Scandic Hotels is strengthening its leadership position in Northern Europe. The Swedish group has been entrusted with the management of a portfolio of eight hotels which will shortly be rebranded under the Scandic name. Two-thirds of these establishments are located in Norway - in Lillehammer, Hafjell, Fagernes and Sorlandet - but also in Stockholm - the Prince Philip and The Hub Hotel - and in Copenhagen, with the takeover of the First Hotel.
The most emblematic of all these acquisitions is undoubtedly the Grand Hotel in Oslo, one of the Norwegian capital's flagship establishments. Opened in 1874, this hotel on the city's main thoroughfare, in line with the Royal Castle, has just completed a major 18-month renovation programme. With its new look, the Grand Hotel will join the "by Scandic" signature hotels, a collection launched at the end of 2015 by the group to recognise its most prestigious establishments.
Two establishments already bear this hallmark - Haymarket by Scandic and Grand Central by Scandic in Stockholm - and there are more to come. The Swedish capital will see the opening in summer 2017 of the Downtown Camper by Scandic, the result of the very lifestyle conversion of the former Scandic Sergel Plaza. After renovation, the Hotel Norge in Bergen and the Scandic Marski in Helsinki will also be part of this signature collection.
With these new hotels added to the 225 others already in its portfolio, Scandic Hotels is by far the leading group in the region, particularly after the 2014 takeover of its competitor Rica. The hotelier, which is well versed in sustainable development and high-tech with the roll-out in 2017 of mobile check-in and dematerialised room keys, as well as a new digital press offering of more than 5,000 newspapers and magazines, is looking forward to further developments.
Work began this month at Helsinki airport on a Scandic hotel due to open in early 2018. Located 100 m from terminal 2, the hotel will offer 148 rooms and will contribute to the development of this hub where Finnair is increasing its range of connecting flights between Europe and Asia.
