Travels with Laura: Eat, drink & meet around the world

The Hotel Indigo in Helsinki is not only leading with its LEED Gold Certification standard, it is leading the way in boutique hospitality and meetings as well. And do not let the “boutique” qualification fool you—this is a full service go to hotel to Eat, Drink, Meet (Stay) & Succeed.

I arrived after 10:00 p.m. in the dark of a mid-March Helsinki night but there was great light literally the moment I walked through the glass doors off of Helsinki’s famed Elegant 200-year-old Bulevardi and into the modern and stylish Hotel Indigo. Its ceiling was an actual map of the city’s streets and plaza in lights that led me to the front desk like a pilot to a runway. The manager on duty, Eeki, was ready, waiting, and welcoming. Just as for any event, the reception of a guest sets the tone of the entire experience. Eeki was kind, helpful, and sharp. A few moments later I was off to Room 601, my residence for the next week.

As the hotel had just opened I was the first to stay in the room but with the way the staff cared for every inch of the new building I have no doubt #601 will look like new for a long time. The hotel was full of mostly business travelers during the week and it provides the perfect touch of functionality, creativity, technology, and design all with a Nordic flare. I was never at a loss for high strength Wi-Fi in common areas my guest room, the meeting room, or elevator. Any meeting planner can feel confident booking groups into this hotel, as it is accommodating and easy to reach all areas without walking miles of hallway no matter where you are in the building.

Not only is Hotel Indigo located in the hot spot of Helsinki; but it’s a hot spot all on its own. When evening arrives the original lighting of the Hotel Indigo comes alive setting the tone to Eat, Drink & Succeed in Café Bröd. Windows line one wall of the restaurant, so after being in a conference all day it is wonderful to have a bite with a large group or just a few with an open atmosphere. The executive chef pays close attention to every dish that goes out and they were fabulous, whether a part of a breakfast buffet, individual meal, or a function—I had the wonderful opportunity to see his dishes in all three atmospheres.

And meetings atmosphere it is…the Hotel Indigo offers many opportunities when it comes to meetings in Helsinki. It can host the lodging accommodations of any nearby conference facility and it provides great facilities within itself for smaller meetings. It certainly strikes a balance when it comes to the healthy mix of business meetings and you the sometimes-weary traveler. The private sauna is pristine and modern, and the fitness center has everything you’d need to keep your own trainer happy while you’re away. The Yoga room is a not-to-miss experience. It is fitted with a silk yoga trapeze hammock, which is a great way to stretch after a long flight as well as to re-energize during the day between meetings!

That is why Hotel Indigo is leading the way in Helsinki and serves as a great model for small meetings, social gatherings and powerful networking!

For more information on the Hotel Indigo in Helsinki visit: http://helsinki-boulevard.hotelindigo.com/en