Finland, recognized as the world’s happiest country for six consecutive years in the U.N.’s World Happiness Report, is poised to enhance its allure with the debut of Helsinki’s The Hotel Maria on December 15. A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious Legend Collection, the hotel features 117 spacious rooms, including 38 luxurious suites, two elegant restaurants and bars, a ballroom, a chapel and state-of-the-art spa and wellness facilities, and destination boutique highlighting popular Finnish designers.
Introducing a new era of Nordic luxury hospitality, The Hotel Maria blends contemporary style with distinctive elements from its historic past. The hotel is named after grand duchess Maria Feodorovna, a royal of Nordic descent who often retreated to Finland to escape the pressures of royal life. Today, The Hotel Maria serves as the ideal gateway and home base for memorable Nordic adventures of all types, from enjoying traditional Finnish sauna culture or exploring the attractions of Helsinki.
“Our vision is to become the premier hotel experience in the Nordics and Helsinki’s first true five-star destination,” says The 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 says, “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 is among an elite group of properties known for their exceptional service, exquisite amenities, and distinguished reputation.”
Design and Accommodations
Composed of four architecturally and historically significant buildings built between 1885 and 1930, The Hotel Maria offers an array of accommodations, including more suites than any other hotel in Helsinki and guestrooms that provide twice the space of typical Finnish hotels. The hotel embraces classic Finnish charm and style. Its refined interior design highlights a tasteful blend of custom furnishings from American luxury furniture specialist, RH, complemented by a soothing palette of neutral colors. Each room features large beds, state-of-the-art technology, and spacious spa-like bathrooms with marble walk-in showers, many with extra-large soaking tubs, gas fireplaces, and traditional Finnish saunas or steam rooms.
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 with personal butler service, two spa-like bathrooms featuring a steam room, spacious living areas and a library, and a grand dining room with exclusive private dining experiences available.
Wellness
Finland is known for its sauna culture, so it’s no surprise to find a large co-ed Finnish sauna at the hotel’s on-site spa, MariaSpa. It also features a uniquely designed steam room, cold and warm water plunge pools, Jacuzzi, a greenery-filled fully enclosed atrium sanctuary with a Spa Bar, and four treatment rooms. The spa offers a menu of indulgent skin and body treatments with luxury products from Biologique Recherche. The Hotel Maria is the first hotel in the Nordics to offer a wellness concierge, providing highly personalized programs including tailored jet lag treatments and nutrition, a weekly Run Club, in-suite spa treatments, and much more. Opening in spring 2024, The Wellness Club will offer a design-forward fitness space with state-of-the-art equipment and training programs for both guests and locals alike.
Services and Cuisine
A host of standard luxury hotel services, such as valet parking and concierge assistance, are available, as well as private butler services, dog and babysitting, personal shopping, and an experience manager whose sole purpose is curating and delivering unique luxury adventures in Finland. The hotel’s prime location makes it easy to access 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 Valley, the private dining room.
Sustainability
The Maria Hotel is focused on providing memorable moments while at the same time minimizing its environmental impact. 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.
