This elegant hotel is next to Helsinki Central Station, 5 minutes’ walk from the Esplanadi shopping streets. It offers a rooftop terrace, in-room flat-screen TVs, plus free sauna and WiFi access. Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Helsinki was built for the 1952 Olympics and is set in a heritage-listed building. The rooms include air conditioning, a minibar and modern décor. The stylish á la carte restaurant offers a mix of Finnish and international dishes. After-dinner drinks can be enjoyed in the bar, which offers magnificent views of Helsinki’s bustling city centre. The friendly staff is happy to provide tourist information and other services. Housed in the same building is Sokos Department Store, where guests enjoy a 10 % discount.