The second phase of the renovation of Original Sokos Hotel Royal is proceeding fast

The second phase of the extensive renovation project of Original Sokos Hotel Royal at the centre of Vaasa is proceeding. The demolition work at the annex has been completed, and the renovation is proceeding rapidly as part of the hotel as a whole. Approximately 120 professionals are currently working at the construction site to ensure that the construction will be completed as planned by the turn of the year 2025, after which we will move on to interior design and finishing touches. The renewed Royal 2 will open in spring 2026. In total, the renovation employs about 150 person-years.

“The Royal project with its real estate acquisitions, renovations, parking solutions and energy investments makes this one of the KPO Group’s largest projects, which can be compared to Prisma at Liisanlehto. Vaasa is strategically one of KPO’s most important markets, and we have invested almost EUR 150 million in regional development in recent years”, says Kim Biskop, Managing Director of KPO Cooperative Society.

New hotel rooms and diverse accommodation options

The renewed hotel will provide a more versatile setting for accommodation, restaurants, events and festivities. Royal’s second phase brings 121 new hotel rooms and 354 beds. The fully renovated Royal will have 260 rooms and 655 beds after completion. Particular attention has been paid to families and groups in the design of the new rooms, which further diversifies the hotel’s accommodation options.

“The renovated Royal 1 has already shown that it responds to demand and visitors’ expectations. The hotel rooms, restaurants, meeting and event facilities introduced in the first phase have received a great welcome from both tourists and local customers. Rooms for up to six people will be completed on the Royal 2 side, and there has been a shortage for those in Vaasa”, says Riku Asukas, Business director at KPO Cooperative Society.

New O’Malley’s Irish Pub and a big parking facility

The O’Malley’s Irish Pub, currently under construction, will be one of the largest recreational and party venues at the centre of Vaasa, offering space for up to 550 guests. Pub invests in a wide selection of beers and weekly live performances, enlivening Vaasa’s cultural scene and offering new experiences to both locals and hotel guests.

In addition, the P-Central parking facility, which will be completed in connection with Royal’s renovation, will bring 169 new parking spaces to the city centre, 16 of which are equipped with charging points for electric cars. The parking facility has two underground floors and a street-level parking deck, providing a practical and easily accessible parking for hotel and city centre visitors.

Leading the way in energy efficiency

Original Sokos Hotel Royal makes extensive use of renewable energy and smart building technology. Geothermal heating is the main form of heating. The property is heated and cooled with 35 energy wells. In addition, there is a solar power plant, wastewater and refrigeration energy recovery, as well as modern room automation. The hotel room system adapts to the guest’s arrival, optimising air conditioning, heating, and lighting.

Solar power and smart lighting make energy use more efficient. The hotel’s 342 solar panels generate 10% of its electricity needs, bringing annual savings of €12,000. LED light fixtures and smart lighting control reduce energy consumption in public spaces and in the parking garage with motion and infrared sensors.

The new hotel rooms in the Royal 2 building will go on sale on 1 March 2025 and will be available from 1 February 2026.

For more information, please contact:

Kim Biskop, Managing Director, KPO Cooperative Society, tel. +358 40 577 0821, kim.biskop@sok.fi
Riku Asukas, business director, KPO Cooperative Society, tel. +358 50 388 3488, riku.asukas@sok.fi
Max Hellqvist, hotel director, Original Sokos Hotel Royal, Vaasa, tel. +358 40 529 3686, max.hellqvist@sok.fi