Hotel News is brought to you by Guarantee Laundries
Accor is set to enter Finland for the first time with the planned opening of ibis Styles Helsinki Helka in late 2027.
The 157-room hotel will be located in Helsinki’s Kamppi district and will operate under a franchise agreement with Accor.
The development will involve the conversion of Hotel Helka, a property whose history dates back to 1928 when the YWCA of Finland opened accommodation and a community hub for young women moving to Helsinki for work and education.
The building remains owned by the YWCA of Finland and was designed by Finnish architect Wivi Lönn, the first woman in Finland to establish her own architectural practice.
It has provided guest accommodation continuously since opening.
Hotel Helka is also known for its collection of Finnish design, including furniture by Alvar Aalto and Artek.
A proportion of the hotel’s profits supports the YWCA’s work with women and girls in Finland and internationally.
Following its conversion, the hotel will join ibis Styles, Accor’s design-led economy brand, which currently operates more than 700 hotels across over 60 countries, with more than 160 additional properties in development.
Facilities at ibis Styles Helsinki Helka will include a breakfast restaurant, separate saunas for women and men and parking facilities comprising on-site spaces and an adjacent underground garage.
Guests will also have access to a neighbouring fitness centre.
The signing forms part of Accor’s continued expansion across Northern Europe, where the group has introduced brands including ibis Styles, Mercure, Mövenpick and TRIBE across a number of markets.
Yannick Wagner, Deputy Chief Development Officer Europe & North Africa, Premium, Midscale and Economy brands at Accor, said: “This signing represents an important milestone for Accor as we enter Finland for the first time and continue to strengthen our presence in the Nordics. The region is increasingly attracting international hotel brands, as local owners recognise the value these can bring in unlocking guest demand and growth. Conversion-friendly brands such as ibis Styles and franchised models are proving particularly attractive across the region, allowing owners to retain their local identity and operations while benefitting from the strength and power of a global operator.”
Mikaela Pomrén, CEO of Hotelliyhtymä Oy and General Manager of Hotel Helka, added: “Hotel Helka has always been deeply rooted in Helsinki and its community. Joining ibis Styles allows us to preserve the character, values and heritage that our guests know and appreciate, while benefiting from the visibility, expertise and international reach of a world’s leading hospitality group. We look forward to welcoming guests to this exciting new chapter in the Finnish hotel’s history.”
When it opens, ibis Styles Helsinki Helka will participate in Accor’s ALL booking and loyalty programme.
Associated Articles
Accor To Open New-Build Hotel in Chester Regeneration Project
Provides direct context on the expansion of ibis Styles through franchised developments, with a 144-room ibis Styles hotel planned for Chester city centre.
Accor To Open New-Build Hotel in Chester Regeneration Project
Accor’s greet Brand Makes UK Debut with Harlow Opening
Provides further context on Accor’s use of conversions and franchise agreements to introduce economy brands into new markets, with the former Harlow Hotel converted into the first UK greet property.
Ruby Group to Enter Finland with First Helsinki Hotel
Provides direct Helsinki market context, with Ruby Group also planning its first Finnish property in the Kamppi district through the conversion of an existing historic building.
Hotel News is brought to you by Guarantee Laundries
