HOTEL KAKOLA, located in the infamous Kakolanmäki district of Turku, has been one of the attractions of the oldest Finnish city since its inception. Opened on the grounds of the former county jail, the hotel offers the most unusual and unforgettable experiences, from intriguing history to highly professional service.
HOTEL KAKOLA is a family run private boutique hotel that opened its doors in 2020.
Kakola was once the largest and most dangerous prison in Finland, serving time for the most hardened criminals. The prison was built in 1890 with red brick and a cruciform shape, which was typical of all district prisons, and was the last district prison in Finland. The last prisoners left Kakolanmäki in 2007. Now the Kakolanmäki, the second highest hill in Turku, is the newest district, which, in addition to apartments and a hotel, has the Kakolanruusu restaurant, the Bageri Å bakery cafe, the Frukt Coffee Roasters, the Kakola Brewing Company, the Kakola store and the Kakola SPA.
This area is visited daily by tourists and groups who are offered interesting excursions around the prison area and its rich history. The hotel is just around the corner from the harbour, market square and Turku Castle. Turku Airport is approximately 20 minutes drive from the hotel.
From its very beginning, the operations of the hotel have focused on responsible choices and co-operation with domestic entrepreneurs.
“Since opening, the hotel has been constantly improving and moving in the right direction, — says General Manager Mikael Aaltonen. — Together with the team, we’ve made significant changes, done a lot of work to develop it, and over time have found the right people for each place so that we can offer guests excellent service and experiences that they can only get from us. Our goal is to raise the level of service in the hotel world in such a way as to create a valuable, but at the same time relaxed atmosphere and become the number one hotel in Turku in terms of accommodation, services, experiences and various activities.”
In addition to experiential accommodation, the hotel offers a restaurant, a wine cellar, a summer terrace, as well as excellent conditions for organizing seminars, memorable meetings and events in rooms that meet the needs of the guest. A special place for solemn occasions is the former prison church, which impresses not only with its furnishings, but also with its atmosphere. Everything here has been built and made by the prisoners themselves over the years, from the wooden benches to the stained glass windows and chandeliers on the altar. The atmosphere of the church is very cozy and beautiful. Perhaps this was the only piece of beauty and humanity for many prisoners during the time spent here. Perhaps for the first time in their entire lives.
An interesting history of the hotel can be traced throughout its interior and furnishings, where you can see the preserved details of the old prison: benches, window bars, metal stairs.
The decoration and construction of the hotel has invested in the choice of materials in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, and purchases have been focused on local suppliers. The hotel has also received the “Green Key” label, which means that it is responsible for the well-being of the environment.
ACCOMMODATIONS
HOTEL KAKOLA has 148 unique rooms, ranging from classic rooms with basic amenities to stunning suites that offer breathtaking views of Turku in all their glory. The most daring can spend the night in a former detention center — a room built right into a real former prison cell.
All rooms are equipped with modern techniques and all the necessary options for a comfortable stay: a tea and coffee station, a unique Mysoda Woody water carbonation device, air conditioning, free internet, mini-bar.
The bathrooms include bath accessories and perfumes from the famous Finnish brand Sees.
KAKOLA GOURMET
Restaurant Ruben, which is located on the first floor of the hotel, offers excellent service, the historical setting of a former prison canteen and a recipe of the best taste, where Finnish ingredients are preferred, which are mainly bought from suppliers in the surrounding areas. Much attention is paid to seasonal products.
Here you can enjoy lunches, and in the evenings on weekdays and weekends, enjoy dishes from the à la carte menu.
In the mornings from 06.30 to 11.00 on weekdays and from 07.00 to 11.00 on weekends, delicious buffet breakfasts are served here, where the main focus is on organic local products. Bread for breakfast served from Bageri Å bakery.
The KAKOLA lobby features the atmospheric Hilarius wine cellar, where you can enjoy high-quality wines and drinks, accompanied by small snacks.
Here you can also taste beer from Kakola Brewing Company. All Hilarius Deli dishes can be tasted on the spot or ordered to your room.
During summer season, the Riviera terrace is open, inviting the guests to enjoy nature, good mood, music and drinks.
KAKOLA SPA
In the old days, the Kakolan Riviera on Kakolanmäki was an oasis that served as a place for prisoners to refresh themselves. Today, it has its own refreshing place, where everyone can experience the latest trends in wellness.
KAKOLA SPA is located in the heart of Kakolanmäki, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The path from the hotel to the SPA is only about 300 meters.
The SPA offers luxurious relaxation for adults who want to get away from the ordinary for a while.
The hotel offers a wide range of different wellness services, such as the world of saunas, showers, swimming pools, a bar on the water, a wide selection of massages and treatments for body and face based on the cosmetics from the famous German brand Kurland.
Mikael Aaltonen: “We work closely with all operations on Kakolanmäki. The value of collaboration and community spirit is the essence of everything, and we will definitely expand it in the future. We are also constantly working to improve the hotel to reach the level of five stars. Additional services are currently being reformed, and with their help, we will definitely be able to offer customers a wide variety of customized services delivered in the shortest possible time. The frame, its maintenance and development are key, so that even now, as a new hotel, we remain in excellent condition in terms of amenities. Increasing the level of service and the amount of personalized one, not forgetting the digitalization and updating of systems, allowing our guests to make bookings, orders and other services conveniently accessible and easy.”
Hotel Kakola
Address: Kakolankatu 14, 20100 Turku, Finland
Contacts: hotel@kakola.fi;
Tel: +358 2 515 0555
Instagram: @hotelkakola
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
