Petter Stordalen's hotel chain Nordic Choice has been hit by an IT attack that affects check-in, check-out and payment for the company's over 200 hotels. 

According to the hotel giant, it will take time to resolve the problems caused by the intrusion. 

On Thursday afternoon, Nordic Choice, owned by Norwegian businessman Petter Stordalen, announced that the hotel chain had been hit by a computer virus overnight. The virus affects the company's systems for "booking, check-in, check-out and payment solutions," Nordic Choice wrote in a press release. 

Nordic Choice confirms late Thursday evening that an IT attack is the virus causing the problems.

”"It is an IT breach in our system that affects our internal systems," says Communications Manager Kenneth Hultgren. 

What is your assessment of the situation – when can a solution be in place?
”"Right now we're sitting here looking at the big picture. We're probably prepared for it to take a while. It may take a few days before we're completely through this. But our hope, and what we're working towards, is that guests will notice this as little as possible."”

As a result of the problems caused by the virus, hotel staff have switched to ”manual routines,” says Kenneth Hultgren. 

”We are moving from computers to paper, pen and binders,” he continues. 

The virus has also caused access cards, which guests use to gain access to their hotel room, to stop working. 

”"But then the staff will help on site at the hotel. If you have a booking, you will definitely get into the room. But it takes a little longer to get access to the rooms because of this manual handling," says Kenneth Hultgren. 

Regarding the payment problems, he adds that Nordic Choice "rolled out other payment solutions" during the day.

Source: DI.SE