Hotel F6

Hotel F6 is a boutique hotel on Fabianinkatu, in the Kaartinkaupunki district a minute or two from the Esplanadi, the elegant park avenue that runs to the harbour. It has an address that would be hard to improve on for a short visit: the Market Square, Senate Square and the cathedral are all on foot, the shops of the city centre are around the corner, and the cafes and restaurants of the Design District are a short stroll. The hotel is small and calm, with a considered Nordic interior of natural materials and soft light, and it offers a more personal alternative to the large chain hotels of the centre. Rooms are bright and spacious by city standards, and every one has a city view. The standard rooms have a double bed and are a comfortable size for two; superior rooms add space; the deluxe rooms have king beds and room to relax; and the grand deluxe room is a large space that can sleep four. All rooms have free wifi, and the bedding and bathrooms are of a good quality. The hotel is certified with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, which is a plus for travellers who prefer to choose a greener hotel. In-room cribs are available free of charge on request, and babysitting can be arranged for a fee. The inclusions are generous for the price. A buffet breakfast is served daily and is included, there are free bicycles to borrow and a place to store them, and a gym is open around the clock. A terrace and garden offer a quiet spot in the warmer months, and there are a lounge, a bar and the stylish Bar Runar on site for drinks in the evening. A concierge helps with tours, tickets and restaurant reservations, there is a front-desk safe, and laundry and dry cleaning are available. Pets are accepted for a modest fee per stay, and an airport transfer can be requested for a charge per vehicle. Parking is available off site for a daily fee. The walking distances are short. The Esplanadi is about a minute away, the Market Square and its harbour views around three, Senate Square four, and the cathedral six. The Allas Sea Pool, a harbourside complex with a heated pool and saunas, is about seven minutes on foot, and the ferry to the Suomenlinna fortress leaves from the Market Square quay. The nearest transit stop is four minutes away, and the central station is around eleven minutes' walk, so the airport train is easy to reach. Nearby cafes and restaurants include a classic steak house and a popular coffee chain, and many more are within a few minutes. F6 suits couples, small families and independent travellers who want a central base with a boutique feel and few frills. Because it is small, it books up in summer and during major events, so reserve early for June to August and for the Christmas market period. It is less suitable for travellers who want a large spa or a big lobby, and it is not aimed at groups. Rates are moderate to upper-middle for Helsinki, and the included breakfast and bicycles add useful value. Check when you book what the cancellation terms are for your chosen room and whether breakfast is included.