Apartment
Our apartments are purposefully furnished to give guests a home-like feel during their stay. We wish to provide guests with an accommodation option, that offers something different from those of large hotel chains.
The apartments are located just 2,5 km from the city center, in the Töölö neighborhood. Our idyllic little street is lined with gardens, and apple trees on both sides. The street leads straight to the famous Sibelius Park, a popular sight among tourists. Töölö neighborhood is known for its parks, and highly respected housing, including several embassies, and the homes of the Finnish Prime Minister and President. The seashore is within 200 m walking distance from our apartments. Take a stroll along the shore, or stop to admire the sunset on one of the several outdoor seats, or at the quirky little Café Regatta by the sea. Töölö has something for everyone, whether you are looking for museums, cafés, quality restaurants, an outdoor market, a library, or small galleries and bookstores. Töölö is also the home of the best hospitals in Helsinki.
Our Story
Apartment Hotel Eskolampi is a small, one-woman business. I started out by renting the apartments,
unfurnished, for extended periods at a time. Then, years ago, I began receiving inquiries from the close-by children’s hospital, if I would be willing to house the patient’s families for shorter stays during treatments. I fixed up few of the apartments, and began welcoming patients and their families. I received overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests, who felt at home in the apartments, because during their stay, they were still able to do everyday things, like cook and do laundry. These small, mundane things brought comfort to an otherwise difficult time.
A patient, who is undergoing treatment, will be more comfortable in a home-like environment, compared to a small hotel room. A tourist, whose loved one ends up in a hospital, will want to stay close by to that hospital. And when a patient gets to go outdoors, it is a relief to be able to bring them to a “home away from home” to relax in. I will always remember this one small girl, who had had a transplant surgery. Her big brother came to Helsinki, to visit her on his winter break from school. Every day, he pushed her in a wheelchair from the hospital to Valhallankatu, and then carried her in his arms to the second-floor apartment to rest. Accommodating these guests has brought me great joy, and respect for their immense strength.
Later, I started offering accommodation for tourists, as well. They admired the neighborhood for its peacefulness, cleanliness, and quiet. Many tourists were impressed by the ease of checking in and out of the apartments. I got lots of feedback from tourists, who found it charming to live among the locals. The easy access to public transportation makes our location great for both out-of-town Finns, and to tourists from all around the world.
During the years, I have welcomed all kinds of people, who need temporary housing. I regularly receive positive feedback about the apartments, and the service.
And the name, Eskolampi? It comes from combining my maiden name ‘Eskola’, and the Finnish word for ‘a pond’ (lampi). The name reminds me of a place that is very dear to me, a small forest pond in the middle of a woods.
Welcome to Valhallankatu!
Ella Hallama