JLL advises S-Bank's fund on the operator search for Hotel Katajanokka

JLL advised the real estate owner S-Bank Property non-UCITS Fund on the operator search and lease agreement negotiation for the hotel.

The 106-room Hotel Katajanokka is characterized by its original activity as a prison dating back to 1837. The main hall, the outer shell and the surrounding red brick walls are protected by the National Museum. Today, Hotel Katajanokka is a modern lifestyle hotel that, in addition to five meeting rooms, a banquet hall, also has a sauna, gym and restaurant in unique historical surroundings.

Petter Stordalen, Owner, Strawberry hotel group: We love places with unique history that are full of stories. Katajanokka is such a place and I am extremely happy that we can now continue to develop the place and the hotel to continue to create history and memories. The hotel will also be a nice addition to our hotel portfolio in Helsinki, perfectly located by the sea and ferry and boat traffic while being within walking distance of much of the best Helsinki has to offer. This is a very good day that I know will please our hotel guests.

Tiia Vuolle, Fund Manager, S-Bank Fund Management Ltd.: We now get a large and long-term actor responsible for running and developing the hotel and the business further. A hotel like Katajanokka not only requires knowledge in hotel management but also interest, commitment and understanding of local history and the opportunities it entails. Strawberry is a company that has a lot of experience in this type of work and has previously operated hotels in similar buildings.

Markus Hagelstam, Project Lead, JLL: Hotel Katajanokka is a truly unique property in the Helsinki market, and we are very happy to have helped attach Strawberry, a strong player with vision in the segment, who will carry on the hotel’s story. With the Clarion Collection brand, the property will keep its originality and continue to provide a distinctive experience to guests. We want to thank and congratulate Strawberry and S-Bank Property non-UCITS Fund for a successful process.