Umea has a long history as a seafaring town. During the 1800s ship building and sea travel were big business and the seaman's mission constructed an impressive building down by the river, a combination of mission house and hotel. When the Stora Hotellet opened in 1895 it was a place where those two worlds met. This was Umea's major hotel for over a century and extensive refurbishment was carried out prior to the reopening to mark Umea being name European Capital of Culture 2014. The hotel stands once again in its seafaring finery, ready to welcome guests for another 100 years. The Stora Hotellet, BW Premier Collection has 82 unique rooms that run from spacious suites to compact cabins. There is also a restaurant, bar, library and conference rooms.