"This former prison has been very nicely renovated."
Helen from United Kingdom
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"Not only is breakfast at the excellent restaurant included, but afternoon fika and a light dinner every day as well."
Kay from United States
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"The complimentary meals and the sauna option were bonuses to the stay."
Robin from United States
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* 3-star former prison hotel on Katajanokka Island, Helsinki
History & Atmosphere
Home Hotel Katajanokka is housed in a converted prison that dates back to 1837, offering guests a stay within preserved red-brick walls and original cell structures. The building still contains the former isolation cell and group cell, accessible for exploration, while artistic decor and prison memorabilia are displayed throughout the hallways. Thick prison walls provide soundproof rooms, and the hotel features a garden, picnic area, and terrace for relaxing outdoors.
Dining & Included Meals
The on-site restaurant Linnankellari serves seasonal and organic Finnish cuisine, with a home-cooked dinner available daily from 6 PM to 8 PM. Guests receive complimentary breakfast, afternoon Fika (coffee and cake), and a light evening meal, all included in the room rate. Special diet menus can be arranged, and the restaurant also offers wine/champagne, a snack bar, and breakfast in the room.
Rooms & Soundproof Comfort
The 105 rooms include Standard, Superior, Classic, and Family Room categories, many with courtyard views and high ceilings. Each room features a flat-screen TV, writing desk, kettle, and a private bathroom with either a shower or bathtub. Triple-glazed windows and the original thick prison walls guarantee exceptional quietness, and allergy-free rooms are available on request.
Location & Transportation
The hotel sits on Katajanokka Island, a 10-minute walk from Uspenski Cathedral and 15 minutes from Helsinki Cathedral. Tram number 4 stops directly outside the property, reaching the city centre in under 10 minutes. The panoramic SkyWheel Helsinki is 600 metres away, and the Viking Line ferry terminal is less than a 10-minute walk.
Wellness & Pet Policies
Guests have free sauna access on weekend mornings, and the modern gym is open 24 hours a day. The hotel welcomes pets with pet bowls and designated areas, and bicycle rental is available for exploring the neighbourhood. Live music or performances take place on-site, and board games/puzzles are provided for entertainment.
Highlights
History: Converted 1837 prison with preserved cells and memorabilia
Meals: Breakfast, afternoon Fika, and dinner all included
Rooms: 105 soundproof rooms with triple-glazed windows
Location: Tram stop outside, 10 min to city centre
Wellness: Free weekend sauna and 24-hour gym
Pets: Pet-friendly with pet bowls
“Home Hotel Katajanokka intrigues with its past life as a prison, now transformed into a stylish hotel. The thoughtful inclusion of meals-breakfast, afternoon fika, and light supper-provides exceptional value. Its location, close to the Viking Line terminal and with a convenient tram stop, makes getting around Helsinki simple.”
Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels
Choose from a variety of room types
Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included
Standard Double Room
2 persons
185 sq. feet
1 Queen-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Standard Twin Room
2 persons
185 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Heating
room details
Superior Guest room 1 King Courtyard view
2 persons
270 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Show all rooms
Availability and pricing for your selected dates
Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!
Facilities
Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones
Facilities: Perfect
9.1/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
24-hour reception
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Allergy-free rooms
Lift
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Electric vehicle charging station
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Sports & Fitness
Fitness centre
Services
Pet amenities available
Room service
Car hire
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Welcome drink
Dining
In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Picnic area/ Tables
Special diet menus
Business
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Cots
Children's buffet
Board games
Facilities for people with disabilities
Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled
Spa & Leisure
Live entertainment
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Sauna
Room features
Heating
Soundproofed rooms
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
Show more
Dining Onsite
At Home Hotel Katajanokka, dine at The Linnankellari Restaurant, where Finnish-Scandi cuisine comes alive in a charming historic setting. Guests can indulge in a generous breakfast buffet and enjoy a dinner that reflects the authenticity of local ingredients and culinary traditions.
The Linnankellari Restaurant
Finnish-Scandi
Ambiance
Nestled within a beautifully refurbished redbrick cellar, The Linnankellari offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that echoes the history of its surroundings.
Key Offerings
Highlights include traditional fish soup served with dark archipelago bread, a unique 'jail burger', and a delectable club sandwich. Seasonal ingredients are expertly prepared over a hot charcoal grill for a memorable dining experience.
Reservation
Recommended for dinner.
Open daily from 11:00 to 21:00, with evening meals served from 18:00 to 20:00.
Home Hotel Katajanokka Location
Merikasarminkatu 1 A, Helsinki, 00160,
Map view
City landmarks
Square
Senate Square
1.3 mi
Church
Helsinki Cathedral
4400 ft
Square
Market Square
3200 ft
Market
Old Market Hall
3700 ft
Park
The Esplanadi Park
4300 ft
Church
Uspenski Cathedral
2400 ft
Museum
Ateneum
1.0 mi
Theme Park
Linnanmaki
1.8 mi
Church
Temppeliaukio Church
1.6 mi
Zoo
Helsinki Zoo
2.4 mi
Park
Kaivopuisto
1.5 mi
Castle
Sea Fortress Suomenlinna
1.6 mi
Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma
1.4 mi
Museum
Design Museum
1.1 mi
Landmark
City park relaxing
1.4 mi
Museum
The National Museum of Finland
1.4 mi
Nearby
HelsinkiFinland
Katajanokka
1600 ft
Restaurants
Linnankellari
500 ft
Merikasarminkatu 1
Suburritos Katajanokka
600 ft
Linnankatu 9
Wanha Satama
1000 ft
Pikku Satamakatu 3-5 00160
Everest Katajanokka
1000 ft
Luotsikatu 12 A
Ravintola Makasiini
1000 ft
Katajanokanlaituri 7
Locanda Scappi
1200 ft
Kanavakatu 1
Signora Delizia
1500 ft
Satamakatu 5
Le Petit Chaperon Rouge
2400 ft
Kanavaranta 3 c 9
Explore Helsinki
Explore the Surroundings
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Uspenski Cathedral
9 minutes' walk
Uspenski Cathedral is a stunning Eastern Orthodox cathedral with impressive domes and a rich history, offering captivating architecture.
Market Square
12 minutes' walk
Market Square features local vendors selling Finnish delicacies and crafts surrounded by vibrant waterfront views - a perfect photo op.
Helsinki Cathedral
17 minutes' walk
Helsinki Cathedral stands as a neo-classical masterpiece, renowned for its striking green dome, making it an iconic city landmark.
Ateneum
20 minutes' walk
The Ateneum houses Finland's largest art collection and offers guided tours, showcasing both classic Finnish and international masterpieces.
Katajanokka Walk
6 minutes' walk
The Katajanokka walking path offers scenic views of the harbor and its historic architecture, a great leisurely stroll for families.
Wellness at Spa
15 minutes' walk
The nearby spa provides relaxation options with saunas and massages, perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
Linnanmäki Amusement Park
30 minutes' walk
Linnanmäki offers thrilling rides and games for the whole family, providing fun and excitement for adventure seekers.
Linnankellari
2 minutes' walk
Linnankellari specializes in fresh Finnish cuisine, with a cozy atmosphere perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.
Suburritos Katajanokka
2 minutes' walk
Casual Mexican eatery serving burritos and tacos made with local ingredients, ideal for a quick bite.
Wanha Satama
4 minutes' walk
Wanha Satama offers a maritime dining experience with seafood specialties and provides stunning harbor views.
Katajanokka Bars
6 minutes' walk
The local bars offer a lively atmosphere with live music and cocktails, ideal for couples and solo travelers seeking nightlife.
The Finnish National Opera
10 minutes' drive
The Finnish National Opera hosts various performances, from ballets to operas, perfect for an unforgettable cultural night out.
Tips on navigating the city
City Centre
Helsinki 22 min · 1.1 mi
Airports
Vantaa (HEL) 31 min · 12.7 mi
Train
Helsinki Central Station 20 min · 1.0 mi
Underground
University of Helsinki Metro Station 16 min · 4300 ft
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Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
from 05:00-12:00
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Home Katajanokka provides visitors with a free full breakfast.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. There are no extra beds provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
English, German, Spanish, Swedish, Russian
Year renovated:
2007
Number of floors:
4
Number of rooms:
105
Former name
Best Western
Family-focused reviews and ratings
Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.
Cleanliness
9.3/10
Comfort
9.3/10
Facilities
9.1/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.8/10
Location
9.3/10
Staff
9.4/10
Value for money
9.1/10
Pros
Historical hotel
Friendly staff
Excellent location
Good breakfast
Cons
Small room
Limited parking
Guest reviews
based on 2479 reviews
4.5/5
based on 4077 reviews
9.2/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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