Located in the heart of the city’s lively Kaartinkaupunki area, alternative accommodation specialist Bob W has secured an iconic hotel property — the former Hotel Rivoli Jardin building — as it announces its expansion in Helsinki…
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, seamlessly blending past and present.
Image credit: Bob W
Bob W takes pride in offering prime properties in neighbourhoods handpicked for their authenticity which provide the opportunity for guests to live like a local. Nestled in the inner yard at Kasarmikatu 40, Helsinki, its latest addition is no exception. Guests can enjoy a vibrant district filled with cafes, galleries, and boutiques, all while being within walking distance of Helsinki’s main attractions. Guests will also have unrivalled access to true Helsinki gems via the brand’s marketplace technology platform which connects guests with local amenities to enhance their stay, including breakfast options and gym facilities.
To ensure the iconic building retains its authentic charm, the company has partnered with award-winning local interior design agency Koko3 Helsinki.
“Our design will be based on the identity of Kaartinkaupunki district,” said Mari Relander from Koko3. “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!”
Image credit: Bob W
This distinctive property was acquired by real estate private equity partner Slättö and is now being leased to Bob W as its chosen operator.
“There is significant value creation potential in hospitality real estate in the current market,” discussed Erik Möller, Head of Hotels from Slättö. “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.”
“We are excited to join forces with Slättö in transforming this iconic Helsinki property,” added Emilia Malmi, Bob W CEO Northern Europe.”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.”
Slättö’s investment in the Helsinki property is to be refurbished into a Bob W location certified under the environmental scheme LEED. The property is expected to open to the public in 2024.
The addition of Bob W Kaarti to the portfolio will see the innovative brand operating 32 properties across 20 cities in nine European countries, expanding the reach of its pioneering approach to 21st-century hospitality.
Main image credit: Bob W
