Situated on a peninsula in the Gulf of Finland, the city of Helsinki is awash with history spanning the Stone Age to the current day. Everywhere you look there are monuments to the past, including an ornate red-brick cathedral and the imposing Parliament House. But Helsinki is also a city that lives in the present, with a bustling nightlife scene that attracts the no-frills European airline crowd as well as a liberal smattering of cultural tourists too.
For visitors who want to keep their accommodation costs down, the city has a good spread of affordable hotels. We’ve done some research and picked out what we consider seven of the best, based on cost, location and online reviews.
Hellsten Helsinki Senate
From £68/ night
Located in the Katajanokka district of central Helsinki, this aparthotel is less than a 10-minute walk from the beach overlooking the Baltic Sea. Spacious apartments come with modern kitchens and furnishings, plus free WiFi, and some also have their own private sauna. In the communal areas there’s a sauna for general use, as well as a laundry room with dryers and ironing equipment. Nearby attractions include the impressive Uspenski Cathedral, which is just a few minutes’ walk away, and the ferry terminals of Viking Line and Tallink Silja are also very close by.
Omena Hotel Helsinki Lönnrotinkatu
From £48/ night
Also centrally located and just yards from the city’s main train station, the Omena Hotel is conveniently placed for guests arriving by rail. Rooms feature a sophisticated keyless entry system and come with a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, fridge and microwave, tea/coffee making facilities, seating area with a table, and free WiFi. Elsewhere in the hotel there are vending machines selling drinks and snacks. There are a number of restaurants and bars within easy walking distance.
Hotel Ava
From £54/ night
Positioned in a peaceful residential neighbourhood a short drive from the city centre, this affordable and eco-friendly hotel has some impressive amenities including a sauna, fully equipped gym and laundry room. Guest rooms feature a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and a kitchenette complete with a fridge, microwave and tea/coffee-making facilities. There’s also a communal kitchen with cooking hobs. Buffet breakfasts are served daily (additional cost) and guests can also pre-order lunches and evening meals. There’s free WiFi throughout the property.
Arkadia Hotel & Hostel
From £59/ night
Like the previous choice, the Arkadia is well located for visitors arriving by air thanks to its proximity to Helsinki’s international airport. Part hotel, part hostel, it is basic but clean and its private rooms come with their own bathroom and TV, while some also have a wardrobe. Family rooms with a separate bunk bed, plus dormitory accommodation with shared bathroom facilities, are also available. There’s a guest computer in the lobby area with free WiFi access and free parking is also available on-site. The Heureka Science Centre is just a few miles away and keen golfers can reach Hiekkaharju Golf Course in just over 10 minutes by road.
Kongressikoti Hotel
From £57/ night
The Kongressikoti Hotel enjoys a privileged location, just moments from the impressive Helsinki Cathedral as well as the green expanse of Kaisaniemi Park. Guest rooms come with a fridge and wardrobe and there are shared bathroom facilities. Free coffee and cookies are served each morning, which can be enjoyed on a communal balcony. There’s also a fully equipped kitchen with a cooker, microwave and tea/coffee maker for the use of guests and free WiFi is available throughout the property. Helsinki Central Station, Makasiiniterminaali Ferry Terminal can be reached in just over 10 minutes by foot.
Finlandia Park Hotel
From £69/ night
Tucked away in the picturesque Käpylä neighbourhood a few miles from Helsinki’s city centre, this 3-star hotel is a fine choice for those who prefer to be based away from the hustle and bustle. Classically decorated guest rooms come with a TV, minibar and free WiFi. Hotel amenities include an on-site fitness centre and three saunas, a restaurant offering lunches and tapas-style dinners, and a pretty terrace where guests can eat, drink and relax. Local trams stop directly in front of the hotel, offering easy access to the city centre and beyond. Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport is a 15-minute drive away.
Forenom Aparthotel Helsinki Herttoniemi
From £85/ night
Within walking distance of the beach and a few miles from the city centre, this mid-range hotel is a good choice for those wishing to enjoy Helsinki’s scenic coastline. Guest rooms come with a microwave oven, fridge and electric kettle, and there’s also a convenient keyless entry system. On-site amenities include 24-hour self-service check-in, a laundry room on every floor, and limited free parking. There’s also a sushi restaurant located in the same building as well as a café just across the street. Other nearby facilities include a fitness centre, grocery store and several restaurants. Herttoniemi Metro Station is a 5-minute walk away, providing quick access to the city centre.