What to Expect at Hotel Kamp Helsinki:

Helsinki's first and only five-star hotel, the Kamp originally opened its doors in 1887 and quickly began playing host to the country's leading cultural icons, including composer Jean Sibelius. Relaunched in 1999 by Starwood Hotels & Resorts, it is now part of that company's Luxury Collection and maintains the stately grandeur of centuries past. Decorative elements, ranging from ceiling frescoes to burnished woodwork to finely upholstered chairs and sofas express the enduring elegance of this property.


Guest Rooms at Hotel Kamp Helsinki:

Refined guest rooms feature marble bathrooms with heated floors. Even the smallest of the Hotel Kamp's 179 rooms, the deluxe room, is spacious and features a king size or two double beds and a 37" LCD TV. Executive rooms provide more work space and an international power outlet, obviating the need for an adaptor. Internet connection is available.

Dining at Hotel Kamp Helsinki:

With its large picture windows, the Kamp Cafe overlooks the Esplanade, Helsinki's version of Fifth Avenue. Styled to resemble a European brasserie, the Kamp's eatery provides more style than substance. Simple panini sandwiches ordered for lunch were delivered cold to the table, and service was indifferent both in the cafe and the ground-floor bar area.

Weddings at Hotel Kamp Helsinki:

As Helsinki's most prominent hotel, Kamp is highly experienced in producing events of all sizes. Its Mirror Room is an especially popular venue. The Wedding Celebration package includes use of one historic function room (accommodating 15-100 guests), white gerbera floral decorations, a specially decorated wedding table, Kämp-branded place and menu cards, microphone, dance floor, CD player for background music, dedicated headwaiter for the event, and the opportunity to taste the main course menu in the Kämp Cafe.

Spa at Hotel Kamp Helsinki:

Without leaving the building, guests at Hotel Kamp can take the elevator to the eighth-floor Palace Kämp Day Spa. Massages, workouts, a Royal Aquamarine facial, and sauna are available.

Nearby Hotel Kamp Helsinki:

Hotel Kamp occupies a privileged spot on the Esplanade, where Helsinki's top shops -- among them Marimekko, Iittala, and Artek -- are located. The casual-yet-delicious Karl Fazer eatery is around the corner, and Helsinki's Kamp Galleria is home to the country's most upscale shops selling designer goods from around the world. The hotel is also close to Uspenski Cathedral and Kauppatori market square. The city's Baltic waterfront port is within walking distance, a boon to guests planning a side trip to Estonia or Stockholm.

Is the Hotel Kamp Helsinki Right for You?:

Hotel Kamp has a formal ambiance that young, inexperienced travelers and those on a budget are likely to find uncomfortable. But if you can afford to splurge, appreciate a well-preserved and smartly updated historic hotel, and enjoy being in a center-city location that's close to Helsinki's top shops as well as the waterfront, you're likely to be happy with Hotel Kamp.

What Could Be Improved at Hotel Kamp Helsinki?:

The cafe food is disappointing. More care from the kitchen would make a meal worth the time and money spent in the pretty Kamp Cafe.

Where to Find More about Hotel Kamp Helsinki:

Hotel Kamp Helsinki
Pohjoisesplanadi 29
00100 Helsinki
FINLAND
+358 (0) 9 576 111

Hotel Kamp Helsinki Web Site

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with a complimentary meal for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.