Never ones to look for the obvious when it comes to finding accommodation, we shunned the usual big brand hotel names with their city centre location for this truly unique hotel. The appeal of staying in an old prison proved just too hard for us to resist. We knew that it was situated out of town on a small island not that close to the restaurants etc. but that wasn’t a problem for us. As the hotel says “escape the ordinary”.
The building is a huge red-brick structure still surrounded by its original perimeter wall – now containing a car park and gardens. Interior layout seemed untouched with its central iron stairwells, wide corridors and thick iron doors. However, most rooms were two cells knocked together creating clean, compact accommodation with some interestingly placed windows – very high or very low, and very small! The onsite restaurant was a little expensive (as is all of Helsinki) but the food was amazing and the atmospheric, windowless basement location added to its originality.
PROS
Thick, original walls mean rooms are totally silent. Spotlessly clean. Huge buffet breakfast in the basement restaurant. Fascinating history with some preserved cells to explore, old photographs of prison and rooms that formerly housed important prisoners clearly marked. Friendly and helpful staff. Tram stop outside. Close to ferry for day visits to Tallinn.
CONS
Be prepared to walk/taxi/tram into the centre (Uber were very cheap and reliable). Very few restaurants nearby. Onsite restaurant expensive but definitely worth a splurge.
Hotel Website: www.hotelkatajanokka.fi/en
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