Heritage, Reimagined: Hotel Kämp Unveils 22 New Suites and Rooms in Historic Wing

In an exquisite fusion of old-world elegance and contemporary comfort, Finland’s first grand hôtel, Hotel Kämp, introduces 22 completely new rooms and suites. Located within the historical Helander House, the expansion into the new space celebrates Kämp’s enduring legacy, taking inspiration from the aesthetics of the Finnish Golden Age.

Since 1887, Hotel Kämp in central Helsinki has stood as a beacon of both Finnish excellence and a European hospitality tradition. Having reopened in 1999 after a major renovation, the grande dame of the Finnish capital now enters a new era, adding 22 suites and rooms through an entirely new wing. The new extension, located in a building known as Helander House, blends the elegance of the hotel’s classical interiors with the modern needs of today’s hotel guests.

– First opened in 1887, Hotel Kämp has always been a significant part of Helsinki’s history. In this refurbishment project, we aim to honor the hotel’s rich history while updating it to meet today’s and tomorrow’s standards. We’re proud to announce that a major milestone, the new extension, is now complete, says Tuomas Liewendahl, General Manager of Hotel Kämp.

The Rebirth of an Icon

The new rooms mark the completion of the latest phase of the refurbishment project of Hotel Kämp. This larger refurbishment is set to be completed by the summer of 2026, resulting in a fully renovated hotel. This includes a main entrance that will be relocated back to its original spot, a lobby elevated to new standards, and a bar and restaurant area undergoing a complete makeover.

Having now expanded into the adjacent building, the veneered Hotel Kämp has effectively added 3,100 square meters to its grounds. Its interiors showcase marble, brass, and solid wood, using authentic and high-quality materials chosen to age beautifully. Modern technology completes the experience with adjustable lighting and smart climate control that adapts to individual preferences. 

– The goal in designing the extension was to create an elegant and timelessly classic entity that harmonizes with the original architecture and Kämp’s long history, Liewendahl explains.

Inspired Interiors for Contemporary Needs

Kämp’s new halls are the work of Helsinki-based design agency Fyra. Established in 2010, the award-winning Fyra are known for their insightful, responsible concepts, combined with an unparalleled aesthetic sensitivity. Their new rooms draw inspiration from various sources; both Finnish history and iconic Finnish artists, as well as the seasons, can be found in the design.

– The interiors of the new rooms reflect the aesthetics of the Finnish Golden Age. We drew inspiration from Helene Schjerfbeck’s stunning works and the building’s grand staircase. We also wanted to highlight the unique views from the windows, offering guests the option to enjoy breakfast or dinner with a beautiful park view, says Eva-Marie Eriksson, founder and lead designer at Design Agency Fyra.

Much like the seasons, the crown jewel of the new wing arrives with summer: the opulent Sibelius Suite. With its bright, summer-inspired interiors, this 179-square-meter, 3-room pièce de résistance comes with all the hallmarks of grandeur. This includes an expansive living room that opens up to the Esplanadi Park, a well-equipped kitchen ideal for entertaining, and a majestic bathroom with its own in-suite sauna facility. Even the suite’s armchairs have their own story, having previously belonged to the iconic Mannerheim Suite, now restored and reupholstered. 

Representing Spring are the new Executive Suites (79-92 sqm). These provide a serene retreat, bathed in natural light. The golden interiors feature a separate living area and a marble bathroom. These suites showcase carefully selected furnishings and rich textures—and, for a selected number of Executive Suites, a private sauna as well.

For a grounded and more autumnal feel, look no further than to the indulgent Courtyard Twin Suites (50 sqm). Like the name implies, these autumn-inspired suites offer a courtyard view. Designed for families and groups, they prioritize both style and functionality, making it an ideal choice for both short and extended stays. Two separate bedrooms create privacy, while the peaceful living room invites socializing. Topping it off with a modern kitchen, the Courtyard Twin Suite is where relaxation and sophistication come together.

The new, sleek Kämp Suites (55-75 sqm) prove that cooler tones still can create an inviting setting. With its winter-inspired design, the Kämp Suites offer a characteristic fusion of a timeless air and modern refinement, featuring a separate bedroom, a living room, and a stately marble bathroom. The bathroom is complete with a deep soaking tub, separate walk-in shower, double washbasin, and a separate toilet.

Last, but certainly not least, are the Junior Park Suites (40-58 sqm) and the Executive Park View Rooms (37 sqm). Both feature beautiful views of the Esplanadi Park. What unites all of the new rooms in the new wing is the big focus on sustainability. Having been a key focus in the design process, much of the existing interior has been carefully restored. Think historical features such as ornate ceiling moldings, tiled stoves, and original doors, all brought back to life and into the future. 

Still, one more jewel remains to be unveiled. The Mannerheim Suite is currently being refurbished and will reopen in spring next year.

Reviving a Storied Address

The wing might be new, but the building that houses Kämp’s expanded grounds is rich in history. It occupies what was long known as Helander House, recognized for its ornate appearance and colorful history. Originally a single-story residence, the building was transformed in 1865 when Swiss-born Fiorio Anton Catani built a three-story stone building on the site. The well-known Catani confectionery, originally based in Porvoo, moved in and later became a popular restaurant in the area.

The current, larger building was completed in 1890. The ground-floor Catani restaurant was a favorite among the era’s sports and cultural elite. The restaurant featured decorative paintings and even a ladies-only Rococo room café. The top four floors of the building were spacious apartments.

Catani’s restaurant closed in 1917. In 1921, businessman Ilmari Helander opened a textile and haberdashery shop in the building’s ground floor, which led to the name “Helander House.” Helander introduced modern comforts like elevators and central heating. In more recent years, the building housed the Kämp Galleria shopping center and office spaces.

Read more and discover the reimagined Hotel Kämp at www.hotelkamp.com.