Heralding a new era in luxury Nordic hospitality, this urban oasis will be preferred Hotels & Resorts’ first Legend Collection property in Finland.
HELSINKI, FINLAND – The Hotel Maria will redefine Nordic hospitality when it opens its doors in the heart of Helsinki on December 15, 2023 as a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious Legend Collection. Nestled in the historic Kruununhaka district, The Hotel Maria is a destination in its own right with 117 spacious rooms, including 38 luxurious suites, alongside two elegant restaurants and bars, a ballroom, chapel and state-of-the-art spa and wellness facilities, as well as a destination boutique featuring esteemed Finnish designers. Meticulously reimagined for the discerning modern traveler, the hotel seamlessly blends contemporary grace with distinctive elements from its historic past. The Hotel Maria is the ideal gateway and home base for memorable Nordic adventures of all types, whether guests are immersing themselves in traditional Finnish sauna culture or exploring the vibrant attractions of Helsinki. Reservations can now be made for stays starting December 15.
“Our vision is to become the premier hotel experience in the Nordics and Helsinki’s first true five-star destination,” said Hotel Maria Founder Samppa Lajunen, a former three-time Olympic gold medalist and renowned real estate developer. Recognizing the demand for true luxury hotels in the Nordics, Lajunen adds, “The Hotel Maria’s unique offerings will elevate Helsinki’s hospitality landscape, benefitting both discerning travelers and the industry as a whole. Being part of the Legend Collection is a testament to our commitment to providing unmatched luxury experiences and places The Hotel Maria among an elite group of properties known for their exceptional service, exquisite amenities, and distinguished reputation.”
Design and Accommodations
Made up of four architecturally and historically significant buildings built between 1885 and 1930, The Hotel Maria offers an array of accommodation options, including more suites than any other hotel in Helsinki and guestrooms that provide twice the space of typical Finnish hotels, with an average size exceeding 460 square feet. Gracefully blending cultures and embracing classic Finnish charm and style with refined décor and soothing neutral colors throughout, the hotel’s elegant interior design features custom furnishings from American luxury furniture specialist, RH. Each room features large “American-style” beds, state-of-the-art technology and a spacious spa-like bathroom equipped with marble walk-in showers, traditional Finnish sauna and/or steam room, an extra-large soaking tub, gas fireplace and bath television.
Guests can choose from cozy Standard Guest Rooms to a wide selection of suites, including tranquil Spa Suites, each featuring a sauna or steam room; sumptuous Penthouse Suites with an exclusive private terrace and decadent hot tub; or indulge in the magnificent two-bedroom Imperial Suite (1,722 square feet) with personal butler service, two spa-like bathrooms featuring a steam room, spacious living areas and library, and a grand dining room with exclusive private dining experiences available.
The Maria Spa and Wellness Club
The Hotel Maria is also very much committed to holistic well-being, as is illustrated by the on-site spa, Maria Spa, featuring a large coed Finnish sauna, uniquely designed steam room, cold and warm water plunge pools, Jacuzzi, four treatment rooms featuring indulgent skin and body treatments with luxury products from the exclusive Biologique Recherche range, and a greenery-filled fully enclosed atrium sanctuary with Spa Bar. As the first hotel in the Nordics to offer a Wellness Concierge, The Hotel Maria sets a new standard for wellness, offering highly personalized programs including specially tailored jet lag treatments and nutrition, a weekly Run Club, in-suite spa treatments, and much more. The Wellness Club, opening in spring 2024, will offer a design-forward fitness space with best-in-class equipment and training programs to ensure a rejuvenating and re-energizing experience for guests and locals alike.
Services and Fine Dining
In addition to providing guests with standard luxury hotel services, such as valet parking and concierge assistance, The Hotel Maria also offers private butler services, dog and babysitting, personal shoppers, as well as an Experience Manager whose sole purpose is curating and delivering unique luxury adventures in Finland. The hotel’s prime location allows easy exploration of Helsinki’s landmark attractions, while partnerships with high-end hotels and resorts in Lapland and the archipelago offer opportunities to explore the country further.
Culinary delights await at The Garden Terrace, serving Nordic and international dishes; Bar Maria, with chic cocktails and mocktails as well as champagne and caviar accompanied by the sounds of a grand piano; signature restaurant, Lilja, an elevated dining experience inspired by the traditions of French cuisine; and intimate dining experiences in suite or in the private dining room, Valley, seating up to 12 people.
A Commitment to Sustainability
The hotel seamlessly tailors exceptional moments with a deep commitment to minimizing environmental impact and embracing social responsibility. Energy-efficient lighting, cutting-edge indoor climate control, and renewable energy sources create an eco-conscious haven. Recycling programs and partnerships with local artisans contribute to a sustainable future. Transparent practices, continuous improvement, and guest engagement drive this exceptional sustainable journey at The Hotel Maria.
The Hotel Maria’s main and central buildings will welcome guests this December, with the Liisankatu and Maneesikatu side buildings completing in June 2024, doubling room availability. Bookings are now open, with rates starting at € 452 (EUR)/$496 (USD) including taxes and breakfast for two. For more information and reservations, please visit www.hotelmaria.fi.
The Preferred Advantage
Launched in 2015, the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection is globally sophisticated and culturally refined, with properties that promise unforgettable guest experiences and feature exquisite accommodations, stellar and intuitive personal service, renowned dining, and exceptional spas in over 95 of the world’s most remarkable destinations. All guests of The Hotel Maria are eligible to enroll in I Prefer Hotel Rewards, Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ points-based loyalty program with more than 4.5 million travelers currently enrolled globally. Complimentary to join, I Prefer members earn points redeemable for cash-value Reward Certificates, Elite status, and other special benefits upon eligible stays at participating hotels and resorts.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
