Oru Hub Hotel Handwritten Collection Opens in Tallinn in Estonia

Accor's newest brand, Handwritten Collection, has opened its first hotel in Eastern Europe with a grand opening in Estonia, beginning a new chapter for the local hotel industry. The Oru Hub Hotel - Handwritten Collection, located in Tallinn, stands out for its excellent location, unique design, and fresh approach to hospitality. Accor currently operates four hotels in Estonia, with plans to open two more in the near future.

Previously known as Oru Hub Hotel and located on Narva Road in Tallinn, the hotel is known as one of Estonia's first hybrid hotels. After an extensive renovation in 2020, the hotel reopened with a completely new concept aimed at combining the best features of hotels, Airbnb, and co-working spaces. With the launch of Handwritten Collection in January this year, Accor announced that this hotel will join the brand, comprising properties that offer a memorable and stylish accommodation experience with the spirit of its host.

Handwritten Collection, a global portfolio of charming bespoke hotels that offer an intimate and stylish hospitality experience, is expected to reach more than 250 hotels by 2030.

"It is a significant step forward for us to introduce ourselves under Accor's Handwritten Collection. Over the past few years, we have invested heavily in the development of our hotel, and we believe that the Oru Hub Hotel - Handwritten Collection as a part of a bespoke portfolio of Accor, a world leader in the hospitality industry, will attract tourists with its excellent location and unique design. Joining this new brand brings innovations to our overall building and room designs. While we were previously a mid-range four-star hotel, the Handwritten Collection introduces high-class design elements," said Kristel Mäenurm, General Manager of Oru Hub Hotel – Handwritten Collection.

As a part of the Handwritten Collection, the newly opened hotel charms guests with a comfortable concept based on the idea of "eat, work, play". The inspiration for this theme was brought to life in collaboration with the renowned Estonian design agency, Velvet, and the interior architecture studio Aeris. The four-star property offers 55 comfortable, modern and beautifully designed rooms. Guests have also access to the unique Hub on the ground floor, where they can work, socialize, or simply relax. Additionally, the hotel provides Oru Bistro, meeting rooms, a workshop, and a yoga room. The hotel has received numerous design awards, including the Estonian Association of Interior Architects' annual prize, and has been named among the top three in the category of best design implementer in the Entrepreneurship Development Foundation's business awards.

"We are extremely proud to open the first Eastern European hotel of the Handwritten Collection in beautiful Estonia, which becomes one of our leading and key markets not only in The Baltics but also in the whole region. This new opening is the first of a series of wonderful brands and hotel projects coming to the country in the close future. By bringing more world-acclaimed brands to Estonia, we count on the dynamic growth of the local hospitality market, and more international guests discovering this wonderful touristic gem of Europe" said Katarzyna Sławińska, Development Executive Poland and Baltic Countries at Accor.

The grand opening of Oru Hub Hotel - Handwritten Collection was attended by partners, Accor's development team, and the group's representatives. The event featured speeches by the hotel's CEO Kristel Mäenurm, a representative from the design agency Velvet, and an Accor representative. Guests also had the opportunity to explore the hotel and enjoy a performance by the Estonian Jazz duo Peedu Kass & Marianne Leibur.

"The pandemic has greatly shaken the hotel sector, and as a result, we noticed that many independent hoteliers felt the need for the support of a leading international brand without compromising the unique character of their small hotels. Therefore, we created the Handwritten Collection brand to support hoteliers and provide visitors with personalized, individual experiences," concluded Frank Reul VP – Development Accor Premium, Midscale & Economy "Eastern Europe, Balkans, Italy & Greece".

With a bespoke approach, Handwritten Collection will bring together hotels with individual personalities, intimately reflecting the character and warmth of the people who love and look after them. Like a handwritten note, each host's individual touches will be subtly encountered at select moments throughout the guest journey. From a warm welcome that cascades into conversation, to freshly baked treats that have guests sneaking seconds into their pockets, no two hotels or stays will be the same.

Oru Hub Hotel – Handwritten Collection is located near the centre of Tallinn, which makes it suitable for both business clients and leisure travellers, with easy access to public transportation. The city centre and Tallinn's Old Town are within a 5-10-minute drive by car or bus, while the Tallinn Port and Airport are approximately a 12-minute drive away. The hotel is located next to the main music events venue, Lauluväljak.

Tallinn is the cultural, economic and industrial centre of Estonia and welcomes its tourists with open arms. The medieval Old Town of Tallinn is the oldest district in Tallinn and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Estonia is known for its innovation, digital inventions and has more start-ups than Silicon Valley. However, everywhere in Estonia, the remnants of historic sights and old traditions can be found surrounded by beautiful and untouched nature.