It’s difficult to book a hotel in a city you don’t really know. I was travelling through Helsinki, and would also be returning through the city again 12 days later. My first stay was in the Solo Sokos Hotel Torni (see my review). For my second stay I picked the Hotel Kämp.
My criteria was minimum 4-star, central location, walk-in shower, sauna and room service. Booking gave this hotel 5-stars and rated 9.2 (Superb) based upon 619 reviews. A key point was it had 9.8 for location.
I was informed that the hotel was undergoing a major restoration, and that the sauna was out of service. However, they did propose, at no additional cost, a nearby sauna club with both fresh and saltwater pools.
During my visit in July 2025, the view seen above was obscured by scaffolding and the renovation work.
Reception
From my stay two weeks earlier, I began to understand better the Finnish minimalist view of life, and their concept of service. There was no porter, etc., but they did offer me help with my luggage, if needed (it wasn’t).
At check-in, the lady was very welcoming, and in explaining the situation concerning the hotel refurbishment, she truly conveyed just the right degree of help, information, and friendliness. After a long day travelling back from my Arctic cruise, it was very welcome.
My room
The room was large, comfortable, and very welcoming. It had all the usual amenities, mini-bar, wall-safe, coffee machine, good black-out curtains, etc. and everything was beautifully disposed. Just the kind of hotel room I like, and expect.
I loved the little shelf next to entrance, reedy to take my room card, and the layout of the amenities and minibar were really well done.
Two negatives, the TV programmes were poor and there was no film menu, and the only beer in the minibar was Heineken.
The coffee machine had not been used that much, but with perseverance it delivered (in the end).
Bathroom
The bathroom was beautifully furnished, with white marble. The only comment, was that there was no face towel, but I loved the bergamot and jasmine toiletries from ESPA.
Housekeeping detected that they hadn’t left face towels, so the next morning they were added in the room refresh. Very proactive. However, they didn’t replace the beer and chips. Shame, but it was only a Heineken, so no great loss.
Breakfast
Breakfast was included, and was outstanding. I took a glass of orange juice, a small bowl of musli and yogurt, a little scrambled eggs (organic) with crispy bacon, and some bread and homemade orange marmalade. They brought me, as I think is usual in Finland, a thermos of coffee and a little jug of milk. Nice atmosphere, excellent service, and a great breakfast.
And for the specialist there was haudutettua spelt-kaurapuroa (spelt and oat porridge) with optional kaneli ja sokeri sekoitus (mixed cinnamon and sugar).
Conclusion
Excellent hotel, I would whole-heartedly recommend it, and I would certain stay there again. Yes, it cost more than twice the room at the Hotel Torni, but “I’m worth it”.
