Runo Hotel

On approaching the hotel in the center of the southern Finnish coastal town, it becomes clear just how much heart and soul has gone into the restoration of the Art Nouveau building from 1912. Many of the original elements have been preserved, such as the reliefs on the ochre-colored façade depicting mythical figures from the Finnish epic poem Kalevala. In addition, each of the numerous windows has been painstakingly restored. Inside, stately staircases and original fireplaces meet contemporary Nordic interiors bearing the signature of designer Joanna Laajisto. She complements Scandinavian classics, textiles in natural tones and American Shaker-style furniture with special pieces that tell the story of the area. Rustic benches and patinaed tables have been created from 300-year-old pine floorboards, while hay poles from the co-founder Erkka Hirvonen’s family farm have been transformed into towel ladders for the rooms by local craftsmen. However, the Runo not only celebrates Finnish tradition, but also local art, presenting works by established and emerging artists in biannual exhibitions. There are certainly many ways to celebrate the flair of this place. This is our favorite one: After an extensive stroll through the cobbled streets of Finland’s second oldest city, with detours to charming cafés, small galleries and craft stores, passing the striking rust-colored warehouses on the riverbank, we like to settle down at the hotel bar made of Italian travertine and sample the cocktail menu. In addition to the tried and tested classics, there are creative surprises on the menu, such as a ‘Virgin Mehumaija’ with blackcurrant, orange, guarana and honey and a ‘Northini’, a cocktail made from cognac, pear liqueur and lemon, topped with soft ice cream and a splash of pear and vanilla liqueur. It’s the perfect way to raise a glass to the newly discovered vacation destination—and the prospect of sinking into the pillows in this wonderful place later on.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• How comfortable you feel as soon as you check in. The atmospheric, open entrance area flows into the restaurant and lounge. Here you will find paintings and sculptures by Finnish artists as well as design classics such as Hans J. Wegner’s iconic J16 rocking chairs and Spine lounge chairs by Space Copenhagen.
• A silkscreen painting by Finnish artist Inka Bell hangs in each of the 56 rooms and suites, lending each room a personal character.
• The harmonious color scheme in muted natural tones creates the perfect ambience in all of the rooms to relax—and perhaps read the book guests can find there telling the story of the hotel.
• How carefully and thoughtfully these historic rooms have been brought into a new era without losing their soul.
• The small, but exquisite, Attic Spa in dark wood. It’s located on the top floor and offers a sauna, a lounge area with a fireplace, a terrace and treatments for singles and couples.
• How the Runo kitchen gives traditional Finnish cuisine a modern twist, combining it with contemporary flavors. The small menu features dried meat, freshly caught fish and skillfully pickled vegetables.
• The sustainable concept! The hotel is committed to using organic, eco-labeled, seasonal products and food and avoiding meat, fish or seafood from endangered or protected populations or species.
• There’s also plenty to enjoy in the surrounding area: The medieval coastal town not far from Helsinki is known for its exciting culinary scene and attracts foodies from the capital and beyond.
• There’s so much beauty within easy reach. The hotel is located in the old town of Porvoo. No car is needed to get around the city, as the most interesting sights, best restaurants and nicest stores are just a few minutes’ walk away.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• Breakfast is included in the room rate. On weekends, there’s a sumptuous brunch, sometimes accompanied by atmospheric sets from a live DJ.
• Baby beds are available in this child-friendly hotel. Practical for families: Two rooms with an interconnecting door can be booked together.
• In the spa area, guests can be treated by trained professionals using the Dorn method, a gentle spinal and joint treatment to relieve back pain and headaches.
• Guests at the Runo also have free access to the affiliated Fitness24Seven gym. It’s located just 100 meters from the hotel and is open around the clock.
• The four seasons can be experienced full-on here, preferably with a local nature and wilderness guide. Guided photo excursions through the natural wilderness can also be booked; the archipelago coast can be explored while sailing or kayaking.
• City bikes are available in front of the entrance. They can be hired for a ride or by the day (and longer, of course).
• Workshops, conferences or company events? The Runo has the perfect facilities for this. Incidentally, the large conference room was once the first cinema in Porvoo, and one of the smaller rooms was the barber shop.
• The hotel has been awarded the international Green Key sustainability certificate, which is based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The hotel’s commitment to environmental protection includes reducing energy and water consumption as well as waste.
• Runo means poem in English—and that’s exactly how it feels here: Every little detail is precisely placed to create a cohesive, highly poetic whole.
• The city of Porvoo is bilingual; around 65 percent of the inhabitants speak Finnish, 35 percent are Finnish-Swedish.
• The nearest airport is Helsinki-Vantaa, 47 kilometers away; a shuttle service can be organized.