Minor Hotels has revealed plans to foray into Finland with the opening of NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa in Helsinki, as reported by Hospitality-on.com.

Set to open in the first quarter of next year, it will mark the hotel group’s second property in the Nordic region following the launch of NH Collection Copenhagen in 2021.

Minor Hotels CEO and Minor International Group CEO Dillip Rajakarier said: “We are pleased to announce our first property in Finland and consequently increase our presence in the Nordic countries.

“We believe this is a market with significant growth potential for Minor Hotels, so we are investing in iconic properties such as the upcoming NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa and the NH Collection Copenhagen.”

The NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa will be housed in two historic buildings: the Kaleva building, which was previously known as the Seurahuone Hotel and the New Student House, which accommodated the well-known Hansa Hotel between 1924 and 1968.

The hotel project will see the refurbishment of these two buildings undertaken by Minor Hotels in partnership with Ylva.

Following a further extension, the hotel will feature 224 guest rooms, a rooftop bar offering views of Helsinki, a restaurant, a lobby bar, a spa, a fitness centre and nine function rooms.

Ylva CEO Leea Tolvas said: “We are very excited to bring a new operator to the market, known worldwide for its unique luxury destinations. Last year, 3.7 million overnight stays were recorded in Helsinki – a much higher figure than in 2021.

“The growth is expected to continue and there is room in the market for high-quality hotels, especially for discerning tourists seeking luxury and premium experiences.”

It is situated on the main Mannerheimintie street opposite Central Station and is 33 minutes by train and 25 minutes by car from the airport.

The NH Collection brand has expanded its footprint with the launch of properties in the Middle East and Asia, including NH Collection Dubai The Palm and NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort.

In Europe, the recent additions include NH Collection Milano CityLife, NH Collection Prague Carlo IV and NH Collection Frankfurt Spin Tower.

Additionally, the hotel group expects to open NH Collection Luang Prabang in Laos and NH Collection Chiang Mai Ping River in Thailand next year.

It also plans to launch additional properties in China in 2024.