helsinki train station it is about 15 minutes walk to the hotel (900 meters). The tram station is about 300 meters away and the nearest bus stop is only 100 meters away. The exact address can be found on the website.
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