In the Ullanlinna district of Helsinki, a short walk or tram ride from the city centre and a three-minute walk from the seaside, there is a vibrant, cosy street with various small boutiques, bars, restaurants and cafés. This is where you find Kolokoti, a guesthouse run by visualist Mari Vatanen. Kolokoti is a home-like alternative to a hotel, a studio apartment with a hallway, compact bathroom and one room, located on the peaceful courtyard of an old building. The apartment is decorated with Finnish design such as Marimekko and Iittala, and the dominating colours are black, white and green. The kitchen is well equipped, also with a washing machine, and there is coffee and tea in the cabinet.

“Television, however, is not part of this concept. Instead, there are plenty of books aboutHelsinkiand lifestyle topics,” Mari tells us.

One night at Kolokoti costs €110, two to four nights €90/night. For a longer stay, contact Mari for prices and other details. Kolokoti, Kapteeninkatu, Helsinki, kolokoti.fi

text Riikka Kauvosaari, photography Seppo Saarentola