Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport
Not a single white wall
Jet-lagged and exhausted, you check into an airport hotel. Whatever expectations you may have, if you’re staying at Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport, you’re stepping into a world where modern Scandinavian design meets Asian mystique. Here, Japanese carp and Finnish perch share space. With a bold and distinctive interior concept, the goal was to make Finland’s largest hotel anything but “a necessary stop on the journey.”
Helsinki Airport is often nicknamed “Gateway to Asia,” with over 80 direct flights to Asian destinations weekly. The hotel’s architecture reflects Scandinavian rhythm and minimalist aesthetics, with crisp and clean lines. Inside, however, it’s anything but minimalist.
“You won’t find a single white wall in the hotel,” says Claes Pereswetoff-Morath, the lead architect at Tengbom.
A memorable stay
The Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport is Finland’s largest hotel, conveniently connected to the terminal via an indoor walkway and just steps away from airport check-in counters. A quick 30-minute commute connects you to Helsinki city center via public transport. The hotel boasts a state-of-the-art conference center, a spa, and a top-floor restaurant offering sweeping views of the runways.
“What does a traveler expect from an airport hotel? That question was at the forefront of our minds throughout the project,” shares Claes.
“We wanted to create a cozy oasis amidst terminals, parking garages, and logistics buildings.”
Japanese carp and Finnish pike
Airport hotels are often perceived as transient places where one stays only due to inconvenient flight times, and the memory of the stay fades quickly. But Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport is a destination in its own right, offering surprises in every room.
“Scandinavia meets Asia in a blend of clean, modern Scandinavian design and classic Asian aesthetics,” Claes explains. The concept, dubbed JAPANDI, is embodied by the iconic koi carp and Finland’s national fish, the perch.
“You can watch a plane take off and disappear into the clouds on the horizon.”
Breakfast under Japanese maple trees
The hotel’s restaurants and bars feature robust materials such as stone floors, solid wood details, and Scandinavian design furniture, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Combining matte and glossy textures, dark and light tones, the design achieves a balance of exclusivity and inclusiveness.
“Designing a breakfast restaurant the size of a handball court in a hotel with 505 rooms, while ensuring it feels intimate and inviting at 4 a.m. when breakfast starts, was a challenge,”
Claes Morath.
Daylight filters through four skylights in the breakfast hall, casting magical light on the 5-meter-tall Japanese maple trees amid the morning rush. Varied seating arrangements, pendant lights, and upholstered furniture create a dynamic setting for social interactions.
Plane-spotting on the rooftop terrace
The spa and wellness area provides a serene retreat. Guests can also enjoy a courtyard terrace with a heated pool, perfect for experiencing a Finnish winter.
“The hotel offers a relaxing spa, a rooftop restaurant, and a terrace bar with stunning views of the runways,” Claes says. “You can watch a plane take off and disappear into the clouds on the horizon.”
Tech meets tradition
The hotel’s guest rooms exude intimacy, with genuine wooden floors and earthy tones for a cozy feel. Smart solutions integrate service functions into the interior, optimizing the relatively small standard rooms.
Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport also features a high-tech conference facility with 20 meeting rooms and a congress hall accommodating over 1,000 attendees. The luxurious wool carpets contribute to a soft acoustic environment, complementing the contrast between advanced technology and plush materials.
“Every corner of the hotel is designed to offer a holistic experience. Guests should leave with a memorable impression and a strong desire to return,” hopes Claes.
