GLO Hotel Art

This Art Nouveau-style hotel has an enveloping, warm atmosphere, from the ceilings, whose painted arches are illuminated by sconce lighting, to the modern, brightly hued seating in the lobby and its adjacent, pendant-lit lounge. A library off the lobby gives another cozy space, with vintage books and plush sofas in striped fabric. Check-in takes place at a purple reception desk in a bright niche. Guests may either take the elevator or walk the curving, stone staircase punctuated by a Delft-blue column. True to its name, the hotel is a showcase for art: Bright, contemporary canvases and black-and-white photos adorn the walls in common areas and guest rooms. Business travelers, particularly those working in the arts, will be drawn by its Design District location and the hotel's unusual array of meeting spaces. And tourists appreciate the building's authentic Finnish vibe.

The GLO Hotel Art sits on a busy street in the western section of Helsinki. It's located in the Design District, a 25-street area with many shops showcasing various furniture, clothing, and fabrics. It's a five-minute walk to Kampii Metro Station, and a 10-minute walk to the commercial center of Helsinki and The Helsinki Central Railway Station. The Esplanadi, or "Espa" as it is known to locals, a green space and outdoor stage flanked by shops, restaurants, and architecturally interesting buildings, is a 10-minute walk from the hotel as well. A 14-minute walk away is the Museum of Finnish Architecture. Kiasma, the Museum of Contemporary Art, can be reached in a 15-minute walk. The 235-feet meter tower at the Olympic Stadium, the site of the 1952 summer games that offers a bird's eye view of the city, is a 13-minute drive away. Helsinki Airport is a 27-minute drive away.

There are four room types at the Glo Hotel, ranging from the compact GLO Smart to the spacious GLO Suite each with an emphasis on bright, streamlined spaces and comfortable touches like sheepskin or Finnish-patterned throws and plush furniture in bright fabric or soft leather. Floors are variegated wood, and color schemes are neutral with white walls, gray-stained wooden bed frames, and dark-wood headboards or charcoal-gray bed frames. Lighting is creative, including white-cube floor lamps and gooseneck reading lights. More brightness is added by mirrors, colorful contemporary art, and windows with street views. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, blackout curtains, and safes, and higher room categories include bathrobes, slippers, and Nespresso machines. Bathrooms are modern and stylish with dark-wood cabinetry, but they're a tight fit with a glass partition concealing the shower or tub/shower combo. Higher room categories have rainfall showerheads and some have soaking tubs. Note, smaller rooms are not air-conditioned. 

For business travelers, there are architecturally interesting meeting spaces for a total of 550 people, including a small theater. A breakfast buffet, not included in the room rate, is served in a brightly lit room with a menu emphasizing fresh fruits and breads. And the GLO Art Kitchen and Lounge Bar provide food and drink at other hours. There's also an on-site parking garage and an entertainment library. For a fee, guests can rent bicycles or go to the gym across the street. And upon request, the hotel offers motorized beds and cribs.