In 2002, the well-known prison in Helsinki was closed and the last prisoner was released. Five years later, after extensive remodeling, the property had been transformed into a hotel and was once again filled with people. Prisoner suits, water and bread were exchanged for a variety of guests and inviting dishes on the menu. The transformation of the building and the site, which was initiated and realized by Primehotels, has since opening received numerous awards in design, service and experiences. Now the baton is being handed over to Strawberry, starting on May 2, who will continue the development of the business and the guest experience.
- We love places with unique history that are full of stories. Katajanokka is such a place and I am extremely happy that we can continue to develop the place and the hotel to create history and memories. The hotel will also be a nice addition to our hotel portfolio in Helsinki, perfectly located close to the sea with ferries and boat traffic, while being within walking distance of the best Helsinki has to offer. This is a very good day that I know will please our hotel guests, says Petter Stordalen, owner of Strawberry hotel group.
The 106-room hotel is characterized by its original activity as a prison dating back to 1837. The main hall, the outer shell and the surrounding red brick walls are protected by the National Museum. Today, Hotel Katajanokka is a modern lifestyle hotel that, in addition to five meeting rooms, a banquet hall, also has a sauna, gym and restaurant in unique historical surroundings and with S-Bank Property non-UCITS Fund as proud property owner.
- We now get a large and long-term actor responsible for running and developing the hotel and the business further. A hotel like Katajanokka not only requires knowledge in hotel management but also interest, commitment and understanding of local history and the opportunities it entails. Strawberry is a company that has a lot of experience in this type of work and has previously operated hotels in similar buildings, says Fund Manager Tiia Vuolle, S-Bank Fund Management Ltd.
Hotel Katajanokka will become part of Strawberry's Clarion Collection hotel chain with over 50 hotels in Sweden, Norway and from May Finland. It will be Clarion Collection’s first hotel in Finland.
- Our Clarion Collection brand is a real favorite among our regulars. Year after year, they win awards as hotel chain of the year in both Sweden and Norway, and much of the appreciation lies in the fact that the hotel chain specializes in properties with a unique history. We have guests who are fascinated every day by spending their time away from home in buildings that used to be bank offices, mechanical workshops, bakeries or furniture factories. Hotels that oozes history and then it doesn't make the experience worse that both afternoon coffee and supper are included in the hotel stay, says Erika Ehrnrooth, COO Strawberry Finland.
The features that characterize the hotel chain Clarion Collection, such as afternoon snacks and evening meal, will be gradually implemented in the near future.
All employees of Hotel Katajanokka will continue their employment in Strawberry and the reservations made by guests will be taken over by Strawberry.
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