Hotel Katajanokka, Helsinki, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel Hotelli

I remained here at this lodging amid a later visit to Helsinki. As you've likely perused it's a changed over jail and they've done a astounding work keeping the highlights that make it recognizable as a jail but making it see wonderful. The area is extraordinary, in a calm neighborhood that's a decently comfortable walk into the center of the city or get the cable car which stops right exterior the inn. Rooms are open, extraordinary lavatories, stopped and comfy beds for a great night's rest. Staff are warm and neighborly. Generally I was exceptionally awed and would altogether prescribe.

Stayed at this hotel for one night during a 22-hour layover. When I read that this hotel used was formerly a prison, I knew I had to stay there. The hotel was very easy to reach. We took the Finnair city bus to the center train station and then caught the #4 tram which stops right in front of the hotel. You could walk from the train station, but with bags, it is much easier to just take the tram. Check-in took about 2 minutes. Our room was in a smaller section off the first floor. The hotel was generally quiet, though in the middle of the night I could hear a toilet flush. The decor of the room sort of reminded me of one of the example rooms in an Ikea catalog. The bed, made of two singles pushed together, was very comfortable. The bathroom was very modern and clean. Water pressure was good and there was always lots of hot water. The shower was a little hard to figure out as there are no traditional knobs. The free breakfast in the morning had a million things to choose from: fresh fruit, cereals, yogurt, pastries, deli meats and cheeses, meatballs. Overall, we had a great time and would gladly stay there again if we ever find ourselves in Helsinki again.

The hotel is located in a quiet area but within 5-10 minutes to many nice hang out places by the water or 20 minutes from downtown. The bus goes right in front of the hotel if you feel lazy. The staff is extremely helpful. They even helped us reheat our own food and let us stay in the bar to finish our food. We stayed in two different rooms, both on the top floor. The rooms are spacious and the rates were reasonable too by Helsinki standards. The hotel building was itself a prison back in the days and the experience is just different from our other hotel stays. The rooms were converted from the 'cells' and depending on what room type you can these could be bigger or smaller cells you'll be staying in. As you can imagine the room doors can be smaller than what we usually see. Other than that the rooms are clean and well equipped. The only downside is the shower design - or the shower screen to be exact - that allows water from the shower to go out to the bathroom floor. The bathtub is also raised too - for people who need additional accessibility you may want to talk to the hotel staff before booking it. All in all, a very pleasant experience at Hotel Katajanokka. Nothing more I could ask for just continue giving guest the great service that you provide.

The beds are very comfortable, the rooms are quiet (probably because of the thickness of the walls!). Everything is clean and well maintained. We didn't eat there, except for breakfast, which was very good indeed. The location is not totally central, but certainly not far out, and very close to the harbor, with some excellent restaurants and bars. There is a tram stop just outside the hotel and the frequent trams will take you in to the center of the city in less than 5 minutes. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to any visitor to Helsinki. The room I got in the basement was really tidy, modern and fresh. However, it was a little bit chilly, and as the weather was very hot, I hadn't thought to bring warm clothes for the room. The staff was friendly, cheerful and polite, and breakfast was great.