23 February 2021– Bob W opens a new location of exceptionally cool short-stay apartments on Helsinki’s Railway Square this spring – the first of several new openings this year. The building has been secured together with Sponda, Finland’s leading commercial real estate asset management company affiliated with Blackstone.
Bob W is a tech-driven hospitality provider offering a smarter alternative to hotels and short-stay rentals. Backed by top real estate investors and venture capitalists, we currently operate in Finland and Estonia with ambitious plans to expand in current and new markets, including continental Europe and the UK.
The premises spans the top two floors at Vilhonkatu 5, which has an epic location in Helsinki’s central business district. Designed by John Settergren and completed in 1902, the landmark Jugendstil building is the first of several unannounced openings in Finland this year.
The announcement comes at a time when many hotels and rentals struggle to fill rooms.
Whilst the hospitality industry has been hit hard during the pandemic, Bob W has been showing market-beating performance and is driving a new era of hospitality and diversification for real estate investors.
– Niko Karstikko, CEO and Co-Founder of Bob W.
As with all Bob W’s properties, design, sustainability and local authenticity are key differentiating factors. Bob W has teamed up with internationally recognised Helsinki-based Studio Joanna Laajisto on a concept true to Helsinki’s past, present and future. The decor features pieces from local artists and designers, vintage secondhand furniture from Finland, and the latest smart building technology.
Vilhonkatu features premium short-stay apartments with balconies, private saunas and a penthouse occupying two floors in a corner tower with unrivalled views of the area. The property opens its doors to guests in spring 2021.
Bob W has secured the property on a long-term lease with Sponda, Finland’s top commercial real estate asset management company.
Bob W is at the forefront of an interesting emerging asset category of flexible hospitality, and we are pleased to be able to provide premises that meet Bob W’s high standards and are delighted to welcome them to Vilhonkatu.
– Christian Hohenthal, CEO of Sponda
We are excited to work with Sponda, the leader of commercial real estate in Finland, with this prime building and with other opportunities as we expand in Finland.
– Emilia Malmi, Associate Director of Real Estate in Helsinki for Bob W.
About Bob W
Bob’s exceptionally cool apartments cater to the 21st-century traveller who wants it all: the consistent quality of a hotel and the authentic flair and affordability of a short stay rental. We combine the best of both worlds in our eco-friendly properties in Tallinn and Helsinki’s most interesting neighbourhoods. Backed by Europe’s top real estate investors and venture capitalists including NREP, Tesi, Kaamos, and byFounders, we’re building the technology to give every guest a local, contactless five-star experience at scale. Check out our 60-second intro video for more.
We are expanding and currently looking for new properties in Helsinki and across Europe! Hit up our real estate team at re@bobw.co with opportunities.
For Bob W press pack, images, assets, and more visit https://bobw.co/press
For more info and interviews, please chat with Aleksi@bobw.co
