In this section we are focusing on the most interesting hotels with deep history, outstanding design or important meaning for the town or city. A little overview with pictures is provided in order to give a better idea of the property and create a choice of interest. Certain features of the hotel, its design or name might change in time, as this section represents it on a particular moment.
Solo Sokos Hotel Torni in Helsinki is a historic hotel located in the design district of the capital city of Finland. Being opened in 1931, this hotel was the tallest building in the country for more than 40 years.
Apart from being a hotel, the building served various needs throughout its long history, for example, air defence during the World War II. The Solo Sokos Hotel Torni was visited by different kinds of clientele, from the US President Herbert Hoover, Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, to the international journalists and the delegation of the post-war Control Commission from the Soviet Union.
Main restaurant of the hotel has a classic appeal of high standards and style. The Torni restaurant has brought a new outstanding gastronomy experience in the life of Helsinki. The concept was to introduce the latest trends and enrich the local cuisine. However, in the 70s when the situation in the country was not developing in its best direction, people’s reality was shifted from gastronomic interest towards making it through difficult times. Despite all the challenges, the industry recovered and nowadays the Torni restaurant impresses guests with its masterpieces.
The Solos Sokos Hotel Torni has two entrances with one leading to the reception level and another one to the restaurant level. The hotel can be seen from different locations and easily found.
One of the most known parts of the hotel is its bar on the top floor with a viewing deck on both sides.
As a matter of fact, it might be the best viewing deck in Helsinki and it has the best views of the sea, the city skyline and beautiful rooftops.
Additionally, you may notice a special plastic panel installed there, on which you will see the match of the view and photo with notes to those buildings, if you are sitting in the right spot.
In order to get there, you need to take the steps up to the bar.
When it comes to the rooms, there are different room types in the hotel but we will focus on two, which might help you to understand some of the features of each type. The first one is Suite which is located in the farthest part of the hotel.
As the main advantages, the room has nice view and a touch of old times where you can see and feel history around you.
Besides, while walking there, you will pass by a beautiful staircase which has stained glass windows on the upper part of the wall. Take a moment to see it.
Another room type, as an alternative to classic style, is Solo Up, which has a very unusual feature, glass shower and toilet walls to the room. Some guests might find this concept a bit strange but there are always guests who get excited about it. The room itself has a rather modern look complemented by this memorable experience.
Being just across the hallway, the hotel lounge is more a cosy place inviting to relax, have a chat and enjoy a drink. The dark colour-scheme of the area is emphasising the idea of a semi-official atmosphere.
The hotel lobby and reception desk have one concept, which is readable from the first steps. The dome shape of the ceiling in the lobby creates a feeling of something light, as if there is the sky right above. The interior is inviting and a bit homey.
The waiting area has a stand with some souvenirs, as well as a tree hanging over the seats, made of the letters and notes left by the guests. It is a very nice tradition that shows special connection to people staying at the hotel and how valuable they are.
The Solo Sokos Hotel Torni just closed for a big renovation and is scheduled to open in 2021. We look forward to that day and are excited to see its new look. It will be interesting to compare it two years from now and make a new review.
To be continued…
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