Hotel Anna

Hotel Anna stands on Annankatu in Punavuori, the district just south-west of the city centre that is known for its design shops, galleries, cafes and independent restaurants. It is a long-established, family-friendly hotel with a relaxed and unpretentious feel, and it has built a loyal following among visitors who want a comfortable base without paying for the luxuries of a grander hotel. The streets around it are some of the most interesting in Helsinki for browsing and eating, and the hotel's own warm Nordic style sets the tone for an easygoing stay. The rooms are straightforward, practical and kept clean. They range from compact standard singles and twins, which suit solo travellers and friends sharing, to superior rooms with a queen bed, comfort rooms that add a sofa bed, and family rooms with four twin beds that give families and small groups plenty of space at a fair price. Superior twin rooms with extra sofa beds can host a group of four. There are no frills, but the beds are comfortable, and the rooms are well suited to people who spend most of the day out and about. Housekeeping is daily, and wifi is free throughout. A free breakfast buffet is served each morning, which is a real saving in a city where eating out is costly. The hotel has a sauna, which is a welcome treat in the Finnish tradition after a day of walking in cold weather. There is a computer station, a meeting room and a small banquet hall, as well as free newspapers, a vending machine for late snacks, luggage storage and a front-desk safe. Parking is available for a daily charge, though most guests find the metro and trams more convenient. The premises are smoke-free. There is no restaurant on site, but the street outside has plenty of options, including craft beer bars and casual restaurants. The location is very convenient for sightseeing and shopping. The Viiskulma stop is about three minutes away on foot. The Esplanadi, the leafy avenue that leads to the harbour, is about seven minutes' walk, and the Stockmann department store is only a little further. The Market Square and Senate Square, with the cathedral rising above them, are about a ten- to thirteen-minute walk, so most of the central sights can be done without public transport. Punavuori's Design District, with its showrooms and boutiques, is right on the doorstep. The airport is roughly three-quarters of an hour away by car, and the train from the central station is a straightforward alternative. Hotel Anna suits budget-minded travellers, families who want a family room, couples looking for a simple stay and anyone who prefers a neighbourhood setting to a business district. It is not the place for a spa weekend or for high-end service, but it is excellent value for a central address. Because it is popular, summer and the weeks before Christmas fill up, so book early. Rates are among the lower ones for the city centre. Check when you book what the cancellation terms are for your room, and which room type best suits the size of your group.