Hotel Lilla Roberts

TL;DR

• Art Deco inspired: Large boutique hotel full of glass, geometric motifs and opulent touches.
• Comfortable stay: High-quality rooms & amenities, and friendly vibes.
• Central Helsinki: Easy access to major attractions, markets, museums, and transport links.
• Guest-approved: Reviews praise location, staff, and breakfast.
• Check prices here

Hotel Lilla Roberts, in Kaartinkaupunki is on the large side for a boutique hotel, something surprisingly common in Helsinki.

It’s a vaguely brutalist number that does, we’ll admit, contrast nicely with the more ornamental, government type buildings around it.

Once inside though, we’re back in Boutique Hotel World.

The interiors of Hotel Lilla Roberts are full of Art Deco inspiration – plenty of glass, geometric motifs, and opulent touches.

To us, it feels a bit international derivative, not so Helsinki-born and bred. We generally like the idea of something a bit more localised.

However, the accommodation and amenities are high quality, the atmosphere very pleasant, and the rates very reasonable.

What are the rooms like?

• 130 rooms: Spacious options from King/Twin to Style, Lux and Suites with generous layouts.
• Stylish decor: Modern black-and-white basics with creative touches in higher-end rooms.
• Well-equipped: Comfortable beds, robes, smart TVs, and extras like Nespresso and audio systems in suites.
• See each room in detail here

Rooms are stylish, if a bit standardised. They offer plenty of space, even in the most basic King and Twin Rooms.

The decor is predictable, a sort of black and white with the odd silver tone and enough neutrals to ensure it doesn’t feel like a set piece from The Favourite.

Once you get into the upper-range rooms like Style, Lux and Suites, things get a little more creative.

Think chartreuse velvet, zebra-print upholstery, and fluffy lampshades. The chic kind of whimsy is quite appealing.

Basic amenities are super-comfy, including top-notch linens, robes, slippers, giant smart TVs, and working areas.

A minibar with a tea and coffee tray means you don’t have to leave the room until you’re entirely ready.

Suites and speciality rooms include extra features like Nespresso machines, audio systems, dining areas, and more.

What are prices like?

• Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

• Nordic cuisine: On-site restaurants offer classic Finnish dishes with seasonal menus.
• Bright bar: Bar Lilla uses locally-inspired ingredients in a sunny, window-filled space.
• Extras: 24-hour gym, rentable spaces, and helpful staff for local tips.

The onsite restaurants are the most Finland-centric part of the hotel, and they’re quite charming.

Krog Roba restaurant is open for breakfast through dinner for Nordic classics like breakfast spreads, plenty of fish, and many root vegetable-based classics.

It is a seasonal menu, so in the summer you’ll get a variety of great produce, though we, by company policy, are committed to the glory of potato dishes.

Bar Lilla is the spot for good cocktails, done up with locally-inspired ingredients.

It’s one of many stylish spaces in the hotel, but we especially love the many windows. A hotel bar designed to be bright and sunny whenever possible is a nice touch.

A 24 hour gym is on-site, and various hotel spaces are available for rent.

Ask the super-helpful staff for anything else you’re looking for. Helsinki is the kind of place you’ll want some local recommendations for.

How is the neighbourhood? Anything interesting nearby?

• Central location: Easy walking access to Kauppatori Market, Senate Square and surrounding museums.
• Cultural attractions: Architecture & Design Museum, Oodi library, Kaisaniemi botanic garden, and more nearby.
• City exploring: Superb public transport, cycling-friendly streets, and options for seaside excursions.

Hotel Lilla Roberts is very central, all typical attractions within walking distance, and Helsinki is a very walkable city.

Kauppatori Market and its lively, old city atmosphere are basically just across the street.

The nearby Architecture & Design Museum is a great place to start before checking out the various architectural gems around the centre.

Senate Square and its grand architecture is just over 10 minutes walk, and there are plenty of other museums in the area.

They vary in quality and theme, but we’re confident you’ll find something you like.

And if you don’t, it’s a super-easy city centre to get out of. Public transportation is superb, and streets are well-suited for cyclists.

Oodi library and its nearby park, the Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden, are definitely worth a trip.

Hakaniemi is home to a more authentic market than the one you’ll find by the hotel.

If you simply want to enjoy the fresh Nordic air, Ullanlinna or Töölö offer endless seaside charm.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

“Fantastic central location; friendly and knowledgeable staff, excellent breakfast selection….”

“Stylish, well appointed and spotlessly clean room and the excellent breakfast make for excellent value at this elegant boutique hotel in the heart of Helsinki….”

Some things guests didn’t like:

”Perhaps a tray for our boots, as is was snowing, and had lots of grit on them, and in the room there was no where to put them….”

”The max 23 room temp still got cold overnight….”

Read all the reviews right here