Helsinki, Finland

Hotel Kämp

The Nordics • Stay • Hotel Kämp in Helsinki, Finland

What’s the hotel in a nutshell?

To live out your wildest princess (or prince) fantasies, check yourself into Hotel Kämp, located on Helsinki’s chicest street alongside Esplanadi park. Established in 1887, the hotel is Finland’s first and only Grand Hôtel and was originally designed by Finnish architect Carl Theodor Höijer. Hotel Kämp quickly established itself as the centre stage of the political and cultural scene of Helsinki, and historical figures such as Gustaf Mannerheim and Jean Sibelius would frequent the hotel. In 1996, the hotel went through a major restoration project to dust the hotel off and bring it back to its former glory.

What are the rooms like?

It is impossible not to be swept away by the atmosphere that Helsinki’s historic Grand Hôtel exudes. Think heavy silk drapes, robust mahogany furniture and grand bed canopies. But not all of the hotel’s 179 rooms and suites are created equally. We particularly adore the Kämp Suite, which comes with its own courtyard terrace and an in-room breakfast. It is right out of a scene from Sofia Coppolla’s 2006 film Marie Antoinette, and we can picture Kirsten Dunst eating macrons in bed.

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What else?

Hotel Kämp’s oval lobby offers a great first impression. Brasserie Kämp is the hotel’s main restaurant and the place to go for caviar, a seafood platter and a crème brûlée. They also serve a colourful and decadent afternoon tea. Sanchōme, by renowned restauranteur Tomi Björck, is a Japanese eatery and bar. The dark and seductive Kämp Bar has table service unlike many other bars in the Nordic region. Ask for the house schnapps Talonsnapsi, made with an extract of pine, anis and eucalyptus as well as a secret ingredient, mixed with vodka. The strong shot, which originates from an old recipe from the town of Tammisaari, is recommended only for those who can hold their liquor. This being Finland, the Kämp Spa also has a small sauna department.

What’s the neighbourhood like?

Helsinki’s commercial centre Kluuvi is blessed with a fascinating array of architectural styles, including some fine neo-romantic buildings. The district’s smart boulevards are lined with chic restaurants and upscale shopping, and the two major department stores Stockmann and Sokos are found here. This is also where Helsinki’s art nouveau Central Station, the Ateneum art museum, the National Theatre, the Kaisa House and many buildings belonging to the University of Helsinki are. The Kaisaniemi Park and the Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden are the lungs of Kluuvi.

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