There is now a public sauna next to the Helsinki train station.
A new hotel has been operating in Katajanokka, Helsinki until the end of August: Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4.
From its premises, such as the restaurant Harbore and the roof terrace, the maritime landscapes open up in a completely new way. And you don’t even have to be a hotel resident to admire them.
The lobby of the new hotel. The floor is granite from Viitasaari, and the wood for the columns comes from Savo. Marianne Zitting
It is enough to drop by, for example, for lunch, coffee or a drink in the hotel’s lobby bar.
Pier 4 is an exceptional building because it is made of wood. In both the materials and the furniture, we have tried to be as domestic as possible.
– The building has Finnish Viitasaari granite and Savo forests’ moon, and you can look at the sea from the wall-high windows practically over the sea, says hotel manager Petra Wikström .
The floors of the hall are of this granite, and the columns are of Savonian spruce. A lot of natural materials have also been used in the decoration of the hotel rooms.
Some of the rooms have a view of the sea, while others allow you to admire the architecture of Katajanokka. Marianne Zitting
A multi-sensory experience
Finnish nature is also present through hearing. Instead of elevator music, the hotel plays a specially designed soundscape composed of the sounds of nature.
According to Wikström, they wanted to make the hotel a multi-sensory entity. Top chef Sauli Kemppainen is in charge of the restaurant’s kitchen .
– His handprint can also be seen at breakfast, says Wikström.
The breakfast table has, for example, a diverse selection of porridge, and fresh juices made from domestic ingredients are available there.
Traditional bacon, on the other hand, is missing. According to Wikström, it was left out of the selection on purpose.
Fresh juices made from Finnish ingredients are available at breakfast. Marianne Zitting
The roof terrace is an instant hit
The new hotel has been purposely made as energy-efficient and responsible as possible. For example, in addition to the cozy terrace, the roof also has solar panels, and vegetation resembling an island meadow has been planted on the terrace.
The terrace proved to be a success right from the first handshake.
– We were lucky that the heat continued well into autumn, says Wikström.
The roof terrace has been planted with plants from island meadows. Wooden sticks are for insects. Marianne Zitting
The good weather made people enjoy themselves on the roof and the utilization rate of the terrace was high.
The rooftop bar is now closed for the winter, but the terrace may occasionally be used during the winter as well. For example, Wikström promises that on New Year’s you will be able to watch fireworks there.
The roof terrace opens up a new view of Helsinki’s skyline to the public. Marianne Zitting
“Responsible luxury”
The new hotel also has a sauna and wellness section, where open relaxation exercises are now organized every Wednesday during the fall.
Recently, several new hotels have opened in Helsinki, such as Grand Hansa in Kaivopiha, part of the NH Collection , and The Hotel Maria in Kruununhaa, marketed as “ultra-luxury” .
Pier 4 also strives to fight for quality-conscious customers. It belongs to the highest quality brand of the Sokos chain, i.e. Solo hotels.
The hotel also has a gym. Marianne Zitting
– I consider that we offer responsible luxury, says Wikström.
According to him, the new hotel attracts tourists who value Finnishness and nature values.
The novelty has also gained traction because it offers good meeting and event services. Many meetings have been booked, and accommodation has also been sold in connection with them.
The wellness department also has space for yoga, meditation and relaxation. Marianne Zitting
