Hotel F6

Don’t let the slightly impenetrable name put you off — Helsinki’s Hotel F6 is family-owned, family-operated, and as friendly as can be, right down to the occasional appearances by Runar, the hotel dog. And while the location is central, just across the Esplanadi park from the central business district, the atmosphere is relaxed and casual, helped along by the inner courtyard lounge, which, weather permitting, offers a perfectly whimsical escape, like a bit of AstroTurf Palm Springs relocated to the far north.

The rooms are stylish, spare but not stark, with luxe Unikulma beds and modern spa-style bathrooms. Standard and Superior rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the Deluxe category spreads out over 40 square meters and adds an in-room espresso machine and a generous living area with a sofa and desk. And all of it is a picture-perfect example of contemporary Nordic style, with that familiar blond wood and modernist-inspired furniture.

A cocktail and wine bar named for Runar the dog, and a breakfast service featuring herbs grown in the hotel’s greenhouse garden, round out the services. While there’s no restaurant, you’re hardly in a food desert here in central Helsinki — and a delivery service will connect you with local restaurants if you prefer to stay in.