Minor Hotels, an international hotel owner, operator and investor with more than 530 hotels in 56 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe, South America and North America, announces the launch of its first property in Finland, the five-star NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa hotel, as part of its expansion plans in the region.
The accommodation, which will be Minor’s second property in the Nordics following the 2021 opening of NH Collection Copenhagen, is currently under construction in partnership with Ylva. It is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2024. The new Helsinki hotel will consist of two of the city’s most iconic and recognisable buildings: the Kaleva building, known as Hotel Seurahuone, and the New Student House, home to the famous Hansa Hotel between 1924-1968. It also has a more recently built extension.
The refurbishment of the two existing buildings and the construction of the third building by Ylva are in their final stages. When it opens next year, the new hotel will offer 224 modern rooms, a restaurant, a lobby bar, a rooftop bar with a spectacular terrace and 360° views of downtown Helsinki, extensive spa and fitness areas, and nine function rooms and spaces.
The NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa consists of the Kaleva building and the New Student House.
The new NH Collection will be located on Helsinki’s main street, Mannerheimintie, opposite the central station. This is a great location 25 minutes by car and 33 minutes by train from the airport, which will make the hotel an ideal place for business and leisure travellers wishing to stay in the heart of the city.
Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor International and Minor Hotels, commented: “We are pleased to announce our first property in Finland and increase our presence in the Nordic countries. We believe this is a market with significant growth potential for Minor Hotels, which is why we are investing in iconic properties such as the future NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa hotel and the NH Collection Copenhagen property.”
Ramón Aragonés, CEO of NH Hotel Group, added: “We are delighted to announce that one of the most high-profile hotel projects in decades in Finland will launch as an NH Collection in early 2024. We expect NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa to become a landmark in the city and continue the historic legacy of these buildings in the hotel sector.”
In addition, Leea Tolvas, CEO of Ylva, commented: “We are very excited about the arrival in the market of a new operator, known worldwide for its unique luxury destinations. Last year, 3.7 million overnight stays were recorded in Helsinki, which is well ahead of 2021. Growth is expected to continue, and there is room in the market for high quality hotels, especially for selective tourists seeking luxury and premium experiences.”
In terms of the group’s expansion, NH Collection has recently opened its first hotels in the Middle East and Asia: the NH Collection Dubai The Palm hotel and the NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort. Other recent additions to the NH Collection portfolio in Europe include NH Collection Milano CityLife, NH Collection Frankfurt Spin Tower and NH Collection Prague Carlo IV. In addition, the brand plans to open NH Collection Chiang Mai Ping River in Thailand and NH Collection Luang Prabang in Laos, both in 2024, and a number of new properties in China over the next year.
