Scan Magazine | Conference of the Month | Finland
Conference of the Month, Finland
A hidden gem by the sea – on the edge of nature but near the city If you are looking for the complete set – a hotel with sea views and a relaxing atmosphere, while being surrounded by nature but still close to the city – Hotel Rantapuisto just might be the perfect spot for you. Located in eastern Helsinki, the hotel is a favourite among many families and business clients alike. By Ndéla Faye | Photos: Hotel Rantapuisto
The hotel’s name, translating as ‘beach park’, describes the surroundings perfectly. Tucked away among tall pine trees, and with a pier leading up to a sandy beach, you would not guess that Hotel Rantapuisto is only a short metro ride away from the centre of Helsinki. Ideal for families and business guests alike, the hotel has 74 rooms, which are either forest-themed or come with a sea view. “The sea is visible throughout our hotel grounds, and there is a path leading up to the seashore and a sandy beach,” says 80 | Issue 113 | June 2018
Riitta Liikamaa, Hotel Rantapuisto’s general manager. “We truly are in the midst of nature here: there are foxes, rabbits and various bird species that occasionally drop by,” she continues. The building, originally built as a training centre for a large bank, was designed by an architect couple, Ragnar and Martta Ypyä. In the 1920s, Ragnar Ypyä worked in the architecture office of Alvar Aalto, one of Finland’s most notable designers and architects, and the influences from
that era are visible in the hotel’s overall atmosphere and design details. Comprising several wings and atriums, the building masterfully blends Finnish and Nordic design with the surrounding nature. “The hotel’s interior is a real work of art, and an important part of Finnish design and architectural history. We have kept many of the original lamps, fireplaces and roof structures, adding to the hotel’s unique atmosphere,” says Liikamaa.
Catering to every kind of event Hotel Rantapuisto’s great pride is its auditorium, which holds up to 300 people. The hotel also has 15 meeting rooms. “Whether it’s just one speaker, a panel discussion, a larger group of performers or singing rehearsals, the stage can be