Hotel Katajanokka is a unique premium-class hotel, where a fascinating world of contrasts opens up behind its brick walls.
Extraordinary design, uncompromising comfort and impeccable service are united in a historic building of a former Finnish prison. Hotel Katajanokka is Finland’s first Tribute Portfolio hotel of the world famous brand Marriott.
Extraordinary Story
The hotel is located within walking distance from the center of Helsinki on the city’s Katajanokka island, which delights with its magnificent Art Nouveau architecture, historical landmarks and industrial buildings of the former harbor.
Hotel Katajanokka, somewhat reminiscent of a medieval castle, has a long and deep history. The oldest part of the Katajanokka Hotel dates back to 1837, while the main part dates back to 1888. Until 2002, the building served as the Finnish District and Investigation Prison.
In May 2007, after a major overhaul of the entire building, the high-quality Hotel Katajanokka opened its doors here. And in 2017, the hotel underwent a major refurbishment of the interior.
In the photo: Hotel Katajanokka General Manager Nathalie Huber
“Our hotel is 13 years old, and to this day it still attracts guests with its eccentricity. This is the only hotel in Finland with such a long and interesting history, — says Hotel Katajanokka General Manager Nathalie Huber, who has been at this position for over a year. — All this can be found in the hotel’s interior and rooms. The old prison gates on the first floor have been preserved, and one cell was specially left in its original form”.
The Single sell that can be seen in the space of the Linnankellari restaurant is one of the most intriguing places in the hotel.
Once getting into it, you feel cold on your skin. And the obligatory program is an autograph on the walls of the chamber, which every visitor could leave.
A Key for Escape
Today Hotel Katajanokka is a modern stylish hotel for people who value personalized service and a unique historical environment.
There is a small but very cozy Lobby Lounge Bar right near the hotel’s reception, which offers hot and cold drinks and delicious snacks 24 hours a day.
There is also a Showcase with souvenirs, where every guest can buy something to commemorate their visit to the hotel: metal mugs, shopper & cosmetic bags, books about the history of the hotel and woolen socks knitted by prison inmates.
In the photo: Hotel Katajanokka concierge Sami Joutsenvuo
“Our guests find themselves in a world where there is no everyday life. Failure, stress and sorrow are replaced by love, peace and a sense of freedom, — says the concierge of Hotel Katajanokka, a member of Les Clefs D’or of Finland Sami Joutsenvuo, — and our motto “Escape the ordinary” is evident in everything. Hotel Katajanokka is more than a hotel for us, it is our way of life. We do our best to make guests feel comfortable. We are here to meet and exceed all expectations”.
All hotel staff are united by a sincere faith in their guests and offer the most attentive and friendly service, so that each of them feels that they are taken care of.
Together with Sami, you can walk through the most cherished places of the hotel, look into the old isolation wards from the times of the prison preserved in their original form, visit a photo exhibition dedicated to the old times of the prison. Also, by prior arrangement, Sami will conduct an interesting tour of the Katajanokka area and tell you about the most striking events and attractions of this quiet harbor.
“Each of our guests is a person. And we serve everyone the way they are, taking into account their wishes and preferences. We are here to make our guests happy”, — Sami continues, — we put all our love into our common cause”.
From Sell to Room
The hotel has 106 modern and comfortable rooms (Classic Queen Room, Classic Twin Room, Superior, Junior Suite), carefully reconstructed from the original prison cells. Their design and decor does not compromise functionality and comfort.
Specially built for privacy and tranquility, one meter thick brick walls and triple-glazed glass make the rooms quiet providing a good rest.
All rooms have wireless high-speed Wi-Fi, Chromecast, digital TV, air conditioning, high quality Kalahari toiletries, hairdryer, electric kettle, ironing board and iron, minibar.
The Junior Suites (3 rooms) in addition to all the listed facilities, have a spacious living area and a private sauna with shower, Nespresso coffee machine, bathrobes, slippers and a welcome gift.
Linnankellari
The Linnankellari restaurant located on the ground floor of the hotel is a must-visit spot for fans of simple and tasty northern cuisine.
It is open from early morning until late at night and offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The breakfast is rich in its variety: cold meats and cheese, fruits and vegetables, yoghurts, cereals, muesli, porridge, a large selection of bread and pastries, various types of tea, coffee, fresh juices, desserts.
There are also classics here: boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, stews with bacon and beans. A fluffy omelet with different fillings will be prepared to order.
Breakfast is served from Monday to Friday from 7.30 am to 9.30 am, on weekends from 8 am to 11 am. For hotel guests breakfast is included in the room rate, for other guests entry price is 20 €.
An à la carte evening menu consists of seasonal products prepared on a special Mibrasa charcoal grill, which gives the dishes a special flavor and aroma.
Chef Thomas Rowe is in charge of the kitchen and presents his dishes in an original mixed Finnish-Scandinavian style.
In the photo: Chef Thomas Rowe⠀
“It used to be an ordinary cuisine here before,” — says Thomas. — My goal was to change it and create a real Nordic Brasserie, so that the food is gastronomic, but at the same time simple and tasty. Menu now is quite flexible and you can always find some seasonal specials, which are updated according to seasonality”.
To get started, you should try the famous SKAGEN (12 €) — Crispy malt bread with hand peeled shrimps and roe.
For a main dish, you can order a WHITE FISH (28 €) — Fried white fish with grilled asparagus, roasted vegetables and creamy white wine sauce.
Or for lovers of meat here is BEEF (28 €) — Char grilled beef sirloin with grilled asparagus, lentils and red wine sauce.
You will be offered to complement the dish with a glass of wine, beer or traditional Finnish cider.
For dessert there is always CAKE OF THE DAY (8 €) — Home made cake slice — as well as one of the most popular desserts RASPBERRY (8 €) — Raspberry pannacotta with liquorice cream and roasted white chocolate.
The Linnankellari Restaurant often features live music in the pleasant, relaxing atmosphere.
And during spring-summer months it is pleasant to move to the sun-drenched terrace sitting in the shade of old maples, where you will also meet interesting performers.
Relax & Stay Fit
Hotel Katajanokka offers a Gym with high-quality equipment for active recreation, which is open 24 hours a day and is free for hotel guests.
And in a traditional Finnish sauna it is nice to let your body relax and your soul to breathe. Visiting sauna is free for hotel residents on weekend mornings. The rest of the time sauna can be booked for personal use (30 € / hour).
Meeting & Celebrate
Hotel Katajanokka is an ideal place for celebrations and business events. One of the most beautiful places of the hotel is Katajanokan kirkko.
As well as five conference rooms with red brick walls it creates an environment where the historical surroundings, tranquil atmosphere and impeccable service will make any event truly unforgettable.
Nathalie Huber: “We are sincerely grateful to our guests for choosing us and we are proud to help them feel privileged, feeling comfort, safety and peace in our quiet haven”.
Katajanokka Awards
• Luxury Design Hotel Award, Finland, Luxury Hotel Awards 2016
• Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence, 2011 – 2018
• Finland’s Leading Boutique Hotel, World Travel Awards 2018
• Finland’s Leading Boutique Hotel, World Travel Awards 2019
• World Luxury Hotel Awards, Luxury Historical Hotel, country winner 2019
Hotel Katajanokka
Address: Merikasarminkatu 1a 00160 Helsinki
Contacts: +358 293200620; reception@hotelkatajanokka.fi
Instagram: @hotelkatajanokka
Editor-in-chief: Patricia Kolari
Technical Director: Evgeny Fedorov
Text writer: Marina Timoshevskaya Photos: EATWEEK
