The Hotel Kämp in Helsinki emerges from three years of works without closing: 22 more keys, 201 in all

In Helsinki, Hotel Kämp announced on 5 November 2026 the end of three years of works: 22 more keys, taking the total to 201 rooms and suites. Begun in late 2023 and carried out in phases, the project never closed this hotel, which opened in 1887. It brings in the neighbouring Helander House, about 3,100 m², and returns the main entrance to its original position, facing the Esplanade.

Three years of works, and the hotel stayed open

Work began in late 2023 and proceeded in phases, without closing the hotel. Guests therefore went on sleeping here for three years, until the end of the works was announced on 5 November 2026. The building belongs to Ilmarinen and the hotel is operated by the Strawberry group, whose founder and owner, Petter Stordalen, puts it this way in the press release: “You don’t manage a place like this with spreadsheets.” No figure has been published for the works. To stay among the Nordic capitals, read also our article on Hotel Sommerro and the grand hotels of Oslo.

22 more keys, 201 in all

All 179 existing rooms have been renovated. They are joined by 22 new rooms, including 15 suites, which makes more than two in three of the new keys. The total thus rises to 201 keys, rooms and suites combined, an increase of about 12%. The hotel has also grown in floor space: bringing in the neighbouring Helander House gives it about 3,100 m² more.

The Mannerheim Suite: 179 or 258 m²?

Two figures not to be confused. On its own, the Mannerheim Suite measures 179 m². It reaches 258 m² only when connected to an Executive Suite, which adds 79 m². The hotel presents it as the largest suite in Finland: the claim is the hotel’s own. Its name recalls a guest of old, Marshal Mannerheim, who stayed at the hotel in 1919.

A 1,200 m² spa, open since July

The spa is not the news in this announcement: the Kämp Spa has been welcoming guests since 15 July 2026, and its members’ club, the Kämp Spa Members’ Club, has been running since 1 August 2026. Across 1,200 m², it brings together Finnish saunas, infrared saunas, steam baths, a pool and a cold plunge pool, along with cryotherapy, compression therapy and a Technogym gym. It is open from 8am to 9pm on weekdays, 9am to 8pm on Saturdays and 9am to 6pm on Sundays, from the age of 16.

From the Kämp Bar to a 1930s-style Delicatessen

The restaurant and bar came back before the works ended: À La Kämp and the Kämp Bar reopened on 14 November 2025, almost a year before the completion was announced. The new arrival is called Kämp Delicatessen. It opens onto the main pedestrian street and takes its inspiration from the hotel’s original café, the one from the 1930s. The Kämp Spa Lounge rounds out the offer, on the spa side.

Two studios, from Finland to London

The transformation bears two signatures, one after the other. The Finnish studio Fyra rethought the rooms and corridors during the first phase. London-based Archer Humphryes then carried the overall vision: its first Nordic project.

The original entrance returns to the Esplanade

Hotel Kämp opened in 1887 on Pohjoisesplanadi, to designs by Theodor Höijer. One hundred and thirty-nine years later, the main entrance returns to its original position, facing the Esplanade. For a stay in the North, Finland also features in our selection of cool-climate destinations.