History

Varkaus’s industrial transformation gathered pace in the early 20th century, when the Ahlström family acquired the assets of Paul Wahl & Co. in 1909. Industry expanded and investment increased, creating a need to accommodate the factory’s guests. Tehtaan Hotelli was established as early as 1914, but traffic and passenger numbers grew rapidly.

The story of Keskus-Hotelli began with a practical need: in 1917, wholesaler William Holopainen made rooms available to travelers in his commercial building in central Varkaus, near Pirtinvirta. As more guests came to stay, the business expanded, and a café opened in the building in 1925. The name Keskus-Hotelli came into use at the same time.

Varkaus grew, and the old premises became cramped. Plans for a new hotel building began in the mid-1930s, and the new Keskus-Hotelli was completed in 1937 on Ahlströminkatu in Päiviönsaari, near the factories, where the hotel has operated ever since. The new complex included a first-class restaurant, rooms and a coffee bar, giving the street a distinctly urban character. The building was designed by architect Jaakko Tähtinen.

The hotel underwent several renovations over the decades. During wartime, it served as a key accommodation and dining venue for the local community. In the 1950s and 60s, the premises were modernised: the number of rooms increased, the restaurant dining room and private dining rooms were refurbished, and a popular restaurant bar opened by the entrance. The urbanisation of Varkaus in the 1960s and the changes of the 1980s also shaped the hotel business.

In the late 1980s, Hotel Oscar’s (1986) opened on the neighboring plot and was expanded in 1990. The complex also included Warkaus Hall and event spaces. Following extensive renovations, the restaurant and reception areas in the Hotel Oscar wing were refurbished and opened in early 2006.