I’m tough to please when it comes to hotels, but sometimes a stay just ticks every box and that’s exactly what happened with NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa. Opened in 2024, it’s one of the city’s newest five star hotels, set within two beautifully restored heritage buildings. From the moment I arrived, I knew I was in for a treat, but I had no idea just how much this newly renovated luxury hotel had to offer. In many ways, it surprised me, delivering a level of hospitality I hadn’t experienced before in a larger hotel in Finland. It’s a big hotel with the feel of a boutique property, thanks to its personal service and incredible attention to detail. From the moment you walk through the doors, there’s a real sense that this is somewhere a little different. I’m going to take you through exactly what makes it so memorable.
First Impressions: Where Helsinki Heritage Meets Modern Luxury
The grand hotel entrance.
You really can’t miss the hotel, sitting on the corner of Mannerheimintie, one of the busiest roads in Helsinki’s city centre. And yet, despite its central location, it somehow feels tucked away and cosy, especially with the outdoor terrace right in front. The location is ideal too, just a two-minute walk from the central railway station and within easy reach of the main shops and shopping streets. The grand entrance is as impressive as they come, with majestic human figurine soapstone sculptures and plenty of character. The building itself consists of two heritage buildings, the Kaleva Building and the New Student House, along with a more recently constructed extension. Inside, 224 premium guest rooms and suites are beautifully appointed with smart technology and high-end interior design details. The hotel is also home to Hansa Café Bar & Brasserie and the upscale rooftop bar Kupoli, which offers amazing 360-degree views of the Helsinki skyline. There’s also a tranquil USVA spa with sauna experiences and treatments, plus a fully equipped gym. So, there’s certainly plenty packed into this hotel, whether you’re visiting Helsinki as a tourist or staying for business or a corporate event.
The elegant hotel bar in the lobby.
As soon as you step inside, the impressive lounge immediately sets the tone. A beautiful round bar sits at the heart of the space, surrounded by elegant seating areas and a striking fireplace that makes the entrance feel warm and inviting. The interior design, by architect Carola Rytsölä, beautifully blends contemporary elements with the building’s historic character. It’s a space that instantly makes you want to slow down, grab a drink and soak up the atmosphere before even heading up to your room.
Decorative fireplace in the lobby adding to the cosy atmosphere.
The Family Room — Design, Comfort & Clever Technology
Our room, 460, a family room with two queen-size beds.
We stayed in the family room, which was incredibly spacious for a family of four, with two queen beds and plenty of room for luggage. We also had views across Railway Station Square from the window, which was a lovely bonus. I loved everything about the interior. You know I’m a neutral lover, and from the beautiful wooden floors to the high ceilings and even the smart opening curtains, every detail felt carefully considered. The elegant coving on the walls and the warm wooden furniture worked so well with the sophisticated design. It was understated Nordic elegance at its finest. And the beds? Some of the most comfortable hotel beds I’ve slept in for a long time. There was also plenty of storage for clothes and jackets, making the room really practical for a family stay. Everything felt calm and minimal but also incredibly functional, which is very much the Nordic way.
Decorative coving on the walls and Finnish art.
The rooms follow a modern theme, with bespoke furniture crafted by Finnish carpenters. Every detail, from the materials and finishes to the lighting fixtures, has been carefully considered, with Finnish craftsmanship used wherever possible. The artwork is from the Himmelblau collection of Finnish modern art, adding a lovely pop of colour to the rooms.
Floor-to-ceiling smart curtains overlooking the city.
The smart curtains were such a lovely surprise. I think this is the first time I’ve seen them in a hotel and they’re so handy. I didn’t even realise they were electric and discovered it completely by accident. You simply start opening the curtains and they do the rest for you. They’re also incredibly quiet and the curtains were fully blackout, which is ideal for a good night’s sleep. So yes, you’ve guessed it, I’m adding these to my home wish list now too!
Spacious hotel bathroom with smart lighting and high-end fixtures
The bathroom was just as gorgeous as the rest of the hotel room. With large beige tiles, a rain shower and an oversized mirror, it had a calm and tranquil feel that made it feel almost like an extension of the hotel’s spa. The soft, warm tones and clean lines created a really relaxing atmosphere, making it the kind of bathroom you could easily spend a little more time in. The best part, however, was the smart lighting, which you could manually adjust depending on the time of day — from brighter lighting in the morning to something softer and more relaxing in the evening. It also had one of those Grohe smart toilets, which the kids absolutely couldn’t get enough of. Overall, the bathroom continued the same peaceful, spa-like feel found throughout the hotel and was another little detail that made the room feel more special.
The Design Details That Caught My Attention
Luxurious coffee table with upholstered velvet chairs in the lounge.
When it comes to picking a hotel, design is very high on the list for me. I want my stay to feel special and comfortable, but ultimately, I also want it to offer something my home doesn’t. Perfect escapism, I call it! Grand Hansa does this beautifully, combining sophistication with Nordic design principles. The building dates back to the early 1900s and was once home to Hotel Seurahuone, which opened here in 1913. In keeping with the NH Collection style, the interiors have been thoughtfully refreshed to meet modern standards, incorporating contemporary design and high-tech features while preserving the character and history of the building. It’s a clever combination that makes staying in such a heritage property feel both memorable and comfortable for modern travellers.
Rooftop bar Kupoli in the historic dome-shaped tower.
The interior design is rooted in the building’s history, with the designers drawing inspiration from old photographs to recreate some of the atmosphere from the hotel’s past, when Finnish dignitaries and politicians were among its guests. Many of the original lighting pendants were carefully refurbished, while new contemporary fixtures were introduced alongside them, creating an interesting contrast between old and new. The history still feels very much present throughout the building today and you get one of those “if these walls could talk” moments as you walk through the hotel. I only wish I’d had a little more time to stop and examine all the details more closely, because there’s so much to discover and each one seems to have its own story to tell. And don’t forget, there’s so much you can take from hotel design and bring into your own home and I’ve written more about this in my blogpost here!
Brushed brass contemporary pendant light against a grey-painted ceiling.
Dinner at Hansa Café Bar & Brasserie — A Three-Course Experience
The sorbet from my three-course menu with a dessert wine.
I’m a foodie, so having a great restaurant in a hotel is a must for me. But Hansa Café Bar & Brasserie is not just your average hotel dining experience. This is where breakfast, brunch and dinner are served, so you don’t even need to step outside the hotel, and honestly, you may not want to. I had a seasonal three-course menu at the restaurant and it was easily one of the nicest meals I had during the entire trip. The starter, a fresh peach salad, was absolutely delicious, followed by a beautifully cooked fish dish for the main course. Dessert was a refreshing sorbet with fresh berries, the perfect way to finish the meal. It wasn’t too heavy, but still had that lovely sweetness you want at the end of dinner. We even paired it with the Moscato dessert wine recommended by our lovely waitress and it was the perfect match. The set menu was also excellent value at €59, so if you’re thinking about dining here, I’d definitely recommend going for it. There was also a kids’ menu, which looked far more sophisticated than your typical children’s meal. The whole experience felt like fine dining in a stylish but relaxed setting, which was exactly what we needed after a long day of travelling.
Peach and feta salad starter.
Breakfast at Grand Hansa — Yes, There’s Bubbly!
Breakfast is served in both the lounge and the brasserie.
I do love a varied hotel breakfast and once again, the hotel didn’t let me down. It was great to see that they cater to international tastes, with a selection of hot breakfast options as well as dishes you can order from the menu. We tried the omelettes, Finnish rice pies (riisipiirakka), rye bread and plenty of cold meats and cheeses. And, of course, a glass of bubbly to start the day! It’s pretty rare to find hotels offering that at no additional cost these days, so it was a lovely touch. I also liked that there are two areas where you can have breakfast, the Hansa Café Bar & Brasserie and the lounge, which means it never feels too busy or crowded. You may have to queue at the busier times, particularly after 10 am but there was still plenty of room whenever we visited. Even better, breakfast runs until 11 am at weekends, which is exactly what you want when you’re on holiday and don’t fancy an early start.
Breakfast spread served in the hotel lounge and brasserie.
The Spa — A Minimalist Sauna Retreat in the Heart of Helsinki
The hotel spa desk looks as stylish as the rest of the hotel.
The USVA Spa at the hotel is definitely worth a visit, so much so that I ended up going three times. The design is beautifully minimalist and tranquil and I felt like I had been transported to a Mediterranean spa retreat. I do love a sauna and I wanted to make the most of the opportunity while I was here. The steam room and cold tub, which feels like the temperature of an icy Finnish lake, were pretty invigorating. Of course, a sauna afterwards is a must! I also really enjoyed the relaxation rooms, where you can order small snacks and drinks and properly switch off. Another thing I liked was the option to buy DIY spa treatments while you relax, such as a face mask or body scrub, at really affordable prices. It’s a nice alternative if you want a little pampering without booking a full facial or treatment. It would have been nice to have a jacuzzi or a swimming pool, but I understand that space is limited, plus it might take away from the relaxation factor with the extra noise and activity. Kids are also allowed during special hours, before 10 am and after 8 pm, which my girls really enjoyed. The evenings seemed to be a little more popular when I visited, so if you’re looking for a quieter experience, I’d recommend going in the morning or early afternoon. Definitely one to add to your Helsinki itinerary!
Relaxation rooms at the spa were calm and inviting.
Is it family friendly?
Absolutely. Although the weekend I was there at the end of August seemed to have mainly drawn overseas tourists and groups visiting the spa, I did spot a few families too. The restaurants have a kids’ menu and the family rooms are a perfect setup for a family stay. I wouldn’t say families are the main focus, but they are very welcome, and because it’s such a large hotel, there is always plenty of space for everyone. The lobby was always fairly quiet and relaxed, which made it a lovely spot to just sit and unwind. The hotel has more of a grown-up vibe overall, but families are just as welcome and my girls absolutely loved the experience.
So, is NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa Worth It?
This is a fairly new hotel in Helsinki and I do feel the prices are competitive for what you’re getting. Superior rooms for two people sharing start from €264, which isn’t bad for the low season. Breakfast is an additional €40, but well worth it in my opinion. You can also get discounts if you stay for longer or are a Minor Hotels member, which is a good option if you’re a frequent traveller. Spa access is included in selected room categories only, so this could potentially cost you extra. The same obviously goes for the food, but I found the €59 seasonal menu to be excellent value for a three-course meal. I think if you’re planning to spend some time in the hotel itself, as you should because it’s stunning, it’s well worth it. You’ll probably find you won’t want to leave as much as I did, so it’s worth adding a few extra days if you want to see Helsinki too. For business travellers, I’d say it’s the ideal hotel. Definitely my favourite hotel in Helsinki right now and with the beautiful design details, excellent food and attentive customer service, it’ll be a hard one to beat.
But I’d say go and experience it yourself. It’s a five-star hotel without any of the stuffiness, which I loved. Nordic hospitality at its finest!
* This post is in collaboration with NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa. Our first night’s room, food and spa experience were complimentary, while our second night’s stay was provided at a special rate. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
