Best Western Hotel CarltonEditor's Pick

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Just north of Helsinki's central train station on a street lined with cafés and restaurants sits the Best Western Carlton, a dependable and stylish pick.

For a chain hotel, the Carlton is surprisingly small, with just 19 guestrooms in an attractive building dating back to the 1930's. Interestingly, the hotel only recently became part of the Best Western empire (before it was simply Hotel Carlton), so expect more personality than the name suggests. For starters, the lounge and breakfast area is appealingly decorated in a palette of warm tones and sun motifs, and a large, onion-shaped lamp draped in cloth puts a earthy spin on things.

In the rooms, tasteful minimalism reigns. Bedding is white, punctuated with black pillows and blankets. Tropical, Gaugin-inspired scenes or spicy matador prints hang above the headboards. Bathrooms have fresh white tiles and shiny black flooring. Toiletries and a hairdryer sit in a black wicker basket atop the modern porcelain and wood sink. Most rooms look out over busy Kaisaniemenkatu, and, without soundproofed windows, run the risk of getting street noise at night.

The Carlton's reception area doubles as a café, Robert's Coffee, where drinks and pastries are available. Breakfast (included) is served in the cozy seating area to the right. The Iguana Restaurant, which offers up Tex-Mex fare, is also connected to the hotel's lobby.

» Sarah Silbert

Note: This hotel was visited by a EuroCheapo editor and is recommended based on cleanliness, location, price and overall quality. EuroCheapo did not charge this hotel to be listed.