Marriott announced plans to open the 272-room Helsinki Marriott Hotel in early 2013 under a franchise agreement with Scandinavian Hospitality Management Espoo OY. The hotel will be owned by Kiinteisto OY Kuninkaansatama, a joint venture between Ultivista OY and BMZ-Invest OY.

The Helsinki Marriott Hotel, which will be Marriott's first hotel in Finland, will be conveniently located in the Westend district of Espoo, one of the most affluent districts of the greater Helsinki area.  The 18-story hotel will boast stunning views of Helsinki and a unique waterfront location, and will be located a ten minute drive from Helsinki's city center and a short distance from Helsinki's Vantaa Airport. In addition, the hotel will sit within one kilometer of the commercial districts of Tapiola and Keilaniemi, which accommodate the headquarter offices of many Finnish companies.

"We see strong development opportunities in the Nordic countries and are excited to see our expansion continue in to Finland," said Amy McPherson, president and managing director of Marriott International in Europe . "The region has always been known for warm hospitality and great design. We look forward to a continued partnership with Scandinavian Hospitality Management and know this hotel will serve the market well."

Harald Jacobsen, president of  Scandinavian Hospitality Management said, "The Helsinki Marriott Hotel will be a fantastic extension for the iconic Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand.  We look forward to working with Marriott and welcoming the many travelers that will now have a new deluxe hotel choice when visiting Helsinki."

The Helsinki Marriott Hotel will boast over 10,500 square feet of meeting space, an executive lounge and business center. For recreation and relaxation, the hotel will feature a state-of-the art health club with indoor pool.