Kakola Hotel’s impressive red-bricked building is perched on the historic Kakola Hill. The former prison-turned-hotel combines Nordic elegance with a calm, relaxed atmosphere. Guests at Kakola Hotel can unwind in the luxurious spa or enjoy the beautifully designed rooms that feel more like a boutique retreat than a cellblock.
Disclosure: I was hosted by Hotel Kakola during my visit. As always, my thoughts and experiences are honest and personal. I do not use affiliate links.
Location: Ride Finland’s Only Funicular to Kakola Hill
Kakola Hotel opened its doors in the fall of 2020, after being transformed from the infamous prison that once dominated Kakola Hill. Today, the hill has a completely different atmosphere with a café and a roastery, brewery, unique shops, and stylish residential buildings.
It’s also a great base for sightseeing. Turku Castle and the railway station are just 2 km away, while the bustling Market Square is a quick 1.6 km stroll. And if the climb up Kakola Hill feels like too much, don’t worry – just ride Finland’s only funicular and glide your way to the top. The address is Kakolankatu 14.
Style: Inside Kakola Hotel History Meets Contemporary Comfort
The hotel’s red-brick façade dominates the view from the outside, and the lobby continues the theme with a dramatic, slightly dark ambiance. Inside, rooms are decorated in soft, muted pastels, ranging from rosy orange to minty turquoise, creating a cosy yet sophisticated retreat. The lobby and reception impress with their moody atmosphere and glittering chandeliers, striking a balance between elegance and the building’s historic character.
Wandering the corridors, you’ll notice a distinctive nod to the building’s prison past. Original features such as cell doors remain, adding intrigue without feeling overwhelming. For a truly unique experience, you can book a cell-like room, which is also available in family sizes. If you prefer a standard room, varying from attic and pet-friendly rooms to the luxurious Turku and Kakola suites, you can still glimpse a preserved cell near the hotel’s breakfast room and restaurant.
Kakola Hotel is also renowned for its underground spa, located just a few hundred meters away. Guests can enjoy three pools, five saunas, and a variety of relaxing treatments. This is the perfect ending to a day of sightseeing in Turku.
My visit: A Day of Relaxation and Exploration at Hotel Kakola & Kakola Hill
I had the pleasure of a complimentary stay in the Junior Suite at Hotel Kakola (starts from 259€). Arriving from the morning ferry, I was allowed to check in early to get some rest after an ill-slept night on the waves. The official check-in time is 3 PM. A bit of sleep set me up perfectly for a day of exploring the Kakola Hill area.
Walking around Kakola Hill was a delight. Though I once lived in Naantali near Turku and know the city well, this hill felt almost new due to its recent transformation. The buildings retain the hotel’s austere red and grey brick style, yet hide charming shops and a café & roastery at ground level. I stopped at a local café for a sweet treat and an excellent cup of coffee. Then I returned to the hotel for lunch at their Restaurant Ruben.
The Spa at Hotel Kakola Turku
After a short rest (again!), it was time to unwind at the hotel’s underground spa. Book in advance. Arriving at 6 PM, the receptionist gave me a towel and a robe at the check-in desk. Everything you need – from towels to soaps – is included in the spa price. All you need is your wallet if you want a drink or small snacks from the pool bar. Phones and photography are strictly forbidden, which I appreciate.
Despite a lively Friday crowd of friends and couples, the spa maintained a calm, even serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxation. I spent some quiet alone time in the salt pool, swimming and relaxing. My favourite experience was a sauna adorned with fir branches. The sauna stove, made in Germany, releases a gentle pine aroma as the steam rises – an indulgent, sensory treat.
Post-spa, I wandered to the Kakola Hill Brewery. It is conveniently located just across from the hotel (the café I visited earlier is next door). The relaxed vibe made it the perfect spot to enjoy a local brew and pizza after the saunas and pools.
After all the indulgence, returning to my comfortable, tranquil Junior Suite, I slept peacefully. A perfect end to a day at Hotel Kakola.
Rooms start at 129€
I enjoyed a complimentary stay in the Junior Suite, courtesy of Hotel Kakola.
