Helsinki’s Best Budget Hotels – 10 places where you can find a room for under €100

When it comes to price, location and quality, Citybox in Hakaniemi is a safe bet among Helsinki’s budget hotels. I’ve never left feeling short-changed or disappointed here. If you spot a room for around €60, book it quickly before someone else does.

When you arrive, you’ll find self-service kiosks in the lobby instead of a traditional reception desk – check-in is quick and easy. The machine will print your key card and even a locker key for your luggage after check-out. Staff are on-site 24/7 if you need assistance.

Among the hotel’s 178 rooms are several types to suit different travellers, including options for families or groups of up to six people. The most affordable rooms are around 14 square metres and sleep two. Opened in 2024, the rooms are still in excellent condition, with dark tones creating a calm, stylish atmosphere. One reason prices stay low is that there are no TVs or minibars in the rooms.

The Hakaniemi location is unbeatable – close to both central and eastern Helsinki. The metro station is on the same block, and trams and buses (including airport bus 600) stop at Hakaniemi Square. A 24-hour S-market supermarket in the nearby Ympyrätalo building is just a few hundred metres away. The metro ride to the centre takes five minutes, or around 20 minutes on foot. Then again, you might not need to head downtown at all – this side of the city has more than enough bars and restaurants to keep you entertained.

You can even do your laundry at Citybox. The machines aren’t tucked away in a dark basement – the laundry room has a large window facing Porthaninkatu. While you wait, you can eat your own food in the lobby, work remotely or watch TV.

Time Out tip: Sign up for Citybox’s free Friends loyalty programme to get 10 percent off when booking directly on the hotel’s website. If you reserve a Standard Double room, you’ll also enjoy early check-in and late check-out.

Address: Kolmas linja 8 B

Expect to pay: Rooms from €61

Located in Ruskeasuo, Valo Hotel & Work is known for its co-working spaces and seventh-floor wellness area, complete with rooftop log saunas. The hotel was named Finland’s Best Hotel at the World Travel Awards in both 2023 and 2024.

Valo attracts business travellers, deal-hunters and spa-lovers alike. You can check in independently, but there’s also staff at the reception 24/7. The heart of the building is a high-ceilinged lobby where people work, chat and hang out.

The Smart room is the budget traveller’s choice – about 12 square metres with everything you need, including a TV and fridge. The bed cleverly converts into a desk for remote work. If you don’t mind compact spaces, you won’t miss a thing here. For solo travellers, there’s more than enough room.

Breakfast and access to the wellness area aren’t included in the lowest rates. So, is it worth paying extra? Absolutely – if you’ve got time to relax and unwind. On the rooftop you’ll find log saunas, a cold plunge and a hot tub; indoors there’s a pool, saunas and a steam room. Even locals come here for a mini staycation. Before hitting the spa, go for a walk in nearby Central Park.

Downstairs, there’s a restaurant and bar that doubles as a café by day. It’s worth adding breakfast to your booking – the price difference is usually small, and you’ll leave full. Try the roasted potatoes, crispy veggie balls and the porridge bar.

You’d never get all this for the same price in central Helsinki. From Valo, you can reach the city centre by tram 10, several buses or on a city bike. Set on Mannerheimintie, it’s easy to find even if you’ve never been to Helsinki before. Driving from Tampere, you’ll pass right by it.

Time Out tip: Head to the wellness area for a soak on a weekday afternoon – that’s when it’s at its quietest.

Address: Mannerheimintie 109

Expect to pay: Rooms from €60

Who hasn’t dreamed at the end of a holiday of just staying in the hotel? In the 2020s, that idea isn’t so far-fetched. 

Noli Studios is a fast-growing aparthotel chain with seven properties around the Helsinki area. You can stay for a night, a week or a month – yes, you can even live there. The longer you stay, the cheaper it gets.

The first Noli Studios opened in 2021 in Katajanokka, in Kesko’s former headquarters, and a second hotel has since opened on the same street. Both have their own facilities and both are worth recommending – just pick whichever offers the better deal. The Katajanokka locations are the most charming of the Noli properties. Nearby are the Viking Line ferry terminal, Market Square and Allas Sea Pool. You can walk or hop on trams 4, 6T or 7T to reach the centre.

The smallest and cheapest studios are under 20 square metres, but come with dishwashers – and many even have washing machines with detergent included. You can cook light meals in your own kitchenette. There’s no TV, but hairdryers and irons are available to borrow from supply cupboards in the corridors.

Staff are on-site only part of the time, and check-in and check-out can be done independently. Guests at both hotels can use the gym in Noli Katajanokka I. There are saunas in both buildings (Noli II’s are on the rooftop terrace), but only Noli I has hot tubs and a steam room. A fun detail: both properties offer shared-use bikes and a shared car.

Noli’s concept is built around community: the lounges, co-working spaces and shared kitchens make it easy to chat with other guests, and regular events bring people together.

Time Out tip: If prices in Katajanokka are high, check out other Noli locations in Helsinki. There are great options in Sörnäinen and Herttoniemi, both along the metro line.

Address: Kanavakatu 1 and 3

Expect to pay: Rooms from €65

Bob W Kaarti wins you over the moment you step into the lobby. With its stylish décor and inviting sofas, you can’t help but wonder – can budget accommodation really look this good?

Bob W is a Finnish hospitality tech company operating in more than ten European countries, with six hotels in Helsinki and one in Turku. The name stands for “Best of Both Worlds”, a nod to the brand’s concept of offering hotel-quality stays with the independence of an Airbnb-style apartment. Guests can stay for a night, a week or even a month – and with a clear conscience, as Bob W offsets all emissions caused by your stay.

Bob W Kaarti runs entirely on self-service, with no staff on-site. Instead of keycards, you’ll receive a door code to access your apartment. Should anything come up, staff are available around the clock via messaging. It works seamlessly – when I had a sudden issue, it was resolved instantly through WhatsApp.

For budget travellers, the Pocket room is the best option. It’s under 20 square metres but has everything you need – and the only problem might be not wanting to leave. The bathroom may be compact, but it’s spotless and beautifully designed. The room includes a fridge and a small kitchenette, while larger meals can be prepared in the shared kitchen.

From Bob W Kaarti, you can walk to all the main city sights. Kaartinkaupunki is a peaceful neighbourhood – unless you accidentally wander into Kalle, the legendary Kaarle XII nightclub next door, a long-time favourite for after-work drinks and Thursday-night partying.

Time Out tip: Capture your trip memories with the Instax cameras found in the rooms – they print instant polaroid snaps perfect for your fridge door back home. And if you’re wondering whether you can keep the Bob W tote bag hanging by the coat rack, the answer is yes.

Address: Kasarmikatu 40

Expect to pay: Rooms from €70

Scandic is a familiar hotel chain with more than ten locations in Helsinki – but did you know it also has budget-friendly options? Scandic Kallio is ideal for travellers who see their hotel as a comfortable base rather than the main attraction.

The cheapest rooms are either windowless rooms in the older part of the hotel or compact single rooms. Families or friends can get great value from the family rooms. Most of the hotel was refurbished in 2019, with a fresh green palette throughout. Breakfast isn’t included in the lowest rates, but for around €10 extra, it’s well worth it. The small, charming breakfast room has all the essentials you could want in a morning buffet.

You can reach the city centre by tram or metro – but why not spend your trip exploring eastern Helsinki instead? Step outside and you’re in bohemian Kallio, the perfect setting for a classic local pub crawl. Later, you could continue to Siltanen, Kaiku or Kuudes Linja. For a calmer evening, try Blondie’s famous pizza and a film at the Riviera cinema. Cultural hotspots Teurastamo and Vallila Konepaja are also nearby.

From Scandic Kallio, you can easily get to Olympiastadion for concerts and games, or to Helsinki City Theatre, either on foot or by tram. In summer, families love the location – Linnanmäki amusement park is just a 15-minute walk away. And after a long day, you can unwind in the hotel sauna.

Time Out tip: It’s worth joining the free Scandic Friends loyalty programme – you’ll get access to cheaper rates and earn points for each stay. You can also buy Scandic gift cards using Finnair Avios points (a smart move if you never have enough for free flights).

Address: Läntinen Brahenkatu 2

Expect to pay: Rooms from €60

Heymo 1, the first budget hotel from the Sokos Hotels group, offers simply but comfortably furnished rooms. The bright white bathrooms deserve a special mention for their freshness.

But here’s what really sets Heymo 1 apart: check-in starts at 12. Finally, a hotel where a day’s stay actually lasts a full day! There are 262 rooms in total.

Heymo 1 is technically in Espoo, but that hardly matters when Helsinki city centre is just four metro stops away. For drivers, the location means cheaper parking than downtown (€15 per day). The surrounding Keilaniemi area is lined with sleek office towers, but some rooms even have sea views. You can swim year-round at nearby Keilalahti Lagoon – in winter, there’s a hole in the ice and a sauna to warm up afterwards. Evenings here are peaceful.

Staff are available 24/7, and the automated check-in and check-out system has given the reception a new role – at Heymo, the team members are called “fixers”, modern-day concierges who can offer practical help or restaurant tips. They’re friendly, approachable and genuinely helpful.

Breakfast is hearty and well worth the price – if you book it in advance, it’s about €10. Expect porridge, yoghurt, Karelian pies, eggs, sausages, vegetables and cold cuts. In a hurry? Grab one of the ready-made sandwiches. On weekdays, the same space doubles as Swing Deli, serving a popular lunch buffet.

The lobby has relaxed spaces for working or hanging out, plus a kitchen where guests can heat up food or buy snacks. You can store your own groceries in the shared fridge. A free coffee machine is available throughout your stay – a small but much-appreciated perk.

Psst! Heymo’s most unique feature is the Lucky You room, which no one can actually book. Each time it becomes free, it’s raffled off among the guests arriving that day. As for what it looks like? Honestly, we don’t know – only the lucky ones find out.

Time Out tip: Heymo has rooms for up to seven people, ideal for large families or groups of friends. Perfect for bringing back the old-school sleepover.

Address: Miestentie 5, Espoo

Expect to pay: Rooms from €60

Here’s a money-saving tip for Helsinki Airport. Read this if you’re after affordable accommodation right by the airport – especially if you’re arriving from elsewhere in Finland by car and need parking while you’re away.

The Pilot Airport Hotel is a family hotel on a quiet residential street near the airport. Within walking distance you’ll find an Alepa grocery store, Jumbo shopping centre and the Flamingo spa. There’s a restaurant downstairs called Wingman, so if you’re just staying the night you might not need to leave the hotel at all.

Pilot and its sister property the Skyline Hotel offer a generous perk you might not have heard of. When you book a night directly through the hotel, the price includes free parking for one week. You can drive to the hotel and leave your car there while you fly off on holiday. If you stay both before and after your trip, free parking extends to two weeks. You’ll save on airport parking fees – and on the time and hassle of comparing parking services.

A free shuttle runs between the hotel and the airport in about 15 minutes. Services are more limited at weekends than on weekdays. Bus 600 takes you into central Helsinki.

Pilot Airport Hotel’s fresh, tidy rooms are surprisingly cosy – the value for money is excellent. There are spacious family rooms too. In the ground-floor sauna there are separate sessions for women and men every evening.

Early breakfast is available from 3.30. The vibe is homely – almost like eating at a friend’s place. The buffet covers the classics: porridge, breads, eggs, bacon, meatballs, Karelian pies and fresh fruit.

Time Out tip: A ten-minute drive from the hotel you’ll find Haltiala farm with its animals and lovely nature trails. Keep it in mind if you’re travelling with kids or pets.

Address: Veromäentie 1, Vantaa

Expect to pay: Rooms from €70

Hotel Finn is a simple, no-frills budget hotel – and one of the few right in the very centre of Helsinki. Diagonally across the street stands the Stockmann department store, which many locals use as a yardstick for the city’s absolute middle. You won’t get lost walking from the railway station. Just find Mannerheimintie, then Kalevankatu – and you’re there.

Set on the fifth and sixth floors of a handsome old building, the hotel has 37 rooms. Each is individually decorated; they’re not brand new, but they’re clean and homely. All have a private bathroom and TV, and many also have a fridge. Solo travellers fit neatly into the small single rooms, and in addition to doubles there are triples and quads.

There are no common lounges or in-house dining, but you can buy breakfast vouchers at a favourable rate for nearby cafés. Reception staff are present at set times, when free coffee and tea are available. After check-out you can store luggage yourself in lockable corridor lockers.

From the hotel, nightlife, cinemas, museums and galleries are all right outside the door. The Forum and Kamppi shopping centres are on the doorstep, as are the boutiques on Aleksanterinkatu, Esplanadi and Fredrikinkatu.

Time Out tip: Fancy a drink Nearby you’ve got plenty of options. Apotek wine bar – set in a century-old former pharmacy – shares owners with Hotel Finn. Next door at Hotel Torni you’ll find two classics: the American Bar and Ateljee Bar, the latter famous for its loo with a view.

Address: Kalevankatu 3 B

Expect to pay: Rooms from €65

When the Finnish family-run hotel brand Hiisi tells you to ‘go to Hiisi’, don’t be offended – it’s a cheeky twist on the Finnish phrase painu hiiteen, which usually means ‘get lost’. Here, it’s rebranded as a bold invitation to check in and experience something refreshingly local. The brand has had a straightforward, good-humoured approach ever since the idea of offering accommodation took shape by Lake Hiidenvesi. In addition to the capital region, Hiisi runs hotels and furnished apartments elsewhere in Finland.

This 13-room budget hotel in Jätkäsaari operates on a self-service basis. There’s no staff on-site and no breakfast, and you’ll use door codes instead of keycards. Staff are reachable around the clock if needed. This isn’t the place for big experiences – it’s a wallet-friendly, clean base.

Rooms suit parties of 2–5, making it a good fit for families and groups of friends. Thanks to the price, it also works well for solo travellers. All rooms have fridges. I liked the big window with its urban view towards Crusell Bridge and Ruoholahti’s tower blocks.

Guests have access to shared lounges, washing machines and tumble dryers, plus a small kitchen for cooking. Longer stays benefit from the 24-hour Citymarket by Ruoholahti metro station.

Jätkäsaari is a growing district with plenty of services. Close by you’ll find Boneless’s much-loved smash burgers and Vietnamese food at Be My Guest, and the centre isn’t far either. There’s a tram stop right outside, and Ruoholahti metro is under a ten-minute walk. For the Tallink ferries at West Terminal you can take trams 8 or 9T, or walk there in about 15 minutes.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss 18 Grams café in Jätkäsaari, where they geek out over small-batch coffee and spin vinyl. Locals say it’s worth a detour, but from the hotel it’s under ten minutes on foot.

Address: Länsisatamankatu 16

Expect to pay: Rooms from €65

Hate paying for a hotel when you’re only there to sleep? If you're happy to sacrifice a few comforts, many hostels offer private rooms.

The best deal in Helsinki is often Eurohostel in Katajanokka. You can find a standard room for under €50, which feels like the right price for a simple room with shared bathrooms. And to be clear, Eurohostel isn’t a party hostel or just for young people. Guests are of all ages.

Before you book, keep a couple of things in mind. Bed linen is left in the rooms and you make the bed yourself. Little effort has been put into the hostel’s aesthetics, and the rooms may remind you of, well, childhood camps or hospital wards. Everything could use a refresh – especially now that several smart budget hotels have opened in Helsinki in recent years.

So why stay here? Solo travellers or anyone needing a longer stay know how quickly hotel nights add up. Eurohostel’s strengths include friendly staff. A 24-hour reception is reassuring in a hostel where facilities are shared with strangers. Many guests appreciate the sauna, heated morning and evening. Tram 4 runs right past the door and gets you to the centre in just over five minutes. The Viking Line terminal is a ten-minute walk.

Nearby restaurants include the popular pizzeria Via Tribunali and Nepalese spot Everest, while the bars along Kanavaranta offer nightlife. If you prefer to cook, there are three guest kitchens. I’d rather have breakfast elsewhere, but there’s one available for an extra charge in the downstairs restaurant.

Time Out tip: Join the hostel’s loyalty scheme to collect stamps and get every seventh night free. Another good perk is late check-out. To use the benefits, make sure you book directly with the hostel.

Address: Linnankatu 9

Expect to pay: Private rooms from €40