Did you know?

In the late 19th century, a visionary traveller writing in the local paper declared Savonlinna "The Pearl of Lake Saimaa" and suggested that it would be fitting for the town to have a proper gathering place and a daily newspaper. Seurahuone traded in various locations throughout the town until 1901, when the town council decided to build a hotel on the Market Square, where Seurahuone still stands today.

The initial offering consisted of a restaurant and a banquet hall with a stage. Overnight accommodation was in 17 guest rooms in the main house and a further 17 rooms in the summer annexe. Several years, two fires and one 1989-built extension later, the hotel today boasts 85 rooms and four restaurants. Although we didn't join the Sokos Hotels chain until 2012, we have a history together going back to the post-war years, when the building was first used by the then Osuuskauppa cooperative.

Today with our prime location on the shores of Lake Saimaa, we are the leading hotel and meeting place in Savonlinna. Our hotel and restaurant customers receive a warm welcome served up with a friendly regional accent. Our famous rooftop "Vendace Terrace" – named after a local delicacy – is the perfect spot for eating, drinking or just plain relaxing and watching the hustle and bustle of the harbour. With a bit of luck, you might even see the Saimaa ringed seal. If the rooftop view makes you woozy, head down to the street-level Perlina Di Castello restaurant for an Italian culinary journey.