Scandinavia's new meeting place: First Hotel Arlanda Airport
This new hotel raises the bar for conference and hotel choices at Sweden’s largest airport. And the goals are sky high: To create one of the most attractive meeting places in Scandinavia.
November 2nd, 2016
First Hotel Arlanda Airport held its grand opening on 9 November 2016. The hotel offers 150 rooms, wonderful meeting facilities, a wellness and fitness centre, top-notch gastronomy, a bar, a sauna and access to a trade-show hall seating 350. The new hotel is located in the DriveLab area at Arlandastad and works closely with the company.
We met wtih the new hotel CEO, Jani Juselius, shortly before the opening ceremony.
First Hotel Arlanda Airport is just about to open. How has the construction progress been?
“Very good. We are ahead of schedule which made it possible for us to open earlier than planned, already on 9 November.”
Did the hotel turn out the way you envisioned when you first saw the plans?
“Even better. The DriveLab area has developed rapidly. At this very moment, DriveLab is being developed to further enhance education, and Event is offering long-term parking as a direct extension to the hotel. Considering the continuing expansion of Arlanda Airport City, the timing for the new hotel could not have been better.”
Apart from ensuring the hotel has an appealing desing, hiring the right staff is important, too. Have you found the perfect team for FH Arlanda Airport?
“We have put together a very competent team and we are just about to finalise our service team. There has been great interest in joining our exciting journey. The guests will notice the dedication of our service-minded staff the moment they arrive.”
What will the guests experience as they pass through the hotel doors?
“We offer an open and hospitable lobby setting with a high ceiling and a modern feel. The 14 metre long reception counter is integrated with the bar, and we also offer a good combination of modern furniture in Scandinavian design, suited for anyone. The parking space with its green surroundings is directly connected to the hotel and will offer a very pleasant first impression.”
What is your vision for the hotel?
“The area’s potential and strategic location offer fantastic opportunities to redraw the hotel map in and around the Arlanda region. Our goal is to create one of the most central and attractive meeting places in Scandinavia. The hotel will offer great accommodation for conference guests, and for those travelling on business the distances to the airport as well as the city centre are short. There are 150 rooms with plenty of space for leisure travellers, whether on holiday or on weekend trips.”
Could you say a few words about the hotel restaurant/F&B-concept?
“The restaurant is intended to function as the hotel’s living room where business and leisure travellers meet in a natural and relaxed setting. With our new kitchen staff, the menu will feature classic Swedish dishes, continental specialties plus our own favourites. The bar will offer a wide selection of beer and wine on tap. The beer selection will have a Swedish bent, while the wine will be selected from a majority of key wine regions.”
Will the hotel offer its guests any activities?
“We have a fitness centre and a spa. In addition, a wide selection of TV sports channels will create an engaging atmosphere in the bar. In cooperation with our local partners we will also host activities such as beer tasting. We will also organise workout sessions with our staff to get you going in the morning or give you a nice and healthy finish to a long workday.”
Who is First Hotel for?
“The hotel is first and foremost for everyone, but we do believe that business travellers as well as conference and event guests will dominate during the work week. With the close proximity to Arlanda Airport, we offer all weekend travellers a great location to start their holiday one day earlier. After a restful sleep and enjoyable breakfast, you can take our Shuttle Service to your terminal.”
Any additional information you would like to share?
“We are looking forward to becoming a natural part of the DriveLab meeting and event destination and to actively contributing to promoting Arlanda as a visitor destination. Our ambition is to give the area a boost in the field of hotel, conference and restaurant service.”