Helsinki's best hotels are found in and around the city centre, but for a truly Finnish experience visitors will also find log cabins for rent in Rastila, just a short drive from the city. Hotel prices in the centre can be quite steep.

As the centre is rather compact, most of the hotels in this area are within walking distance of the important city sights. The luxurious Hotel Kämp is located next to Esplanade Park, Market Square and Stockmann. A good business hotel choice in the centre is the Hotel Marski, found opposite Mannerheimintie and Stockman. Another top-end choice is the Presidentti, not far from Parliament House, and a casino and cinema are housed in the same building.

Although most hotels in the centre are pricey, there are a few moderately-priced options. One is the Klaus K, located on Bulevardi in a surprisingly peaceful spot in the centre. The Guesthouse Omapohja is also centrally located and is a small and classy hotel with staff speaking a number of languages. The Omapohja is found near Kaisaniemi Park, the main rail station and the National Theatre.

The Kamppi district provides visitors with a different side of Helsinki, where business and leisure travellers will find a good selection of more moderately-priced accommodation options not far from the main rail station and Mannerheimintie. Loads of bars, restaurants and boutiques are found in Kampii as well.

The Hotel Torni, Helsinki's tallest building, is a more upmarket choice in Kampii, as is the Lordhotel, situated on Lönnrotinkatu, not far from Hietalahti Market Square. Adjacent to the square is the Hotel Haaga, featuring spectacular views of the sea from most of its guest rooms. It's also quite near Länsisatama, the departure point for boats to Tallinn, Estonia.

Of the less-expensive options in Kamppi are the Hostel Lönnrot on Lönnrotinkatu and the Hotel Finn, a small property on Kalevankatu. The latter is near Mannerheimintie and located next to the Kosmos restaurant and the Forum shopping centre and is suitable for families.

Adjacent to the centre is the Töölö district, an urban neighbourhood with excellent access to transport to all areas of the city. It is home to many of the city's artists and to excellent restaurants, with new bars and restaurants opening quite regularly.

The Töölö district's biggest and best hotels are the SAS Seaside and the Scandic Hotel Continental, both attracting business travellers. The latter is on Mannerheimintie, close to Finlandia Hall and the Opera House. Töölö's market square is also nearby, offering a variety of small shops and featuring Functionalist architecture. A moderately-priced hotel in the district is the Hotel Helka.