Hotel in a former 1837 prison building on Katajanokka, with original cell architecture preserved in the corridors and a quiet seaside island location.
Hotel Katajanokka is located at Merikasarminkatu 1 A on the Katajanokka peninsula in Helsinki, Finland, a quiet seaside district east of the Market Square. The Market Square, the harbour and the Uspenski Cathedral are within walking distance, and trams connect the area to the city centre. The Silja and Viking ferry terminals are on the same peninsula, which makes the hotel practical for travellers heading to Stockholm or Tallinn, while the surrounding streets of Art Nouveau buildings give the area a calm, residential feel.
The hotel occupies a former prison building dating from 1837, and the original cell architecture is preserved in the corridors. This unusual history is the property's main distinguishing feature: guests walk through vaulted passages and stay in rooms created from the former cells, combined with modern comfort. The building has been repurposed carefully, retaining its historic structure while providing contemporary facilities.
Room types include Standard Rooms, Superior Rooms and Cell Rooms, the latter being the most characterful option and closest to the building's original layout. Nightly rates are typically around €130 to €260 depending on the season. Amenities include wifi and a sauna, and a restaurant and bar are on site.
Dining is a part of the experience, as the restaurant makes use of the historic setting and offers breakfast and other meals to guests and visitors. The bar is a relaxed place for a drink in an unusual space. Additional restaurants and cafés can be found in the Katajanokka neighbourhood and a short walk away at the Market Square and Old Market Hall.
The service style is informal and characterful, suited to couples, history-minded travellers and visitors who prefer a quieter location to the central shopping streets. The reservations line is +358 9 686 450. A stay here allows exploration of Uusimaa's capital on foot, with Suomenlinna ferries leaving from the nearby harbour piers.
| Price | €130-260 (about $150-299 USD) |
|---|---|
| Address | Merikasarminkatu 1 A, 00160 Helsinki |
Room types
- Standard Room
- Superior Room
- Cell Room
Amenities
- restaurant
- bar
- wifi
- sauna
Location
Merikasarminkatu 1 A, 00160 Helsinki
60.1666, 24.9692 View on map
Highlights
- Former 1837 prison building with original cell architecture
- Quiet seaside setting on Katajanokka
- Cell Rooms alongside Standard and Superior categories
- Restaurant, bar and sauna
- Walk to the Market Square and Uspenski Cathedral
Tips for visiting
- Ask for a Cell Room if you want the most authentic prison-themed stay.
- Rates of about €130-260 vary by season; summer fills early.
- Ferry terminals for Stockholm and Tallinn are nearby on Katajanokka.
- Walk to the Uspenski Cathedral, one of Helsinki's most distinctive churches.
- Call +358 9 686 450 for questions about room layouts.
When to visit
Summer is ideal for walks along the Katajanokka waterfront, while winter offers a quiet, atmospheric stay.
Accessibility
The hotel is in a historic prison building, so corridors and room layouts may be narrow or uneven in places. Guests with mobility needs should contact the hotel to confirm accessible room availability.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Hotel Katajanokka?
It is at Merikasarminkatu 1 A on the Katajanokka peninsula, a short walk from the Market Square.
What was the building originally?
The hotel occupies a former prison building dating from 1837, with the original cell architecture preserved.
What room types are offered?
Standard, Superior and Cell Rooms are available.
Does it have a sauna and restaurant?
Yes, a sauna, restaurant and bar are listed among the amenities.