HTL KARL JOHAN
OPENING DATE : Began taking reservations May 2015 ; official opening was late August 2015
ACCOMMODATIONS : 108 guestrooms with double beds
LOCATION : The former Rica Travel Hotel Oslo
MANAGER : Therese Fredriksson
OWNERSHIP : HTL is part of the Scandic group owned by EQT ( 84 %) and Accent ( 16 %)
INTERIOR DESIGNER : Koncept Stockholm
DESIGN AESTHETIC : Timeless , calm and peaceful , with elements of modernity and technology
NOTABLE AMENITIES : Mobile room key , free Wi-Fi , raindrop showers , under-bed storage , several USB ports , 24-hour checkin , HTL-specific virtual city guide
When the first HTL hotel opened in 2014 , it offered a unique value proposition to guests : Leave out the unnecessary and enhance the quality of the necessary . The goal was to provide guests with a simplified — but also impeccable — hotel experience .
The brand ’ s latest property , HTL Karl Johan in Oslo , Norway , continues to encourage guests to challenge their perceptions about the hotel experience . Formerly the Rica Travel Hotel Oslo ( Scandic acquired the Rica brand last year ), the hotel ’ s guests have been encouraged to use the distinctive space as a place to relax and recharge sans gimmicks .
“ We created the HTL concept for the modern traveler who appreciates high-quality , personal service , modern design , the best city-center locations and smart digital solutions ,” says Gül Heper , commercial manager at HTL .
Heper adds that HTL aspires to expand to at least 20 hotels in the Nordic region within the next five years . Current properties in addition to HTL Karl Johan include HTL Kungsgatan , HTL Grensen and HTL Upplandsgatan .
Tech-driven experience Starting before check-in , guests can begin customizing their experience . Travelers can check in on their way to the hotel , receiving a room key via their smartphones , or they can check in upon arrival on one of the hotel ’ s tablets in the lobby .
In one of HTL Karl Johan ’ s 108 guestrooms , guests can connect their smart device to the LED television . All guests have access to free Wi-Fi , several USB ports throughout the room , underbed storage and creative finishes designed specifically for HTL .
“ All HTL rooms feature smart details such as different knobs , bars and hangers in marble , brass or a velvet finish ,” Heper says . “ All details in the room have been chosen based on their form , high quality and functionality .”
Despite guestrooms smaller than those in neighboring hotels , the HTL team doesn ’ t necessarily believe bigger is better . “ The hotel industry is very traditional , and there is still a belief amongst guests that a larger room is automatically associated with higher quality ,” Heper says . “ However , the HTL concept has quickly received acceptance from guests from around the world , so we seem to have created a concept that appeals to many personalities .”
Heart of the brand The Oslo hotel ’ s lounge trailed the opening by about two months in late August . The concept is considered to be the “ pulse ” of all of the brand ’ s properties and serves internationally influenced food and beverages . In fact , hosts in the lounge have replaced the traditional front-desk staff and are also equipped to provide guests with concierge services .
Although the hotel ’ s ADR and occupancy rates are not disclosed , Heper explains the HTL brand as a whole has already experienced quick success and has set high expectations . “ HTL challenges practically every existing hotel by offering a product of high quality in first-class locations at a lower price than most competing hotels ,” Heper explains . “ As such , we see HTL ’ s competitors as everyone and no one .”
www . hotelsmag . com September 2015 HOTELS 47