A prison...cell? Yes, you read it right! This new hotel joining our group is a famous former prison on Skatudden in central Helsinki. You'll have the chance to stay in a room that would have been a prison cell twenty years back! Formerly known as Hotel Katajanokka, we are now transforming the hotel into Clarion Collection® Hotel Katajanokka. Like at any other Clarion Collection® Hotel, all our guests can look forward to breakfast, "fika", an evening meal and wonderful service!
A famous prison transformed into a unique hotel
Prisoners were still being housed in this spectacular building as recently as 2002. And then, five years later after a full renovation, the very first hotel guests were being invited to step inside for a rather different experience. After being part of Primehotels, the hotel joined Strawberry, and we had the honour of developing the hotel and the guest experience on Skatudden!
“We love places with a unique history, full of stories and happenings! Hotel Katajanokka certainly fits the bill, and I am delighted that we can now continue to develop this place and the hotel, so as to be able to carry on creating history and memories. The hotel will also be a fine addition to our hotel portfolio in Helsinki, ideally situated by the water, ferries and boats, while still being within walking distance to some of Helsinki’s top attractions. This is a great day that I know will make our hotel guests very happy,” Peter Stordalen, owner of Strawberry, said when the agreement was completed.
A unique feeling of freedom in a prison
Hopefully this will be your first experience of entering a prison. But when you step inside, we’re sure that you’ll be amazed at how such a charming place could once have housed prisoners. While there are clear and, in our opinion, pretty cool signs of the prison era, the vibe now is very different. You’ll be transported back in time with iconic corridors that will conjure up memories of various prison movies!
“Fika”, evening meal & breakfast included
Hotel Katajanokka has joined Clarion Collection® Hotel as the chain’s first hotel in Finland. The chain is extremely popular and boasts numerous return guests. No surprise then that Clarion Collection® Hotel has been named the best hotel chain in Sweden and Norway several years in a row! Who can say whether it’s the afternoon “fika”, the daily evening meal for all guests, the fantastic personal service, the charming and homely vibe, or the unique and historic buildings that makes these hotels so popular? One thing is certain, you can enjoy it all when you stay at a Clarion Collection® Hotel!
We will be gradually developing the full Clarion Collection® Hotel concept, including the afternoon “fika” and evening meal, at this new hotel in the near future!
All the staff at Hotel Katajanokka will now be employed by Strawberry, and we will also take over the management of existing bookings.
Fast facts:
Hotel operator: Strawberry
Hotel chain: Clarion Collection® Hotel
Loyalty programme: Strawberry
Number of rooms: 106
Restaurant: Breakfast, afternoon “fika” and an evening meal are served every day, and meals are always included in your room rate.
Conference facilities : 5 meeting rooms for up to 24 people and a large banquet hall for up to 130 people.
Gym
Sauna
Property owner: Terrieri Kiinteistöt LP, an alternative investment fund managed by S-Bank Fund Management Ltd.
