Grand new hotel will offer unique access to city centre, with unparalleled position for Helsinki’s transport links and attractions, opening as Finland experiences a tourism boom

HYY Group - business owned by Student Union of University of Helsinki now announces its search for luxe hotel operator

Next year two of Helsinki’s most historic grand lodgings will be joined as one, creating the city’s most-exciting luxury hotel opening to date.

HYY Group - the acclaimed business arm of the Student Union at the University of Helsinki, has purchased the oldest running hotel in Helsinki – Seurahuone, which opened in 1833. This hotel currently sits next to New Student House - HYY Group’s existing student accommodation block, which itself also originally opened as a hotel in 1910. HYY Group will combine the two buildings, to create a 180-220 room property, with unmatched character and narrative.

Both buildings were designed by famed Finnish architect Armas Lindgren. Students will still use some parts of the building, bringing vibrancy to the hotel project once completed and in use.

The hotel project and its renovation are set to improve the development of the city’s central historic area –Kaivopiha. The surrounding district and its economy are predicted to thrive, with the planned new hotel set to create new jobs and drive visitor numbers. The project ties in with HYY Group’s long-term strategy - to make Helsinki more international.

Finland also is experiencing a boom in tourism. The hospitality industry now accounts for over 2.5% of the GDP in Finland, bringing 14 billion EUR to the economy. Furthermore, Foreign visitor numbers more than doubled between 2000-2017 – now at 8.3 million a year, delivering 4.4 billion EUR annually.

HYY Group has now started its search for a five-star hotel operator for the hotel’s daily management. The chosen operator will profit from an unrivalled central Helsinki position - where no other five-star properties currently operate, and a totally unique end product – a hotel exuding celebrated charm, with all the promise of a dynamic future.