“Don’t bother too much about hotel, it’s just a place to make your base!” Is a sentence you will never hear me say. For while I don’t think you need to spend all of your life savings on accommodation, I do think having somewhere nice to stay makes the experience so much better. These are thoughts that are coming to me as I splash bubble bath into the most gorgeous tub overlooking the city of Helsinki. The sun is setting and bouncing off the buildings and trees, so the marble-clad room is cast in a deliciously warm glow. I’m staying in the Radisson RED Helsinki while on a whistlestop tour of the city and it has ticked all the boxes for a city break.
Arrival
Getting to the Radisson RED Hotel Helsinki from Helsinki airport is extremely easy. Simply hop on any ‘P’ or ‘I’ train and you will be in Helsinki city centre within 30 minutes. To pay, you can either buy a ticket at the station or on board via a digital machine with contactless payment.
The Hotel
The Radisson RED Helsinki is located less than five minutes walk from the station – you can see it as soon as you get off the train – so it’s really easy to go and dump your bags and explore right away. Conversely, you can also store your luggage there on the day of departure and know it’s right next to the station for when you need to catch your flight.
The Radisson RED Helsinki opened in October 2023, bringing the brand’s bold, design-led concept to Finland for the first time. It boasts 195 rooms, a gym, sauna and social bar-restaurant concept. The hotel smells amazing as soon as you arrive and the staff are friendly and all too happy to help. The lobby is large and flooded with light, with a foodball table and plenty of spaces to sit and relax with a book and coffee.
The Rooms at Radisson RED Helsinki
I booked a superior room for my stay, but there are also individual and standard rooms, which are slightly cheaper, as well as premium rooms or a one-bedroom suite if you’re looking for a touch more luxury. While it wasn’t the largest room I had ever stayed in, it was absolutely beautiful and with views such as the ones the floor to ceiling wraparound windows gave, what did extra space matter anyway? Two walls were completely glass offering panoramic views of the park and rest of the city below. The bathroom, as touched upon above, was also designed with breathtaking views and with a freestanding bath perched right before them, it makes leaving the hotel room to explore almost a chore.
Dining at Radisson RED Helsinki
There are plenty of food spots in Helsinki (you must visit LaBra during your stay which was our personal favourite!) However if you prefer to stay in after a long day of exploring, Radisson RED Helsinki doesn’t disappoint. Offering a relaxed yet stylish experience that reflects the hotel’s whole ethos, it’s the ideal spot for breakfast or dinner. Feast on modern Nordic-inspired dishes alongside international favourites, with menus that focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and vibrant presentation. I also recommend sampling one (or more) of their cocktails while playing a board game and drinking up the atmosphere. Breakfast here is a real highlight and I recommend you add it to your stay.
The Area
The Radisson RED Helsinki is not only located right by the train station, but also perfectly placed to explore the delights of Helsinki itself. Just across the street lies Kaisaniemi Park and Botanic Garden, a peaceful green space perfect for a stroll or a relaxed afternoon among historic glasshouses and landscaped gardens.
You’re also only a few minutes from the renowned Ateneum Art Museum, home to one of the most important collections of Finnish art. Culture lovers can also explore the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, while shoppers and café-hoppers will enjoy wandering along Aleksanterinkatu, one of Helsinki’s busiest shopping streets. You can stroll to the harbour, visiting the Helsinki Cathedral along the way. The waterfront often plays host to food markets, as well as an observation wheel, 4D cinema, shops and Allas Pool – a famous spot for sauna and outdoor swimming.
No trip to Helsinki is complete without a visit to Helsinki Central Library Oodi which is also less than 10 minutes on food to the hotel. With landmarks, museums, parks and restaurants all close by, the area around the Radisson RED makes an ideal base for discovering the Finnish capital on foot.
An Unmissable Stay in the Heart of Helsinki
The Radisson RED Helsinki is a hotel that goes above and beyond what you’d need for a city stay, offering the ideal spot for relaxation, comfort and also exploring. It feels boujee but not pretentious, cool but not arrogant. It knows what it’s doing and how to do it well. With a perfect location, great rooms, friendly staff and good price point, you couldn’t ask for more.
FAQs
Check-in at Radisson RED Helsinki begins at 3:00 PM, while check-out is 12:00 PM (noon). Early check-in or late check-out may be available on request, depending on availability.
The hotel does not have on-site parking. However, the nearby P-Kluuvi parking garage is located around 100 metres away and is available for an additional charge.
Yes, pets are welcome at the hotel. A fee of around €20 per accommodation per day typically applies, although service animals stay free.
Yes. The hotel features RED Bar & Kitchen, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner alongside drinks in a lively bar setting.
Guests can enjoy a range of amenities including free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre, sauna, on-site restaurant and bar, and rooms with coffee and tea facilities.
