The historic Imatra State Hotel in Finland's southeastern border region has completed a rapid managerial transition, appointing Armi Hatakka as its new hotel manager in early November. This follows the property's swift change in ownership and branding from Scandic to the Finnish family-owned concept Peerâ Hotels & Cottages during the autumn. The transition was notable for its speed, reportedly completed within five business days, and for securing the positions of the existing staff, whose planned redundancies were canceled. Hatakka assumes leadership of a landmark property that holds significant cultural and historical weight in the region, near the powerful Imatra rapids.
The appointment process drew considerable interest, with 35 applicants vying for the position. Hilla-Rina Palokari, CEO of the Peerâ Hotels & Cottages family enterprise, noted the diverse candidate pool. Applications came from locations ranging from Vantaa and Lapland to as far as London, indicating the role's national and international appeal. The selection of Hatakka, who has expressed a focus on restorative activities and a keen interest in Imatra's cultural offerings, signals a fresh start for the hotel under its new Finnish ownership. Her immediate task involves taking rapid operational control of the hotel, a key expectation outlined during the hiring process.
This management change is more than a simple personnel shift. It reflects broader trends in Finland's regional tourism and hospitality sector, where iconic state-owned assets are increasingly being managed by domestic operators. The Imatra State Hotel, a functionalist architectural gem opened in the mid-20th century, has long been a symbol of Finnish design and a destination for domestic tourists. Its transfer to a family-run Finnish chain represents a conscious move towards localized management and branding, potentially offering a more authentic visitor experience compared to international hotel groups. The preservation of all staff positions is a positive development for the local economy in South Karelia, a region where stable employment is crucial.
The success of this transition will be measured by the hotel's ability to blend its historical legacy with modern hospitality demands under the Peerâ brand. Hatakka's leadership will be tested in integrating the hotel into Peerâ's portfolio of cottage and hotel experiences, which often emphasize Finnish nature and design. For international visitors and expats in Finland, this story highlights the dynamic nature of the Nordic hospitality market, where even historic institutions are undergoing quiet revolutions in ownership and philosophy. The real challenge now is whether this new chapter can enhance the hotel's appeal while honoring its storied past, a balancing act common across the Nordic heritage sector.