The agreement is for a total of 459 rooms, comprising a 232-key Scandic Go site and a 227-key Scandic hotel, that are expected to open in 2028.
Green hotels
The new hotels will be established in one of Scandic’s key destinations where the company sees growing demand from both corporate and leisure travellers.
The properties will be environmentally certified by the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, Nordic countries’ official green hallmark. The landlord will build the hotels with sustainability in focus and the properties will be certified according to LEED or BREEAM, internationally recognised environmental certification systems.
Mega event arena
When the two hotels open, Scandic will be the exclusive hotel operator at Garden Helsinki, one of Finland’s largest urban development projects that is emerging 2 km from the heart of the capital. Garden Helsinki will be a multi-functional mega event arena in the Töölö district and a destination for sports, entertainment, restaurants, office space and apartments.
With proximity to the city centre and many attractions in the surrounding area, there is growing demand for hotel nights all year round from both business and leisure travellers.
Economies of scale
Garden Helsinki will be a destination for indoor entertainment and is expected to host world-class domestic and international events. The hotels will be integrated into Garden Helsinki and located in the same building, which is intended to lead to substantial economies of scale.
Scandic Go will offer space-efficient hotel rooms with smart storage solutions at a good price, while the Scandic hotel will primarily provide double and family rooms as well as meeting facilities for up to 250 people and an efficient bar and restaurant area.
Go first
Jens Mathiesen, president and CEO of Scandic Hotels Group, said: “We have a high level of activity at Scandic and we’re continuing to strengthen our position in attractive key destinations where we see great potential.
“The Helsinki region is expected to generate about 5 million hotel nights from 2026, which is why establishing these two hotels is an important milestone in our growth strategy. It’s also exciting to present our first Scandic Go, Scandic’s brand in the fast-growing economy segment, in the Finnish market.”
Important addition
Laura Tarkka, head of Scandic Hotels in Finland, added: “I’m really looking forward to opening the Scandic and Scandic Go hotels at Garden Helsinki together with Projekti GH Oy and my colleagues here in Finland.
“The hotels are an important addition to the Töölö district and the new event arena. And as the exclusive hotel operator at Garden Helsinki, Scandic will offer two hotels with a total of 459 rooms under one roof for all guests, regardless of whether they’re looking for a full-service experience or a stay focused on discovering the city or attending an event in the area.”
Ultimate experience
Timo Everi, chairman of Projekti GH Oy, commented: “Garden Helsinki’s vision is an ultimate customer experience.
“Understanding the event and travel industry as well as the customers of today is something that Scandic will contribute to this project and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Scandic team as well as the Finesco team for their great support and collaboration during the process.”