Bob W Kaarti will emerge from a redevelopment of the historic Hotel Rivoli Jardin building, located in Helsinki’s lively Kaartinkaupunki area.
Unique design elements
Adding to the brand’s existing three properties in the Nordic capital, the former Hotel Rivoli Jardin is a characterful property well-known within Helsinki’s cityscape. Providing accommodation to stay in style for days, weeks or months, the property will feature 55 rooms and suites with kitchenettes, a social kitchen and co-working space as well as a communal sauna, paying homage to Helsinki’s apartment building sauna culture.
Combining the quality standards of a hotel with the authenticity of short-term rental accommodation, Bob W aims to retain the building’s unique design elements while infusing modern touches, blending past and present.
Retaining authentic charm
This distinctive property was acquired by real estate private equity partner Slättö and is now being leased to Bob W as its chosen operator.
To ensure the iconic building retains its authentic charm, the alternative accommodation specialist has partnered with local interior design agency Koko3 Helsinki. The property is to be refurbished into a Bob W location certified under the LEED environmental scheme, and the site is expected to open to the public in Q2 2024.
Technology and sustainability focuses
Emilia Malmi, Bob W CEO for northern Europe, commented: “We are excited to join forces with Slättö in transforming this iconic Helsinki property. By intertwining its historical charm with a genuine local design narrative and an unwavering commitment to quality, we’ll seamlessly integrate our cutting-edge technology and sustainable operations to elevate the experience for today’s discerning guests and contribute a fresh perspective to Helsinki’s accommodation landscape.”
Erik Möller, head of hotels at Slättö, said: “There is significant value creation potential in hospitality real estate in the current market. We are seeing an increase in co-living trends, with people travelling for work and pleasure, over both shorter and longer periods. Slättö aims to grow in this segment and we are thrilled to collaborate with Bob W in this endeavour with its focus on quality and design, technology and sustainability.”
Local identity
Mari Relander from Koko3 added: “Our design will be based on the identity of Kaartinkaupunki district. The interior will be about comfy functionality wrapped in Helsinki colours, hand-picked Finnish vintage pieces and art-inspired details that we have custom designed for this property. Simply, a sustainable gem, with art at heart!”
The addition of Bob W Kaarti to the operator’s portfolio will see the brand operating 32 properties across 20 cities in nine European countries, expanding the reach of its pioneering approach to 21st-century hospitality. Also in the pipeline is a 58-key hotel in Estonian capital Talinn’s Arter quarter, which will appear in a nine storey building in Q3 2024.
