Klaus K Hotel, located on Bulevardi in central Helsinki, is widely celebrated as Finland’s first true design hotel. Opened in 2005, it resides within a historic building that originally served as the Hotel Klaus Kurki in 1938. The hotel’s distinct character is deeply rooted in the *Kalevala*, Finland’s national epic, with interior themes exploring emotional contrasts like passion, desire, and envy.
The design details throughout the hotel are truly creative. You will find references to the *Kalevala* everywhere, from the egg-shaped reception desk—symbolizing the creation of the universe—to custom-made carpets and furniture. Each floor is guided by motifs of mythological animals, and the rooms are categorized by the powerful emotions featured in the poem. The hotel also boasts unique “art rooms” created in collaboration with famous contemporary Finnish artists.
Practicality is a major highlight, as the hotel sits right on the edge of the city’s vibrant Design District. It is perfectly positioned for walking to major landmarks like the iconic Helsinki Cathedral, the Ateneum Art Museum, and the bustling Esplanadi park.
For guests, the amenities are top-notch. During the warmer months, the Sky Terrace rooftop bar offers breathtaking views over the city skyline. It also serves as a hub for local culture, frequently hosting fashion shows and art exhibitions. Whether you are there for the history or the modern Scandinavian aesthetic, it remains a standout base for exploring Helsinki.
Expert reviews
“Independent design hotel Klaus K has a theme of Finnish national epic Kalevala quotes throughout, and space-conscious architecture. Contemporary ‘Sky Loft’ rooms offer access to the roof terrace; some also come with balconies.”
“Short-stay business travelers love the aesthetics and attention to detail at Klaus K, one of Helsinki’s chicest hotels. Reception, up a few steps past the bar-lounge-club and the Italian restaurant, is set in white amid funky chairs. Of the 137 rooms, there are 118 different configurations.”
“Klaus K is popular for its central location and imaginative style. The design theme, combined with references to The Kalevala, Finland’s national epic poem, adds to the character, as does the individuality of the rooms. Retail and cultural attractions of the Finnish capital are close by.”
What guests liked
- Central location
- Boutique style
- Comfortable beds
- Bar
- Friendly staff
Location
Recent guest reviews
30 May 2026
Great stay in the center of Helsinki
A very nice hotel almost in the very center of Helsinki. The room I've got was spacious, very well-equipped, with great terrace. All was clean and nice. Very nice and friendly staff. Fantastic breakfast.
Nothing in particular.
26 May 2026
quick weekend gataway
spacious clean room; perfect hotel location; tram stop directly in front of hotel; great breakfast with a lot of options
18 May 2026
Very cozy, great breakfast!
Location, design, and breakfast.
18 May 2026
Excellent location, great value and visually pleasing interior design
We liked the location, you can hop on the tram and go to the train station in 6 minutes, or you can just walk to the city center easily. The breakfast selection had many items, i don't think you can try everything in one go, especially if you find something among the delicacies that you really enjoy.
We had to ask for a replacement digital key two times because one just did not work, and the other stopped working after a while.
We did not mind the first time, as it can happen, but the second time it was frustrating.
18 May 2026
Exceptional breakfast, cosy atmosphere, super friendly staff
amazing breakfast with many options from chia pudding to more traditional Finnish cuisine (salmon to pastries), both very delicious Finnish and typical coffee (cappuccino etc.)
Very friendly and helpful staff making the stay exceptional
cosy and spacious breakfast area
cosy interior, both room and common spaces
rooftop bar with a wonderful view
toscanini restaurant super delicious food
also noticed later in the room info corner but LGBTQ+ friendly, super nice environment
a small thing: sometimes during rush hour of weekend, was difficult to find table for breakfast bw. 9-10
bathroom on the small side
18 May 2026
Great location and breakfast
Breakfast was superb, location briliant
My view was of a nice brick wall - ask for street view. I was travelling alone, perhaps unavoidable. The shower design was a bit weird - flooded the bathroom. No desk / table. I am travelling thru Helsinki again soon - probably stay there again. Staff were superb.
1 May 2026
Perfect, friendly and stylish location for family of 3!
The Skyloft was just perfect for a family of 3.
Modern, stylish and friendly. Great breakfast variety.
Nothing.
27 April 2026
Nice place for a short stay
Friendly staff, good location, quiet room. Nice selection of things for breakfast.
Nowhere to put a open suitcase in the room, so had to clear space from the table/shelf that was clearly not meant for it with it’s lamps and trays that had to place around the room. Bacon poorly cooked soggy mess.
19 April 2026
Would stay again
A returning customer. Have found this hotel to be quite ideal for a downtown stay. Rooms are pretty small and tight, but do the trick. Breakfast has been nice and the restaurant downstairs (The Toscanini) offers really delicious Italian food. The staff were able to help me in various special requests.
Room size can be an issue if you have plenty of luggage. But there probably are bigger rooms as well. There is no ironing device in the rooms, but the staff were really helpful in delivering one when needed!
18 April 2026
Great stay with central location to everything
Great location , really friendly staff , fair room size with nice quality bath products , very clean , breakfast was adequate , limited hot food but plenty of variety of cold meats , fruit , cereal
Pastries .
Nothing to dislike
8 April 2026
Excellent location. Very friendly staff
Excellent location
A nice, big room
It was dusty in the room
7 April 2026
Lovely stay in the heart of Helsinki
Great location, very clean, good spread of breakfast, comfortable
29 March 2026
Good value in the center
Cozy, good location, nice staff
Room design, small window
18 March 2026
A very pleasant stay in a spacious and clean room in a very central hotel.
A very central hotel with all amenities including a gym, and very helpful staff, and an excellent breakfast.
14 March 2026
Best place to stay in Helsinki
Everything,the location,the staff at the reception special mention for veronika at breakfast room she was such a warm and welcoming person
Breakfast was good even for a vegetarian like me
Nothing
8 March 2026
Cute and pleasant.
Room was cute and location was great. Staff was friendly at check in and helpful with finding things. I was only there for a night byt enjoyed my experience. Also there was a tram stop right in front to go to the main train station that took me to the airport which was helpfu.
N/A
3 March 2026
Great location, facilities and sta!
I chose to give this a 5 star review because everything from check in, to available facilities and how peaceful it was, that I really enjoyed my stay.
I get worried about hotels as you don't know how noisy other guests can be but it was so quiet that I could enjoy my stay and have a decent nights sleep in the process.
Check in was very smooth and the reception staff are super friendly. The room itself was tidy and compact. Small double room would be a stretch for 2 people but it is doable.
The hotel is in a fantastic location with lots of shops and restaurants nearby. There is a tram stop directly outside so it's very handy when travelling.
A very enjoyable stay.
1 March 2026
Great location and breakfast.
Great location. Clive to museums, shops and the Harbour albeit frozen over, no wonder the canal and tourist ferries weren’t running. Nice people and luggage storage till near our flight time. Excellent breakfast. The Italian restaurant next door was a gem.
24 February 2026
Great hotel, clean and nice
Clean and nice
You need better and more kettlebells and dumbbells
18 February 2026
Absolutely loved the stay, I would go back without a doubt
Everything was absolutely great.
16 February 2026
Enjoyable hotel in a great location
The room, (we had a suite) the location and the view from our room. The gym was well equipped. Breakfast was good however it cost extra an omelette.
Breakfast on Sunday did not open until 8:30. We were leaving at 8 and missed breakfast. The water from the shower leaked all over the bathroom floor .
15 February 2026
It was great thank you
The location was so central
Nothing
13 February 2026
Fantastic place to stay and would definitely recommend.
Friendly staff, great breakfast, lovely room, excellent location
Nothing
12 February 2026
Awesome stay at Klaus K Hotel!
The hotel was central to everything but very quiet, staff was very friendly, and the bed was comfortable!
No sauna, the bathtub was not big enough.
8 February 2026
Centrally located hotel, good value for money
Cozy hotel in the shopping district, nested among furniture and design stores. The rooms are compact and have all the features you'd expect. Breakfast, bar and an Italian restaurant available downstairs. In overall, good value for money.
The size of the bathroom is limited.
6 February 2026
Lovely city break perfect stay at hotel klaus k
Excellent location
Lovely rooms
Breakfast was excellent
Restaurant alongside hotel
Friendly staff in reception, breakfast and cleaners
Nothing
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Snack bar
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Kids' meals (additional charge)
- - Wine/champagne
- - Fruits
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Heating
- - Allergy-free room
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Pet bowls
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Concierge service
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Fitness centre
- - Cycling
Outdoors
- - Terrace
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor furniture
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Street parking
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
- - Toilet with grab rails
- - Emergency cord in bathroom
Miscellaneous
- - Key card access
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Face masks for guests available

More photos

31 May 2026
I have every intention to use Klaus K again
Also had a beautiful meal in adjoining Toscanini restaurant.