Finally we have a guidebook and web service that offer thorough information in an inspiring format about interesting hotels off the beaten track in Finland.

By "concept hotel" we mean a hotel with a soul - a quality that makes it different from all the other hotels - an individual in a good sense.

Such a quality can stem from the hotel's history, architecture, past guests, setting, nature, organized events, season, and so on. What all these hotels have in common - instead of the accommodation machine's mass-market service - is personality. Concept hotels work against boredom and leave the guest with positive, intimate memories.

Eeropekka Rislakki
Photo: Pasi Hytti

Concept hotels are often strongly connected with the local community and work in cooperation with their surroundings. Rooms, reception desks, lobbies, and other common spaces are intimate and casual enough to make you feel like you're coming to spend a pleasant evening at a good friend's house.

Traditionally, tourism has some destination, whether a foreign country or city, a sports event, beach, ski resort, or art museum. It is only after choosing the travel destination that we choose the place of accommodation.

Yet, increasingly, the hotel itself is becoming the travel destination. Those who travel a lot have understood this: they look for a balance between comfort, efficient service, and genuine friendliness - they look for inspiration and tranquility.

The contemporary hip, lifestyle, boutique, and design hotels are one answer to this demand. Compared to these, a concept hotel is more casual and often more authentic an option. The main thing is, however, that the guest senses that the hotel has a feeling.

This concept hotel online service center is available in English (www.concepthotels.fi) as well as Finnish (www.konseptihotellit.fi). It is maintained by Unione Ltd, publisher of the Viisi Tähteä ("Five Stars") trade magazine and online portal for the hotel and restaurant business. Booking and payment systems will be added to the online service in the near future.

The site also addresses current issues and points out new products, events, theme weeks, and related news items as well as forecasts the development of the business. Moreover, an online discussion room serves as a meeting place for professionals and clients.

Eeropekka Rislakki
Editor-in-Chief, Viisi Tähteä