Rovaniemi’s big hotel projects have been dug out of the ice as tourism recovers. A new addition is a spa hotel to be built in the Arctic Circle. Tower hotels are also planned for the center.
Lapland’s Christmas tourism is breaking records this year and it increases faith in the future after difficult years. Several large hotel projects in Rovaniemi have now moved forward.
In this story, we present four hotel plans that are already well into the design process and can be realized in the next few years.
However, the construction of new hotels is not completely uncomplicated.
For example, in the case of tower hotels planned for the center, there has been a discussion about whether tall buildings are suitable for the center of Rovaniemi at all. The city architect would like more trees instead of concrete in the city center.
Syväsenvaara’s spa hotel relies on the wellness trend
Near the Arctic Circle, in Syväsenvaara, is the multi-awarded Arctic treehouse hotel, whose accommodations are nest-like huts. Now a 12 million euro spa hotel is being planned next to the hotel. Santapark, home of Santa Claus, is also located in the area.
The plan enables the construction of a hotel, but a building permit has not yet been applied for. According to the preliminary schedule, construction could be completed in 2024.
According to Tuomi, what is coming is a high-quality complex that would have a separate main building. There you would find a restaurant, a spa and various wellness services.
One of the goals of the spa hotel is to attract customers to Rovaniemi even in a snow-free period, when tourism is quieter.
Tuomi believes that investing in services that help travelers invest in their own well-being is a profitable business.
– It is also supported by many international studies, according to which people in the future will value their own personal time and well-being. The related services are interesting.
Arina’s tower hotel in the heart of the city is looking for the Tampere effect
Arina is planning an 18-story commercial building for the core of the city, at the corner of Lord Square.
The upper part of the building would have a sky bar and view apartments for admiring the northern lights.
A sauna world is also planned. There would be more than 200 rooms.
The S group’s tower hotel in Tampere has been a tourist attraction, and it is hoped that the same will happen in Rovaniemi.
Currently, negotiations with the city continue and the goal is to promote the planning issue.
– The goal would be to be able to demolish in the spring of 2024, and then we can start building. The zoning is in the draft stage, and the site plan drafts may be ready for comment in January.
The cost estimate for the tower hotel is 50–70 million euros.
A huge set of hotel and apartment buildings on the riverside for the parade ground
Lapland Hotels is planning a large congress hotel and spa as well as three apartment buildings for the area known as Valionranta. Valionranta is located opposite the center of Rovaniemi on the banks of Kemijoki.
– Spa services are part of the plans and own premises for safari activities.
Building the whole takes years.
– Planning takes time and more detailed work begins when the formula is legally binding, says Vuorentausta.
At the next meeting of the City Council, it is planned to discuss the site plan change and the land lease agreement enabling the construction of the hotel.
International level luxury for a 9-story tower hotel
Another tower hotel is planned for the core center, the realization of which will drag on into the future.
– Corona changed the situation substantially. Funding negotiations are now underway and the implementation would be within five years.
Zoning has been done and the processing of the building permit is in the final stages. The hotel will become a 4–5 star destination.
According to Gröhn, the goal is to build one of the best hotels in the Nordic countries.
\”The cityscape is changing, the comfort of the residents must be taken care of\”
Hintsanen reminds that what is essential for residents is how they feel when they move around the city center.
– Let’s think about spring. The sun is shining, people flock to the terraces and benches to sit. Does the shadow fall on it? Among other things, you have to think about these.
Hintsanen hopes for the development of the city center in ways other than business economics.
The city architect would like green areas in the center of Rovaniemi.
– We need to get trees and green mass. It is already required by EU-level commitments on natural stormwater management and prevention of the heat island phenomenon. The current center is covered in concrete, says Hintsanen.
Some of the hotel plans in your pocket
– Corona made a big dent in the economy and construction costs have also increased. This is why the project is moving and we are focusing on the spa hotel.
A third tower hotel was planned for Rovaniemi, but it is not being built.
The project planned for the intersection of Rovakatu and Koskikatu was led by Trevia’s fund AIFM, which was taken over by Mandatum Asset Management last year. According to Mandatum, the hotel project will no longer be moved forward.
*You can discuss the topic until Saturday 3 December. until 11 p.m.*