Vuorikatu 19, Helsinki, Finland | (888) 708-2081
Convenient location near the Central Railway
Station, as well as several trams and buses
Within walking distance to Senate Square and several attractions
Affordable rates for the location
Large Triple, Quadruple, and Family rooms available
Restaurant on-site serving a free breakfast
buffet
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
Sauna (for a fee)
11 meeting rooms
Dated decor and some wear and tear
Some rooms are tiny
Lower-tier rooms lack coffee/tea facilities
Some rooms have shared bathrooms
Some guests complain of noise from nearby construction
The 182-room, mid-range Hotel Arthur is conveniently located within walking distance of the Central Railway Station and Senate Square. Travelers will be hard-pressed to find a better hotel in the area for this price, and large Triple and Family rooms attract groups and families on a budget. The bleak lobby leaves much to be desired, and the lower-tier rooms are dated and worn (some have shared bathrooms), but renovated rooms are much more appealing. The 11 meeting rooms make this a popular conference hotel. Wi-Fi is free and there is a breakfast buffet included in the room rate. There is a restaurant serving traditional Finnish cuisine, as well as a small wooden sauna on the premises. Those willing to pay more should consider the nearby Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, which is more stylish, modern, and luxurious.
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Scene
A mid-range hotel with a bleak lobby and dated decor, but ongoing renovations, a central location, and budget-friendly rates
The hulking mass of concrete that is the Arthur Hotel brings to mind drab Soviet architecture, and the building takes over the corner of a quiet Helsinki street. The lobby received a few upgrades in 2015: sleek wooden flooring replaced marble tiling and a new, accent-lit desk replaced the aging wooden reception desk we saw on our visit. Salmon and peach columns were repainted for a more soothing white, blue, and gray color palette, but unfortunately the dated seating and mirrored ceiling remain.The '70s time warp is still found in the restaurant, but the atmosphere here is decidedly cozier and keeps true to the motto of founder Arthur Hjelt: “The basic things in life should be simple and enjoyable.” The restaurant has a color palette of bold blues and reds, as well as some wood paneling and sections of wood floor, all of which adds warmth. Room quality varies, but renovations are ongoing, and some rooms are still awaiting renovation as of early 2017. The hotel gets a mix of travelers, but most come for the reasonably central location and affordable rates. Business travelers are particularly common given the conference facilities and proximity to public transport, while families can appreciate the flexible sleeping arrangements in the Triple, Quadruple, and Family rooms. It's one of the cheapest hotels in the area, but those willing to pay a bit more should consider the more stylish Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel around the corner.
Location
Central location near main train station as well as many trams and buses
The Arthur Hotel is located on a quiet city street, with
numerous transportation options in the immediate area. The Central Railway Station
is a seven-minute walk away, and nearest tram and bus stops, at Varsapuistikko, are around the corner and serve
several lines. The Kaisaniemi tram stop is also
down the street. The location is in the city center and just to the north of the historic core, which stretches from Senate Square (an eight-minute walk) to Esplanadi avenue. The harbor and ferry port are 15 minutes away on foot. Several
sights are within walking distance, including the Finnish National Theater and
the Ateneum Art Museum.
Rooms
Clean, cozy, no-frills rooms, though some are quite dated and basic
Room decor varies, but one theme remains the same -- the interiors look dated, stuck in time somewhere in the ‘70s. The simple, utilitarian rooms typically have wood floors, wood furniture, and muted color palettes. Heavy patterned curtains often match the bedspreads or the decorative wall borders circling the room. Despite the aged appearance and the need for an update, the rooms are clean. Some received upgrades in 2013, and the Art Noveau Rooms in particular look fresher and more stylish. Renovations are ongoing, and some of the oldest rooms are still awaiting renovation in early 2017. Wooden desks are a useful detail for business travelers, and many rooms have armchairs and sofas creating a small living room area. Rooms range in size and cater to varying budgets, from small and basic Economy Rooms with shared showers (but private water closets), to Family rooms that sleep up to five, to the Sir Arthur Suite that includes a sauna. Wi-Fi is free, and most rooms have stocked minibars; only some have coffee/tea facilities. There are no ironing boards in-room, but the hotel does have a common ironing room. Some guests complain about noise from nearby construction.
Features
A breakfast buffet, free Wi-Fi, a sauna, and 11 meeting rooms
The 11 meeting rooms, which can accommodate six to 250 people, help make the Arthur a popular conference hotel. Restaurant
Arthur Helsinki serves simple and traditional Finnish cuisine, including the
daily breakfast buffet that is free for all guests. Room service is available
during the restaurant hours. Seating 100 people, the restaurant is a popular
choice for private and corporate events. There is a small, but lovely wooden sauna
on-site that is available for use with a fee. There is free Wi-Fi throughout,
and a computer is available in the lobby (with a fee).
