Hotel Kämp Helsinki is undergoing a significant renovation and expansion, including a new extension that adds 22 suites and rooms, as well as a restored main entrance in the historic building. Learn more about Helsinki’s first grand hotel with a spectacular upgrade.
One of the Nordics’ most iconic and well-known institutions, Hotel Kämp in Helsinki, is getting a complete facelift. The grand hôtel of the Finnish capital will be renovated and upgraded to the highest possible standard in the luxury segment. The result will be a completely renovated hotel that can meet the increased demand for a wide selection of luxury hotels.
There are hotels, and there are institutions, and Kämp in Helsinki is among the latter. Since opening in 1887, the country’s first grand hotel has been a discreet stage for diplomats, composers, artists, and statesmen. Kämp didn’t just offer comfort: it introduced Finland to an entirely new vision of civil society and cosmopolitan life.
The refurbishment also includes updated rooms and the opening of new restaurant and bar concepts. The whole project is expected to be completed by summer 2026, with phases being completed throughout 2025, and the hotel remains open during the process.
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“Hotel Kämp is a crown jewel in the Nordic range of hotel experiences. The hotel is widely known and appreciated for offering its guests amazing experiences. Now is the time to give the hotel a proper facelift to continue meeting and exceeding guests’ expectations. The renovation underway is being carried out with great respect for the building’s history,” says hotel owner Petter Stordalen.
Beneath its soaring chandeliers, Helsinki’s society gathered in the Mirror Room. Kämp housed one of Finland’s earliest cinemas; its American-style bar brought cocktail culture to the nation; and its suites were the backdrop to cultural breakthroughs and political meetings that changed the course of history, including the founding of the newspaper of record and serving as HQ for resisting the Soviets.
Key aspects of the upgrade
- New extension: The historic Helander House next to the hotel has been integrated, adding 3,100 square meters of new space, including 22 new rooms and suites.
- New and updated rooms: Rooms have been refurbished to blend classical elegance with modern technology. The new rooms in the extension feature marble bathrooms and intelligent climate control.
- Relocated and restored entrance: The main entrance has been moved back to its original spot, with a new reception area.
- Elevated lobby: The lobby has been redesigned and “elevated to new standards”.
- New dining and bar concepts: Two new concepts, À La Kämp and Kämp Bar, have opened in a new space that combines the restaurant and bar.
- Wellness club: A new, large wellness club has been opened as part of the expansion.
- Sustainable design: The renovation emphasizes sustainability, with high-quality materials and the restoration of historical features like ornate ceiling moldings.
The property owner, Ilmarinen, has signed an extended lease agreement with Nordic Choice Hotels. The deal means Nordic Choice will continue to operate the properties for at least another 20 years.
More than two decades since its last overhaul, Kämp is preparing for its next act. The €100m renovation isn’t simply a matter of upgrading rooms or adding floor space (though it will do both). “This is about staying relevant without becoming a museum,” says Tuomas Liewendahl, Kämp’s general manager.
Timeline
- The project began in late 2023 and is planned to be fully completed by summer 2026.
- Various components have been completed in phases, with a focus on revealing new rooms and facilities throughout 2024 and 2025.
- The hotel has remained open to guests throughout the renovation.
“The collaboration between us as a property owner and Nordic Choice Hotels has a long-term perspective and security to continue developing the operations and properties in the coming years. Sustainability naturally plays an essential role in hotel renovations. Both hotels will be connected to a carbon-neutral district cooling system. Heat recovery devices will be replaced with modern ones. Building automation systems also work according to hotel guests’ needs to avoid unnecessary energy consumption,” says Ville Laurila, Letting Manager at Ilmarinen.
It’s the setting, not the story itself. But, for it to serve people today and tomorrow, it needs a facelift and a bit of modernization.
Helsinki’s First Grand Hotel with a Spectacular Upgrade, written by Tor Kjolberg