Rica Seilet Hotel

Rica Seilet Hotel was a landmark hotel in Molde, in Møre og Romsdal county on Norway’s west coast. The property opened on 11 September 2002 and became closely associated with the town’s waterfront skyline because of its height, distinctive tower form, and position overlooking the Moldefjord. Designed by Norwegian architect Kjell Kosberg, the building rises 16 floors and reaches approximately 82 metres, making it the tallest building in Molde according to the cited reference material. The hotel was developed as part of a larger cultural, hospitality, and events setting. It contained 224 guest rooms, 10 meeting rooms, a lobby bar, and a 24-hour shop. Bjørnsonhuset, a combined cultural and convention centre, adjoins the hotel and shares its entrance. In front of the property is Bjørnsonsplassen, a public-facing area with stone-paved parking and a rose garden. Together, these facilities made the site more than a conventional accommodation property: it functioned as a base for visitors to Molde while also supporting conferences, cultural events, and local gatherings. Its architectural identity was central to the property’s positioning. Kosberg, who established Kosbergs Arkitektkontor in Molde in 1986 and later maintained an Oslo office, designed several notable buildings in the city, including Aker Stadion, Bjørnsonhuset, and Rica Seilet Hotel. The hotel’s tower became a recognizable local attraction and an important element of Molde’s urban image. Its height and fjord-facing location gave it a prominent visual role in the town, whose landscape is known for views across the surrounding fjords and mountains. The Rica Seilet name was subsequently retired after the property was acquired by Scandic Hotels. Following that transaction, the hotel was renamed Scandic Seilet. As a result, Rica Seilet Hotel is best understood as the former brand identity of a still-existing hotel property rather than as a currently operating standalone brand. The available reference material does not identify the property’s original founder, opening investment, ownership structure, or exact date of the Scandic acquisition. It also does not establish a wider international network under the Rica Seilet name. The property’s principal offer was hotel accommodation supported by meeting and event facilities, food-and-beverage service, and convenience retail. Its historical importance rests less on a broad consumer product portfolio than on its role as a prominent Molde hotel and architectural landmark. The successor identity, Scandic Seilet, remains the relevant current name in the supplied material.

Rica Seilet Hotel was established as a major hotel and events property in Molde, Norway, opening on 11 September 2002. The project formed part of the town’s waterfront development and was conceived as a visually prominent high-rise hotel overlooking the Moldefjord. Its design was created by Norwegian architect Kjell Kosberg, whose practice had been established in Molde in 1986 and whose portfolio included several important buildings in the city. The completed building is a 16-floor tower approximately 82 metres high. This made it the tallest building in Molde and gave it an unusually strong civic and visual presence for a hotel. The tower became a local attraction in its own right, while its location placed it within a broader cultural and convention environment. Bjørnsonhuset, a combined cultural and convention centre, is next to the hotel and shares the same entrance. Bjørnsonsplassen, including a stone-paved parking area and rose garden, lies in front of the complex. Operationally, the hotel offered 224 rooms together with 10 meeting rooms, a lobby bar, and a shop open around the clock. These facilities supported both transient accommodation and business, cultural, and conference activity. The connection to Bjørnsonhuset strengthened the property’s role as an events destination rather than limiting it to overnight stays. The Rica Seilet identity was later discontinued following the acquisition of the hotel by Scandic Hotels. The property was renamed Scandic Seilet, making Rica Seilet a former hotel brand identity. The supplied sources do not provide the acquisition date, transaction value, original owner, or detailed management history. They also do not document advertising campaigns, controversies, product recalls, lawsuits, or other major corporate events connected with the Rica Seilet name. In brand terms, Rica Seilet was defined by a single landmark property rather than by a documented portfolio of hotels or consumer products. Its strongest differentiators were its Molde location, fjord views, architectural scale, event infrastructure, and association with the neighbouring Bjørnsonhuset complex. Its historical legacy continues through the building and the successor Scandic Seilet name.

• 2002

  Hotel opens in Molde

  [1]Kjell Kosbergen.wikipedia.org

  Rica Seilet Hotel opened on 11 September 2002 as a 16-storey, approximately 82-metre waterfront hotel.

• 1986

  Kosbergs Arkitektkontor is established

  [1]Kjell Kosbergen.wikipedia.org

  Architect Kjell Kosberg established Kosbergs Arkitektkontor in Molde, the practice later responsible for designing Rica Seilet Hotel.

• Property is renamed Scandic Seilet

  [1]Kjell Kosbergen.wikipedia.org

  Following acquisition by Scandic Hotels, the property changed its name from Rica Seilet Hotel to Scandic Seilet.

A prominent waterfront hotel combining accommodation and conference services with a distinctive architectural presence in Molde.

• Hotel accommodation · 2002

  Rica Seilet Hotel accommodation

  The core offer was lodging in a 224-room hotel tower overlooking the Moldefjord. The property’s height, central Molde location, and architectural profile made the accommodation experience distinctive within the local market.

• Events and conferences · 2002

  Meeting and conference facilities

  Rica Seilet included 10 meeting rooms and operated alongside Bjørnsonhuset, a cultural and convention centre sharing the hotel entrance. This combination supported conferences, cultural programming, and other organized events.

• Hospitality services · 2002

  Lobby bar and 24-hour shop

  Ancillary guest services included a lobby bar and a shop operating 24 hours a day, complementing the accommodation and meeting offer.

• Scandic acquisition and brand transitionM&A

  Background

  The hotel was acquired by Scandic Hotels after operating under the Rica Seilet name.

  Action taken

  Scandic replaced the Rica Seilet identity with the Scandic Seilet name.

  Aftermath

  Rica Seilet became the former name of the property, while the hotel continued under the Scandic Seilet identity.

  Source

1. 1Kjell Kosbergen.wikipedia.org