The extensive renewal of Scandic Continental hotel, situated near the Helsinki city centre, has reached a stage where the hotel is opening half of its rooms with a completely new look. The hotel will also change its name to Scandic Park. The renovation of the biggest hotel in Finland will be complete by the beginning of 2015.

The design of Scandic Park is based on a new hotel concept recently created by Scandic. The renewal draws its inspiration from the urban park surrounding the hotel, and the hotel's cosy and relaxed atmosphere and services invite all kinds of visitors, on business or leisure.

"Continental in Helsinki is steeped in tradition, but the renewal proved a change of name necessary. Scandic Park is a modern and fresh hotel, so we wanted the name to reflect these attributes and the hotel's close proximity to Central Park," says General Manager Kari Kurppa.

Urban park extends into the hotel

Scandic Park is located close to the city centre, opposite to a beautiful park. The rooms have been furnished according to three different color schemes with a touch of surprise.

"The Scandic Park hotel now offers a completely new conceptual experience from the moment the guest gets out of the taxi all the way through the hotel to their rooms. This core identity is reflected in the choice of materials, furniture, lighting and delightful details. Guests experience subtle references to the parks and nearby nature," says Bronwynn Welsh, Interior Architect SIR/MSA at Doos Architects.

First stage of the multi-phase renewal will present reception, parking facilities and 232 renovated rooms, which is half of the hotel capacity. In March 2014, new conference facilities will open, providing meeting guests flexible and inspiring surroundings for events up to 500 people, even with stunning park view. In May 2014 the new restaurant will be ready. The last phase of the renewal will cover the remaining rooms, ready to accommodate guests in January 2015.

The owner of the Scandic Park real estate is Pandox and the building contractor is Consti.

About Scandic Hotels Group

Scandic is the largest hotel company in the Nordic countries with a network of about 280 hotels with 58,000 rooms in operation and under development, in more than 130 destinations. The company is the leader when it comes to integrating sustainability in all operations and its award-winning Design for All concept ensures that Scandic hotels are accessible to everyone. Well loved by guests and employees, the Scandic Friends loyalty program is the largest in the Nordic hotel industry and the company is one of the most attractive employers in the region. Scandic is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. www.scandichotelsgroup.com