Minor Hotels debuts in Finland with opening of NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa

Owner and operator of several hotels and resorts adds second accommodation in Nordic market to portfolio

Minor Hotels - an international hotel owner, operator and investor with more than 530 hotels in 56 countries across Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, Indian Ocean, Europe, South America and North America - announces the upcoming opening of its first property in Finland - the five-star NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa - as part of its expansion plans in the region.

NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa is currently being built in collaboration with Ylva. The new hotel is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2024. Following the opening of NH Collection Copenhagen in 2021, this will be Minor Hotels' second hotel in Scandinavia. The new Helsinki hotel will combine two of the city's most iconic and recognisable buildings: the Kaleva Building (built in 1833 and known as Hotel Seurahuone) and the - recently expanded - New Student House (which housed the famous Hansa Hotel between 1924-1968). A complete renovation of the two existing properties and the construction of the new third building by Ylva are in the final stages of development. When the new hotel opens next year, NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa will offer 224 contemporary rooms, a restaurant, a lobby bar, a stunning rooftop bar with a spectacular terrace and 360º views of Helsinki city centre, extensive spa and fitness areas and nine meeting and event rooms.

The new NH Collection is located on Helsinki's main street, Mannerheimintie, opposite the main railway station. With less than a 30-minute train or car journey from the airport, the hotel is the perfect location for business travellers and tourists looking to stay in the heart of the city.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of Minor International, said, "We are delighted to announce our first hotel in Finland, expanding our presence in Scandinavia. We believe this is a market with significant growth potential for Minor Hotels, which is why we are investing in iconic properties such as the upcoming NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa and the NH Collection Copenhagen."

Leea Tolvas, CEO of Ylva, says: "We are very excited to bring to the market a new hotel owner, operator and investor, known worldwide for itsunique luxury destinations. Last year, 3.7 million overnight stays were recorded in Helsinki - a much higher figure than in 2021. Growth is expected to continue and there is room in the market for high-quality hotels, especially for sophisticated tourists seeking luxury and premium experiences."

NH Collection recently launched its first hotels in the Middle East and Asia: NH Collection Dubai The Palm and NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort. Recent additions to the NH Collection portfolio in Europe include NH Collection Milano CityLife, NH Collection Frankfurt Spin Tower and NH Collection Prague Carlo IV. In addition, in 2024, the brand plans to open NH Collection Chiang Mai Ping River in Thailand and NH Collection Luang Prabang in Laos, as well as a number of other new properties in China in the coming year.