The hotel's history as a prison makes it unique. Walking through its corridors and looking up its staircases and high ceilings reminded me of the inspiring movie "Shawshank Redemption", as well as the somewhat more depressing scenes at the Hoa Lo Prison Museum in Hanoi, Vietnam. Also worth mentioning is the hotel's excellent location in relation to major churches, market... More

Reception staff very very friendly. A good location near the city centre, a tram stop just in front of the hotel. My room was very well designed with very modern furniture, a comfortable bed and an ingenious shower that we both enjoyed very much. Excellent breakfasts in the Jailbird restaurant. More

This is one of those hotels that has a certain something extra. In his case you can always say you were in gaol in Helsinki. The Katajanokka is a little way out of the centre of the city but is reached by a ten minute No4 tram ride (€2 50) from a stop right outside the hotel. The hotel was... More

We checked in the hotel very late and we realize that it was a prison the next morning something really unique and impressive! What a great idea! Helpful staff always pleased to assist and give us info. No worth full to use taxi to go the town since ther is an often tram a few meters nearby, every five minutes,... More

The concept is take an old prison and trnsform it into a hotel. It is ok if you are prepared for the prison cutlery, the prison (iron) plates, the small rooms and the narrow corridors. But unfortunately the staff attitude is only a little better than that of prison guards. My favorite lines are "the coffee room is downstairs, you... More

We stayed at the Hotel Katajanokka for just one night and enjoyed it very much. It is about a 10 minute tram ride from the city centre and the stop is right outside the hotel 'walls'. The atmosphere is really great and the staff are helpful, but unobtrusive. The restaurant in the cellar is lovely and we felt the service... More

I stayed at this hotel with my friends and family at the end of November for a special event I had organised in Helsinki. Staying in an old prison was an instant hit with everyone - making our stay extra special & something for everyone to remember. The rooms were great and the breakfasts were amazing. Staff were friendly and... More

This old finnish prison is made to a really nice hotel. Placed on Katajanokka (Cape Magpie), one of all the islands that is Helsinki it is a unique place to stay. Rooms are modern and clean. Breakfast is served in the basement restaurant "Jailbird". From the hotel the tram no.4 runs into the city center in a couple of minutes... More

Helsinki is not a cheap place to stay in but we stayed here during our honeymoon so only stayed for 2 nights. On first impressions it was quirky as the staff all had numbers and black and white striped uniforms obviously to keep in with the theme of an old prison. The landings were like a scene from porridge (for... More