17-08-2023 - Helsinki, Finland – Bob W, offering exceptionally cool accommodation that caters to the 21st-century traveler leveraging technology and sustainability to create exceptional value for guests through high quality and design, is thrilled to announce its continued expansion in Helsinki by securing a truly iconic hotel property - the Hotel Rivoli Jardin building. Located in the heart of the city's Kaartinkaupunki area, this represents a significant milestone in Bob W's ongoing expansion throughout Europe. 

Currently operating in Italy, Spain, the UK, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Greece, The Netherlands and Germany, Bob W is backed by top venture capitalists, family offices and entrepreneurs, with plans to further expand its European presence. 

In the refurbishment of the historic building, Bob W demonstrates its commitment to preserving the property's history and heritage while adhering to its core values of local authenticity, technology, sustainability, and exceptional interior design. Built-in the 1980s, Hotel Rivoli Jardin stands as a legend in Helsinki's hotel offering. Bob W aims to retain the building's unique design elements while infusing modern touches, allowing the local design narrative to flourish as it seamlessly blends past and future. The property will feature 55 rooms and suites featuring kitchenettes, a social kitchen, co-working space as well as a communal sauna, inspired by Helsinki’s apartment building sauna culture. 

This is a 3D video preview that provides a glimpse into the future design of Bob W Kaarti - Created by Koko3

In collaboration with real estate partner Slättö, Bob W successfully secured this exceptional property. Erik Möller, Head of Hotels from Slättö, shared his excitement:

"There is significant value creation potential in hospitality real estate in the current market. We see increased co-living trends, with people travelling for work and pleasure, over both shorter and longer periods. Slättö aims to grow in this segment and we are thrilled about our cooperation with Bob W, with its focus on quality and design, technology and sustainability" - Erik Möller, Head of Hotels from Slättö

Emilia Malmi, Bob W CEO Northern Europe, shares her excitement about the collaboration and project:

"We are excited to join forces with Slättö in transforming this iconic Helsinki property. By intertwining its historical charm with a genuine local design narrative and an unwavering commitment to quality, we'll seamlessly integrate our cutting-edge technology and sustainable operations to elevate the experience for today's discerning guests and contribute a fresh perspective to Helsinki's accommodation landscape." - Emilia Malmi, Bob W CEO Northern Europe

Bob W takes pride in offering prime locations in cool neighborhoods across all its properties. Nestled in the inner yard at Kasarmikatu 40, Helsinki, the new Bob W Kaarti is no exception. Guests can enjoy a vibrant neighborhood filled with cafes, galleries, and boutiques, all while being within walking distance to Helsinki's main attractions.

To ensure the iconic building retains its authentic charm, Bob W has partnered with award winning local interior design agency Koko3 Helsinki. Mari Relander from Koko3 also expressed their enthusiasm and vision for the project:

"Our design will be based on the identity of Kaartinkaupunki district, which, for the ones who don´t know, is almost like that classy lady with swanky sneakers. It´s been so much fun to walk around the Kaarti hoods, take photos and notes on what we see and feel - and then go back to the studio and translate that to the design. The interior will be about comfy functionality wrapped in Helsinki colors, hand-picked Finnish vintage pieces and art-inspired details that we have custom designed for this property. Simply, a sustainable gem, with art at heart!”. - Mari Relander, Partner at Koko3

Renovations will begin in 2023 and the property is expected to open to the public in 2024.

Bob W is expanding!

As part of Bob W's ongoing expansion, the company's real estate team is continuously seeking master lease and management agreement opportunities with partners who share their quality and environmental standards. They are excited about the opportunity to bring their unique blend of local authenticity and modern design to more locations across Europe. For more information on partnering with Bob W, please visit our website https://bobw.co/lease-with-bob.

About Bob W

Bob W is a tech-powered short-term rental operator that has built a reputation on elevating the hospitality experience by offering a smarter alternative to mainstream hotels and conventional short-term rentals. Sustainably operated, design-led apartments offer the consistent quality of a hotel alongside the utility and host-driven experience of a short-term rental.

Backed by Europe's top venture capitalists, family offices and entrepreneurs including ByFounders, IDC Ventures, Elevator Ventures, Verve VC, NREP, Tesi, Wolt co-founder Miki Kuusi and Supercell co-founder Ilkka Paananen, Bob W is building the technology to give every guest a local, contactless five-star experience at scale. Today, the tech company operates 32 aparthotel properties in nine European countries, with rapid expansion secured across the continent. 

Check out this 60-second intro video or visit the website for Bob W press pack, images, assets, and more.

About Slättö

Slättö is a partner-owned manager of alternative investment funds with a focus on investments in Nordic real estate. The funds collectively manage assets of EUR 1.6 bn. Since its inception in 2013, the firm has raised eight funds and executed more than 150 investments with a total transaction value of EUR +3 bn. www.slatto.se.

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Select Media Coverage

• Serviced Apartment News (21 August) - Bob W signs fifth property in Helsinki
• Short Term Rentalz (21 August) - IHM’s 2023 ones to watch in travel, hospitality and real estate
• Urban Living News (21 August) - Bob W signs fifth property in Helsinki
• Boutique Hotel News (21 August) - Hotel Rivoli Jardin to be rebranded under Bob W
• Focus on Travel News (21 August) - Bob W Expands Its Footprint in Helsinki with Acquisition of Iconic Former Hotel Rivoli Jardin
• TravelDailyNews International (22 August) - Bob W expands footprint in Helsinki with iconic cultural property
• Daily Lodging Report (22 August) - Bob W Expands in Helsinki
• HOTELS Magazine (22 August) - Bob W grows in Helsinki
• Global Travel Media (23 August) - Bob W Expands: Iconic Property in Helsinki!
• HOTEL DESIGNS (24 August) - Bob W expands its footprint into Helsinki