Review: Business accommodation meets Nordic luxury at VALO Hotel & Work, Helsinki

Review: Business accommodation meets Nordic luxury at VALO Hotel & Work, Helsinki
By Zach Havard


VALO combines a hotel and an office into one, bringing all the services from a high-end hotel into the work environment and the vibrant energy from a workspace into the hush of a hotel.

Look & Feel

VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki – Courtyard Lobby. (Supplied)

Upon arrival the first thing you notice at Hotel Valo is the incredible courtyard-like co-working space in the lobby, scattered with trees and desks, there is a real buzz as soon as you enter the building. The hotel has been built around a large entrance area consisting of a bar and restaurant as well as a bistro/breakfast space, but the highlight is the abundance of natural light and amphitheatre-style seating arrangement with pop-up desks integrated into clean wooden steps. There are also several team working spaces at the top of the steps where larger desks are available to suit the needs of a small team or a perfect spot for a casual meeting.

Rooms

Innovative room design sets VALO apart from any other ‘work friendly’ hotel, every room can be converted from a hotel room to an office with the use of ‘Murphy beds’ that fold away into the wall.

Smart office room. (Supplied)

A number of working arrangements are available for guests to use from casual meeting rooms with a couch and small desks, to two person office spaces (known as the smart office room) equipped with desk and chairs as well as a scaled up version suitable for between four and six people. Away from the smaller rooms, VALO also has a range of larger work spaces perfect for conferences, larger meetings and events that make it the perfect hotel for any business travelling through Finland.

Comfort double room. (Supplied)

VALO provides four room styles to guests, ‘smart’, ‘comfort’, ‘deluxe’ and ‘accessible’, all of which are detailed with clean finishes and a warm, wooden colour scheme with soft, comfortable beds and black out curtains to combat the extended hours of sunlight of the Nordic summer.

Deluxe room. (Supplied)

Food

VALO’s restaurants are available to guests night and day, from a Finnish themed breakfast, to the rooftop terrace, guests can be sure of a lovely meal at the hotel.

Bistro Elo lunch. (Supplied)

Bistro Elo has a buffet on offer for breakfast and a salad buffet, changing soup, two warm food options, coffee/tea, and chocolate.

Lounge & Bar SUO, on the other hand, is a sheltered and homely oasis that charms its guests with its down-to-earth and mystical atmosphere. You can enjoy the bistro caterings in the casual lounge, sip fresh cocktails with friends, or even spend a remote working day.

Bar Suo. (Supplied)

The VALO Rooftop Terrace in Helsinki, provides with great music, a cheerful atmosphere, and high-quality drinks served by the SUO bartenders and is the perfect place for an afternoon treat.

Facilities at the hotel

Apart from the range of working areas on offer at VALO, the hotel has a fully equipped gym with a range of weights, cardio machines and stretching areas, perfect to work off the mornings buffet breakfast.

Wellness area. (Supplied)

Finland has over three million saunas, you could say it’s the biggest aspect of Finnish culture, and VALO has a classic log sauna on the roof top that is a must do for every guest. It’s part of the larger wellness area that features a steam room, relaxation pool, ice pool, spa and the special treat – a poolside bar!

Traditional log sauna. (Supplied)

Final Comments

VALO Hotel & Work is an extremely unique idea, the team behind the project have skilfully combined a luxurious Nordic hotel with a modern office vibe. It’s convenient location has you a ten minute drive from the Helsinki city centre, 15 minute drive from the airport and a five minute walk from Helsinki Central Park.

If you’re visiting the city for business (or leisure), we can’t recommend it highly enough!

Further information can be found at: https://www.valofinland.com/ 

 

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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