Valtionhotelli

Imatra, Finland

The Imatrankoski Rapids has been a famous tourist sight since the 18th century. For example Catherine the Great, the Empress of All the Russias, visited Imatra in July 1772. In 1892 the railway came to Imatra, which immediately shortened the journey from St. Petersburg and increased the influx of tourists. There were originally two wooden hotels used by Russian aristocracy, but but they had been destroyed in fires in the beginning of the 20th century.

The Grand Hotel Cascade d'Imatra (Valtionhotelli in Finnish) was opened in 1903. The huge jugend style castel hotel was designed by Usko Nyström and it represents the romantic medieval knight castle style (like the Neuschwanstein castle in Germany).

After Finland's independence in 1917, the Russians found themselves barred from crossing the border and the remote location of the Imatrankoski Rapids near the Russian border no longer held any attraction to Finnish tourists. The 1920s saw the construction of the Imatrankoski power station; after that, the rapids were allowed to surge free only for special shows.

Valtionhotelli was renovated to the original outfit in 1987. Today it functions as a Spa Hotel owned by Restel Oy.

Reference: Imatra Municipality

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Details

Founded: 1903
Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in Finland
Historical period: Russian Grand Duchy (Finland)

Rating

4.2/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Mikko Manninen (8 months ago)
Historic and very comfy hotel next to Central of Imatra. Hotel has very colorful history and differs from other hotels with its architectural side. To be noted that people with physical disabilities might have troubles due stairs. Staff at hotel & restaurant are very friendly and helpful.
Philipp Schmidt-Thome (8 months ago)
Outstanding architecture, cozy atmosphere, very friendly service and a good restaurant
Ville Rinne (10 months ago)
This is the best hotel in the town! The hotel consists of two parts: the historic castle and a newer conference centre. Both are connected by a tunnel for easy access. Absolutely beautiful setting right next to Imatrankoski - a river with dam that in the summer time is overflown each day. Also the town centre is just hundred metres from the hotel. Rooms are welll designed and have all amenities you need for a comfortable stay. There is a good restaurant on the premises as well as a small lobby bar. If you are planning to visit Imatra, this is the hotel to book.
Josefina Martín Gaspar (2 years ago)
Next to Vuoksi river, former kings lodgings for leisure time.A must
Toni (2 years ago)
cool and beautiful from the outside. inside is a mystery to me
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