Helsinki has a sky bar

It's another step towards becoming a word city. With the opening of the new Clarion Hotel in Länsisatama Helsinki got its first sky bar.

Sure there was always Ateljee at Torni, a wonderful place with an amazing view. But the atmosphere of a sky bar as you can find it in places like Bangkok, Shanghai or New York could not be found in the Finnish capital.

That changed now. With Sky Room a cocktail bar with a big city feeling opened its doors in mid October. From the low chairs and tables next to the giant windows visitors can experience a breathtaking view over the city skyline.

Besides the cocktails, which are quite out of the ordinary the some nice and hearty snacks are served up here on level 17 of the new hotel. The prices are in the higher price category. You obviously pay for the view as well. But it is worth it and I can highly recommend the visit to anyone.

Check it out and enjoy the amazing panorama!

Tea time at Helsinki's best hotel

Why should going out always be just about lunch and dinner? How about having a really good tea time instead? And how about having at the best hotel in the city?

Hotel Kämp offers the Afternoon Tea every day in their Brasserie. And it is not just about tea. Here you can lay back and truely endulge. Choose from the selection of outstanding teas and enjoy their fine sweet and salty snacks. The Afternoon Tea includes everything you could hope for for a terrific afternoon after a hecktic work day. And all in the classy athmosphere of the Kämp Hotel.

The Afternoon Tea is served served Monday to Saturday 14.00-18.00 and Sunday 15.00-18.00. The price is 37 € per person. Make sure to reserve in advance.

A hotel for Amanda

Some of you might have wondered where Havis Amanda suddenly went. Around her fountain between Esplanadi and Kauppatori a black container has been errected and there is no sign of the statue.

This container is a project of the Japanese artist Tatzu Nishi and is part of the Helsinki Festival. It's called Hotel Manta and it actually is a real hotel. With just one room though. And the middle of this room is formed by Havis Amanda. Till October 12 the hotel is already fully booked and unfortunately there is no chance anymore for you to spend one night in the same room with the famous statue.

You can however visit the hotel during the day. Every day from 11.30 till 17.30 the hotel opens for visitors. For an entrance fee of 3 euros you can see the interiour and how Havis Amanda has been integrated into it. To get a first impression of Nashi's installation you can also have a first peek at the pictures by MTV3.

Luxury behind bars

The Best Western Premier Katajanokka is quite a special hotel. Its building used to be a prison. And instead of tearing the whole thing down the theme was kept for the hotel.

Even if you don’t plan on staying here over night you might want to take a look inside. See the big three storey hallways with the former cell and now hotel room doors.

If you visit the restaurant in the basement don’t miss out on the group and the solitary cell. Both are open for visitors free of charge.

The Best Western Katajanokka is worth a visit and should you be searching for an accommodation in Helsinki you should consider it as well. Not only does this four star hotel have a very convenient location. Most importantly who can claim to every have slept in a real prison cell?

Budget accommodation in the heart of Helsinki

If you are searching for a reasonably priced accommodation in Helsinki you should check out Omena Hotelli. There are three different Omena Hotels in the center of the city (Eerikinkatu, Lönnrotinkatu and Yrjönkatu) all within walking distance to the city center.

Prices vary of course depending of the season but you can get a room starting from 50 to 60 €. All rooms can accommodate up to four persons which makes it a really good deal for small groups. Omena Hotels have no reception though (you get a door code via e-mail) and no breakfast included. All rooms are well equipped though.

You can also find Omena Hotels in other bigger Finnish cities as well as in Copenhagen and Stockholm.