In 2002, the well-known prison in Helsinki was closed and the last prisoner was released. Five years later, after extensive remodeling, the property had been transformed into a hotel and was once again filled with people. Prisoner suits, water and bread were exchanged for a variety of guests and inviting dishes on the menu. The transformation of the building and the site, which was initiated and realized by Primehotels, has since opening received numerous awards in design, service and experiences. Now the baton is being handed over to Strawberry who, starting on May 2, will continue the development of the business and the guest experience.

"We love places with a unique history that are full of stories and events. Hotel Katajanokka is such a place and I am extremely happy that we can now continue to develop the place and the hotel to continue creating 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 what Helsinki has to offer. This is a very good day that I know will please our hotel guests," says Petter Stordalen , owner of the hotel group Strawberry.

The 106-room hotel is characterized by its original activity as a prison dating back to 1837. The large hall, the outer shell and the surrounding red brick walls are protected by the Swedish Museum Agency. 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 and with S-Bank Property non-UCITS Fund as proud property owner.

"We are now getting a large and long-term player 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 who has a lot of experience in that type of work and has previously run hotels in similar buildings," says Fund Manager Tiia Vuolle, S-Bank Fund Management Ltd.

Hotel Katajanokka will become part of Strawberry's Clarion Collection hotel chain with over 50 hotels in Sweden, Norway and from May Finland. It will be the hotel chain's first hotel in Finland.

"Clarion Collection is a real hotel favorite among our regular guests. Year after year, they have won awards as hotel chain of the year in both Sweden and Norway, and much of the appreciation lies in the fact that the hotel chain specializes in hotels in properties with a unique history. We have guests who every day is fascinated by spending time away from home in buildings that used to be bank offices, mechanical workshops, bakeries or furniture factories. Hotels that ooze history and the fact that both afternoon coffee and supper are included in the hotel stay doesn't make the experience any worse," says Erika Ehrnrooth, COO Strawberry Finland .

The parts that characterize the Clarion Collection hotel chain, such as afternoon coffee and evening meals, will be implemented gradually in the near future.

All employees of Hotel Katajanokka will continue their employment with Strawberry and the guests' existing bookings will be taken over in full by Strawberry.