Hotel Kakola

Converted prison converted to high quality, quirky hotel accommodation in immaculate condition, retaining a lot of the original prison features. Located a few minutes away from the Aura river, and about equidistant between the Castle and the Cathedral. Check in was friendly, helpful and efficient, with on site parking charges explained (€20 a night). There is a public multi-storey parking facility just outside the prison walls, but we didn’t investigate that. Our room was a good size, well thought out design, and nicely equipped with smart TV, quality bathroom products and comfortable bed. Air conditioning controls were hidden in the side of bed head, but once found was able to switch the fan off so it was nice and quiet overnight. With the walls between rooms being original, it’s very quiet! Breakfast had a good selection of items available, with lovely freshly baked bread, and a variety of ‘hot’ breakfast items too. The ginger shots were a great kick start to the morning. Great, quiet location to base yourself in Turku, which has lots to explore (especially in the sunshine).

Not exactly a place you'd pick if you're looking for a central location, but plenty going on around the hotel with the spa, brewery, cafe and bakery in the same development. Staff were lovely and accommodating - stayed at a quieter time and was asked when checking in whether we had any preferences for the room. Very pleased to go up to a room with a balcony and a bathtub. The room was finished to a high standard - no unnecessary luxuries like a fridge or excessive amounts of cushions. Was pleased with the bed and pillows which were extremely comfortable, the ambient lighting, and the cleanliness of the rooms. Breakfast was decent. Wouldn't recommend the hot breakfast items but plenty to choose from hot and cold, and felt the cold was great - plenty of Karelian pies, breads, hams and cheeses to opt for.

Visited with my son on a road trip, staying for two nights. Chose the dates to accommodate the guided tour around the hotel, telling about the history of the estate - the building used to be a prison on three centuries, from late 1800's to 2008. The guided tour was a very nice addition to the overall experience. The value for price is good, and the hotel is fresher and more interesting than other Turku centric hotels I have earlier visited. Walk up the Kakola hill is of course steep uphill, but distance from key sights is short, even centre is nearby enough walking if you have no disabilities and not raining heavily. "The funicular" is also just around the corner. Highly recommend! Not a five star hotel, but doesn't pretend to be either.