Valtionhotelli – the legends of the old castle
In Imatra, at the well-known falls, hotel-castle VALTIONHOTELLI is located.
The history of this unique hotel dates back to more than hundred years. In 1902 the Senate has published the decree about hotel building on western to river bank of Vuoksa. Cost of works made 400 thousand marks – a considerable sum for those times.
VALTIONHOTELLI – hotel first in the city built from stone (earlier, in the end of XIX-th century, in Imatra two wooden hotels burned down, therefore while choosing a material fire safety was the main criterion). The author of the project of Usko Njustryom thought over all to trifles, giving particular attention to kitchen: its huge sizes amaze imagination even today – almost the fifth part of all area of the castle! The hotel roof was painted in red color though inhabitants of Imatra consider till now that the green would much better combine with soft paints of northern landscape.
In November, 1903 hotel opening took place, and the first Petersburg newspapers informed on it.
During the Second World War Valtionhotelli was a hospital.
Now the hotel belongs to concern Restel Ou uniting 40 hotels of the largest hotel networks-Cumulus, Rantasipi, Ramada, Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza.
In January-February, 2005 in hotel works on internal furnish of premises were held. For restoration three million euros are spent.
To hotel regained its original form, magnificent list of walls were restored. Updated Valtionhotelli opened on first of March. Its new name – Rantasipi Imatran Valtionhotelli.
Valtionhotelli are two separate buildings: hotel-castle and the modern congress center where it is possible to get from the castle on an underground tunnel.
In a long narrow corridor on walls old photos of interiors hang, and in a small hall there is breadboard model of Valtionhotelli.
In the main case of a room for visitors settle down on the second, third and fourth floors. Single rooms in the lock are sustained in red tones, double, consisting of a small drawing room and a bedroom, – in dark blue. In the congress center room are issued in a single style which will be estimated, undoubtedly, by experts on modern Finnish design.
In total in Valtionhotelli there are 92 rooms, a conference hall for 250 persons, some saunas, pool, numerous offices. Two restaurants offer dishes of international kitchen and local delicacies. (It is interesting that drawing on plates repeats the list on walls of the main hall of restaurant!) visitors of the hotel have possibility to use the wireless Internet Connection.
The pride of Valtionhotelli is the smoking salon on the ground floor. Its walls are decorated by the hunting trophies and guns. On the corridor wall the chain symbolizing independence of Finland hangs since 1966. Every year one ring is added on it.
On the second floor there is a small hall for the sessions, named in honor of the Russian empress Catherine II: she often visited Imatra to admire falls.
The most popular room of the hotel (№ 401) is on the fourth floor. Here in 1983 the royal couple – the king of Sweden Kaarle with the spouse, queen Silviej stopped.
Legends of the old Castle
Inhabitants of Imatra are assured that in their quiet town there live ghosts.
They will tell to you with pleasure about 6 mysterious woman in gray, lodged in hotel Valtionhotelli, about a phantom which wanders in corridors of the city theater, about mad Konstantsi from manor Neitsytniemi…
The woman in gray.
In hotel Valtionhotelli reading room the portrait of the woman in gray is hanging which they say many years, lives in the castle. It goes through the corridors, and sometimes comes nearer to the bed of a visitor… Some consider that it is a phantom of a girl who has once committed suicide because of one-way love.
In the beginning of XX-th century many despaired came to Imatra to settle scores with life – to rush to the well-known falls. They took the one way ticket and…
But there is also other legend. Very long time ago the certain woman dressed in all gray, arrived to Imatra and lodged in hotel Valtionhotelli on the fourth floor where there were the cheapest numbers. However neither picturesque landscapes, nor beauty of falls couldn’t win sense of hopelessness and the disappointment reigning in her soul. She lost her life, but so liked this cozy hotel that she remained in it for ever.
Many believe that the woman in gray was the spouse of a Russian officer who had fallen in love with the simple soldier. Divorce with the husband was impossible, but she couldn’t overcome the passion…
Lena Hartikajnen, serving hotel, told the following history.
Two years ago, in the summer, one of visitors woke up at night and saw a light figure near the bed.
- Despite tragical destiny, the woman in gray is a very quiet “lodger”, – confirms Leena. – Though I didn’t meet her, but all the time I felt someone’s presence.
Such sensations arose not only at it. The housekeeper of hotel refused to rise alone on the top floors, referring that there are found ghosts. One of the waiters was afraid to come into hall Kilta-sali without support where the ware disappeared from the on-covered tables .
Some journalists claim that they had heard some sounds from the backpack of the photographer! When opened – sounds have stopped, when closed – invisible “watch” again wa tickling. Approximately in 10 minutes all stopped. And there was silence. The photos which were removed on one of digital chambers, completely disappeared…
.. If you have stopped in Valtionhotelli, in a room on the fourth floor) and at the moment of reading this post your attention is involved with the unusual sounds reminding the sound of a clock, than don’t forget to write a comment sharing with us your impressions and thoughts..
