Scan Magazine | Hotel of the Month | Finland
Hotel of the Month, Finland
First-class service in historic surroundings Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel is situated in a beautiful landmark building in the heart of Helsinki, right next to the railway station. It is a vibrant, award-winning business hotel with full services for high-profile meetings and events in a memorable environment. By Mari Koskinen | Photos: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
“I love the historical ambiance here. You can sense that these walls have witnessed many significant encounters during the past decades,” says general manager Saija Syväjärvi. Originally, the building functioned as headquarters for SOK, Finland’s leading consumer cooperative. The hotel is still affiliated with SOK and run by its subsidiary. The Plaza building represents a significant chapter in the history of commerce in Finland. The cornerstone of the building was laid on the eve of Finnish independence on 5 December 1917. The 116 | Issue 123 | April 2019
building was opened in 1921 and functioned as the headquarters of SOK for 70 years. “The Plaza Boardroom, which used to be the SOK supervisory board’s meeting room, is still a scene for many important deals and decisions. There, the guests can feel the historic flair and become part of that, while creating the future with the help of up-to-date conference technology,” says Syväjärvi. “The hall that now houses Plaza Restaurant used to be an exhibition space showcasing new products imported from all over the world, and where
co-operative members would come to select merchandise for their shops,” Syväjärvi continues. “Almost every type of consumer good – from canned meat to evening gowns – was displayed in the hall. Even the first ever Harley Davidson imported to Finland was displayed here.”
Big yet boutique-esque With 302 rooms, Radisson Blu Plaza is one of the biggest hotels in Helsinki.