There's a big choice of accommodations in Helsinki. The trick is to find something that suits your budget. As elsewhere in Scandinavia, Finland isn't cheap. Your best bet with hotels is to plan as far in advance as possible and take advantage of any discounts that might be offered. Even an expensive hotel sometimes offers a few moderately priced rooms, but they are usually booked quickly and are difficult for the average visitor to get. In Helsinki, peak rates are charged in the winter because most of the major hotels depend on business travelers to fill their rooms.
Note: Taxes are included in the rates given here, and many hotels also include breakfast. Unless otherwise indicated, all our recommended accommodations below come with a private bathroom.
A Room in a Hurry -- Hotellikeskus (Hotel Booking Center), Rautatieasema (tel. 09/ 2218-1400; hotel@helsinkiexpert.fi), in the heart of the city within the central hall of the railway station, is open year-round, Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm, Saturday 9am to 6pm, Sunday 10am to 6pm. Tell them the price you're willing to pay, and an English-speaking employee will make a reservation for you and give you a map and instructions for reaching your lodgings. Hotellikeskus charges a booking fee of 5€ ($6.50). You can also book a room online, in advance of your arrival, without paying a booking charge, by visiting www.helsinkiexpert.fi.
