In Helsinki, architecture geeks can sleep in an art nouveau landmark

When you have a building designed by one of the world’s most notable architects of the art nouveau era, the last thing you want to do is renovate it beyond recognition, as the hoteliers behind Scandic Grand Central Helsinki well understood.

New as of this spring, the urban hotel takes over the former head offices of the Helsinki Central Railway Station, designed by world-renowned Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen in 1909. The two-year revamp took care to respect the original vision, characterized by concrete and red granite exteriors, and tall and wide corridors, and kept details like the vintage office signs intact.

Done with input from the Finnish Heritage Agency, the restoration also preserved the railway station’s boardroom, though new technology — befitting its current incarnation as a conference room for business travellers — was added. The original oak furniture, designed by Saarinen, also remains.

To make more space for the hotel’s 491 rooms (from $177), a new wing was added, with a more contemporary look. But the design still takes cues from Saarinen’s original plans, as reflected in the indented facade, for example, and arched windows both on street level and the top floor.

The rooms themselves are warm and inviting, and make use of bold hues, like deep greens, blues and cognac leathers, and large cosy furniture (think plush sofas). Art pieces depict the work of Finnish painter Helene Schjerfbeck; the originals can be seen across the street at the Ateneum National Gallery.

The on-site restaurant and bar are meant to be casual social hubs for guests, tourists and locals alike. Brasserie Grand emulates chill Parisian vibes — complete with a heated terrace in the serene courtyard — while serving up diverse European fare, like a shrimp sandwich fancied up with caviar. Meanwhile, Bar G aims to be a relaxing retreat, the perfect spot to unwind with a James Bond-inspired Grand Vesper martini after a night at the theatre.

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