The Nordics Hotel Guide 2026: Finland’s Special Awards
From Hotel of the Year and Best Spa Hotel to Hoteliers of the Year and the Best New Opening, Falstaff honors Finland’s most outstanding hotels and leading figures in hospitality.
Hotel of the Year
Hotel Kämp, Uusimaa, Helsinki
Hotel Kämp remains the undisputed grande dame of Finnish hospitality, setting the standard for luxury in the heart of Helsinki since 1887. Overlooking Esplanadi Park, the hotel blends historic elegance with contemporary refinement following its ongoing transformation. Spacious rooms and suites reflect a timeless Nordic aesthetic, while discreet, attentive service defines the experience. Long a meeting place for artists, dignitaries and discerning travellers, it continues to embody Helsinki at its most refined. A renewed focus on gastronomy, wellness and curated guest experiences further strengthens its position as a leading luxury destination, balancing heritage with a forward-looking approach to modern hospitality.
Hotelier of the Year
Erkka Hirvonen, Runo Hotel Porvoo
Erkka Hirvonen represents a new generation of Finnish hoteliers, bringing vision, creativity and a strong sense of place to the industry. As founder of Runo Hotel Porvoo, he has created a distinctive boutique destination that blends design, storytelling and wellness in a deeply personal way. Rooted in the historic town of Porvoo, the hotel reflects a thoughtful balance between heritage and contemporary expression. Hirvonen’s approach centres on authenticity, guest experience and a holistic view of hospitality, where atmosphere, service and concept align. Through Runo, he has introduced a fresh and modern perspective to Finnish hospitality, positioning himself as an influential voice shaping its future.
Best New Opening
Waldorf Astoria Helsinki, Uusimaa, Helsinki
Waldorf Astoria Helsinki marks a defining moment for Finnish hospitality as the first Waldorf Astoria in the Nordics, opening in October 2025. Set across four restored historic buildings in the Kruununhaka district, the hotel introduces a new level of international luxury to the city. With around 116 rooms and suites, it combines refined Nordic design with the brand’s signature personalised service. The spa draws on Finnish wellness traditions with saunas and cold plunge pools, while the Peacock Bar brings a contemporary social energy. Positioned near Helsinki Cathedral and Market Square, it reflects both the city’s heritage and its growing global appeal, setting a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in Finland.
Lifetime Achievement
Ilkka Länkinen
Ilkka Länkinen has played a pivotal role in shaping Finland’s modern travel and hospitality industry through decades of dedicated leadership. As long-standing Vice Chair of the Board at Visit Rovaniemi, he has been instrumental in strengthening Finland’s international visibility and positioning the country as an attractive destination for global travellers. His work was pivotal in shaping tourism in Lapland and the Arctic Region. His work has bridged aviation, tourism strategy and destination development, contributing to sustainable growth across the sector. Known for his strategic mindset and commitment to collaboration, Länkinen has helped define how Finland is experienced and understood abroad. His legacy continues to shape the country’s hospitality landscape and global reputation.
Best Spa Hotel
Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän, Etelä-Savo, Rantasalmi
Nature & Spa Resort Järvisydän offers a distinctive wellness experience deeply rooted in Finnish nature, located on the shores of Lake Saimaa. The resort combines traditional log architecture with immersive spa facilities inspired by caves and natural formations, creating a unique and atmospheric setting. Its spa concept centres on relaxation, seasonal rituals and a close connection to the surrounding landscape. Guests can move seamlessly between indoor thermal experiences and the calm of the lake and forest. With its strong sense of place and focus on wellbeing, Järvisydän stands out as a leading spa destination in Finland, blending nature, design and tradition into a holistic and memorable experience.
Sustainability & Innovation
Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4, Uusimaa, Helsinki
Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 represents a new benchmark for sustainable hospitality in Finland, combining forward-thinking design with a clear environmental vision. Located on Helsinki’s waterfront in Katajanokka, the hotel is part of a pioneering timber-built development that highlights low-impact construction and circular principles. Sustainability is embedded throughout the operation, from energy efficiency and material choices to responsible sourcing and daily practices. The hotel also holds both Green Key and Sustainable Travel Finland certifications, underlining its commitment to verified standards. With its blend of innovation, architecture and conscious hospitality, it sets a new direction for the Nordic hotel landscape.
Best City Hotel
Hotel St. George Helsinki,Uusimaa, Helsinki
Hotel St. George stands out as one of Helsinki’s most distinctive city hotels, seamlessly combining design, art, and wellness in a refined urban setting. Housed in a historic building near Old Church Park, the hotel balances heritage architecture with a contemporary, culturally driven identity. A curated art collection runs throughout the property, while the spa and wellness facilities add depth to the guest experience. Rooms are thoughtfully designed with a calm, residential feel, reflecting modern Nordic aesthetics. With its strong sense of concept, quiet sophistication and attention to detail, Hotel St. George offers a more introspective and creative take on luxury, appealing to design-conscious travellers seeking both inspiration and wellbeing in the Finnish capital.
Best Boutique Hotel
Jávri Lodge, Lappi, Saariselkä
Jávri Lodge offers an intimate and highly personal take on boutique hospitality, set in the remote landscapes of Finnish Lapland. Originally built as a private residence for President Urho Kekkonen, the lodge carries a unique historical significance, adding depth to its secluded setting. With only a handful of rooms, it delivers an exclusive, home-like atmosphere where privacy and personalised service are central to the experience. Surrounded by forest and open wilderness, Jávri Lodge invites guests to connect with nature through seasonal activities and quiet reflection. Combining heritage, intimacy and refined simplicity, it stands as a distinctive destination for boutique hospitality in the far north.
Best Value
Hotel Haven, Uusimaa, Helsinki
Hotel Haven offers a refined yet approachable take on luxury in the heart of Helsinki, combining comfort, design, and service at a strong value level. Overlooking the harbour and Market Square, the hotel provides a calm and elegant retreat within the city. Its rooms are spacious and thoughtfully designed, blending classic style with contemporary Nordic touches. A warm, residential atmosphere and attentive service create a sense of ease and familiarity. With its central location, high standards and consistent quality, Hotel Haven delivers a well-balanced experience, setting a benchmark for value-driven luxury in Helsinki’s evolving hospitality landscape.
Best Gourmet Hotel
Wilderness Hotel Juutua, Lappi, Inari
Wilderness Hotel Juutua offers a distinctive take on gourmet hospitality in Finnish Lapland, where cuisine is deeply connected to nature, culture, and seasonality. Located along the Juutua River in Inari, the hotel reflects the traditions of the Sámi region, both in its setting and its culinary philosophy. The restaurant highlights local ingredients such as Arctic fish, game and wild herbs, prepared with precision and a strong sense of place. Combined with contemporary design and an intimate atmosphere, the experience feels both authentic and refined. Wilderness Hotel Juutua sets a new direction for northern gourmet hospitality, where storytelling, landscape and gastronomy come together seamlessly.
Best Hideaway Hotel
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, Lappi, Rovaniemi
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel offers a unique hideaway experience in Finnish Lapland, where contemporary design meets the stillness of Arctic nature. Set among the pine forests of Rovaniemi, the hotel’s signature treehouse-style suites are elevated and oriented towards panoramic views, creating a strong sense of privacy and immersion. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the surrounding landscape indoors, whether covered in snow or lit by the midnight sun. The experience is defined by calm, comfort and a deep connection to nature. Arctic TreeHouse Hotel stands as a leading example of modern northern hospitality, combining design, atmosphere and location into a distinctive and memorable retreat.
Hotel Entrepreneur of the Year
Juha Mähönen, The-Hotel-Maria
Juha Mähönen has played a significant role in shaping contemporary Finnish hospitality through a clear vision and strong focus on guest experience. With extensive leadership experience across the industry, he has contributed to elevating standards within both hotel operations and strategic development. Known for his ability to combine commercial understanding with a deep appreciation for quality, Mähönen represents a modern approach to hospitality leadership. His work reflects a commitment to innovation, team culture and long-term value creation. Through his continued influence, he remains an important figure in the evolution of Finland’s hospitality landscape, helping to define its direction on both a national and international level.
