As someone who’s constantly chasing that magical blend of comfort, style, and local charm when I travel, Turku, Finland completely surprised me. This southwestern city, once Finland’s capital and still a major cultural hub, has a laid-back elegance that seeps into its hospitality scene. From riverside boutique hotels to impeccably designed modern stays and atmospheric guesthouses in cobbled Old Town streets, Turku offers a refreshing range of accommodations that don’t just give you a place to sleep—but help you experience the city.
In this article, I’ll walk you through three of my favorite types of accommodations in Turku, all based on my personal stays: a scenic riverside hotel, a minimalist-chic design hotel, and a charming old-town inn. I’ll include pricing, service experience, booking tips, and why each one deserves a place on your travel itinerary.
1. Riverside Luxury at Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone
📍 Location: Humalistonkatu 2, about a 7-minute walk from the Aura River
💰 Price Range: €130–€180 per night (standard room), breakfast included
☕ What I Loved: Breakfast, river proximity, peaceful atmosphere
📦 How I Booked: Through Booking.com for flexibility and free cancellation
Let’s start with something classic and scenic. The Aura River is essentially the heartbeat of Turku, and staying near it is the best way to tap into the city’s rhythm. My stay at Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone offered just that. This stylish four-star hotel is nestled just a few blocks from the river, and although it isn’t directly riverside, many of the upper-floor rooms—mine included—still offer lovely partial views of the water and the green city beyond.
The hotel building has a history dating back to the 1920s, but a recent renovation gave it a fresh, modern identity. Think: dark-toned woods, velvet textures, statement lighting, and rooms that feel more like an upscale urban apartment than a hotel. My favorite feature? The Solo breakfast. It’s made-to-order, and the Finnish-style scrambled eggs and smoked salmon are as good as they sound.
Service was fantastic—polished yet warm. The staff offered great local tips, and I appreciated the small touches like slippers and plush bathrobes. There’s a gym and a cozy lobby lounge, too. While it’s not the cheapest hotel in Turku, the experience justifies the cost, especially for couples or solo travelers seeking both quietude and access to the city.
2. Design Haven at Scandic Julia
📍 Location: Eerikinkatu 4, right by the riverside and Turku Market Hall
💰 Price Range: €110–€150 per night for standard rooms
☕ What I Loved: Sleek design, location, sustainability efforts
📦 How I Booked: Through Hotels.com, using rewards credit
If you’re into clean lines, Nordic minimalism, and eco-conscious touches, Scandic Julia will feel like home. Located just steps from the bustling Turku Market Hall and overlooking the Aura River promenade, this hotel is as central as it gets. You’ll walk out the door and find yourself amidst coffee shops, design boutiques, and some of Turku’s best restaurants.
My room had large windows that brought in plenty of natural light (summer midnight sun, anyone?), and the aesthetic was very Scandinavian—white walls, ash wood finishes, and geometric patterns on the textiles. I stayed in a superior room with a small sitting area, which was perfect for writing my daily travel notes while sipping Finnish coffee from the in-room kettle.
I especially appreciated Scandic’s commitment to sustainability. Everything from the organic cotton linens to their recycling system spoke to a clear environmental focus. Their breakfast buffet had plenty of plant-based options, too—chia pudding, vegan pastries, and oat milk galore.
The service was professional and efficient. The front desk staff helped me arrange a same-day trip to the Turku Archipelago ferry, and they had excellent local recommendations. The hotel also offers free bike rentals, which I definitely took advantage of. For a design-forward stay that’s both ethical and central, Scandic Julia is a solid choice.
3. Old-World Charm at Hotel Kakola
📍 Location: Kakolankatu 14, hilltop area formerly home to Turku’s prison
💰 Price Range: €120–€170 per night
☕ What I Loved: Architecture, character, quiet location
📦 How I Booked: Through Expedia with package discount
Yes, I stayed in a former prison, and no—it was not at all creepy. In fact, Hotel Kakola is one of the most unique places I’ve ever stayed in Europe. Perched atop Kakolanmäki Hill, overlooking the city and river below, this boutique hotel was once part of a 19th-century prison complex, now masterfully converted into a luxurious and character-rich property.
Every room is a bit different, and mine featured vaulted ceilings, thick stone walls, and bespoke furniture made from reclaimed materials. Despite its historic bones, the room felt warm, modern, and surprisingly romantic. I opted for a “Superior King” room which cost me around €140 a night, including access to a delightful breakfast buffet served in what used to be the prison cafeteria (don’t worry, it’s much cozier now).
One thing I particularly loved about Hotel Kakola is its storytelling. The hotel doesn’t shy away from its past—instead, it embraces it with stylish dark interiors, storytelling elements, and little nods to its former life. The staff were some of the friendliest I encountered in Turku. They even offer a guided walking tour of the Kakola area, which is full of history, architecture, and a newly revived local brewery.
The only small caveat is that the hotel is about a 15-minute walk from the city center, partially uphill. But there’s now a funicular (yes, really!) that takes you up the hill from the riverside area—free to use and actually quite fun.
Bonus Tip: Where I Didn’t Stay But Will Next Time
During my research and conversations with locals, one name kept coming up: Park Hotel Turku, a family-run boutique hotel housed in a Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) villa across from the Puolalanpuisto Park. With antique-filled rooms and a breakfast garden terrace, it offers a more classic European charm.
It’s around €100–€140 a night, and multiple travelers told me it’s ideal for romantic getaways or nostalgic travelers who enjoy traditional decor. It’s on my list for next time.
Which Should You Pick?
Each of these hotels in Turku has its own distinct personality, and choosing the right one really comes down to your travel style and what kind of experience you’re hoping to have.
💖 Looking for romance and riverside peace?
Go for Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone.
This hotel is a favorite for couples or solo travelers looking to unwind in a stylish, serene setting. Its close proximity to the Aura River makes for romantic evening strolls, and the elegantly renovated interiors are cozy yet sophisticated. The rooms feel like a chic city apartment, complete with soft lighting, plush furnishings, and thick curtains that make mornings extra restful. Whether you’re enjoying a slow breakfast with smoked salmon and fresh berries or winding down in their comfy lounge with a glass of Finnish wine, it’s an oasis in the heart of Turku.
🧠 Design lover and city explorer?
You’ll feel right at home at Scandic Julia.
This hotel is ideal for travelers who want to stay in the middle of the action without sacrificing style or comfort. The clean, minimalistic Nordic design appealed to my inner aesthete—from the furniture to the lighting, everything was sleek, functional, and beautiful. And the location? Unbeatable. You’re literally steps away from the Market Hall, boutique shops, local eateries, and the Aura River promenade. I particularly loved how eco-conscious this hotel is—recycling options, energy-efficient systems, and a breakfast buffet filled with healthy, sustainable choices like oat milk, plant-based yogurts, and even vegan pastries.
🎭 History buff or curious traveler?
Hotel Kakola will absolutely captivate you.
Staying here is like becoming part of a story. Once a prison, now a thoughtfully reimagined boutique hotel, it’s perfect for travelers who are drawn to places with a soul. The rooms are uniquely designed with respect for the building’s past, combining stone and wood textures with luxurious touches. From the moment I arrived, I could feel that this wasn’t just another hotel—it was an experience. The guided walking tour of the Kakola hill area was a surprising highlight, offering insight into the prison’s history, urban renewal, and local craft beer culture. The slight distance from the city center is easily compensated by the funicular ride—free, quick, and scenic.
For all three of these properties, I found the best booking flexibility and prices through platforms like Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia. Whether you’re using loyalty rewards, bundling a hotel with flights, or just looking for free cancellation, these sites consistently offer competitive rates and peace of mind—both of which are non-negotiable for me when planning trips across Europe.
Turku may not be the first city that springs to mind when you think of iconic Nordic destinations, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s a city that surprises you quietly—with its riverside serenity, its passion for design, and its thoughtful reinvention of history. The right place to stay doesn’t just offer you a bed—it deepens your experience of the city. And in Turku, that experience is as rich, layered, and memorable as the places you’ll sleep.
