As one of the most anticipated unveilings in the Nordic region, the Finnish capital has welcomed a stunning new addition to its luxury hospitality scene and is perfectly located to explore some of Helsinki’s landmark attractions.
The five-star Hotel Maria in Helsinki’s historic and upmarket Kruununhaka district has formally opened its doors, ready to greet its first guests this winter. A member of the prestigious Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection, the elegant 117-room property takes its name from Grand Duchess Maria Feodorovna, a renowned royal figure who sought peace of mind in Finland during challenging times and served as a great unifier beyond borders.
The brainchild of Samppa Lajunen, a former three-time gold medalist at the Winter Olympics and a successful real estate developer, The Hotel Maria is a collection of four architecturally and historically prominent buildings dating back to 1885, protected by The Finnish Heritage Agency.
It is a property that seamlessly blends significant architecture with modern furnishings and invites guests to discover an interior styled by Head Designer Jana Sasko and Puroplan, one of Finland’s leading interior design studios.
Many original features are evident throughout the design, where traditional ornate wall and ceiling details are dressed in fresh shades of white, while natural woods and hand-forged metals are highlighted by the extensive collection of contemporary lighting.
Accommodation
The Hotel Maria offers a variety of accommodation categories, including 38 lavish suites – more than any other hotel in Helsinki, as well as guest rooms that provide twice the amount of space found in typical Finnish hotels, with an average surface area exceeding 460 square feet.
Rooms boast large “American-style” beds, state-of-the-art technology, and spacious spa-like marble bathrooms, where most are fitted with extra-large soaking tubs, electric fireplaces, and bath TVs. In fact, 19 of the suites are equipped with their own private traditional Finnish saunas or steam rooms for an added touch of luxury.
The Signature Suite and The Penthouse Suite, which have floor-to-ceiling windows, are the flagship offerings of this property and are arguably the best suites in Finland.
Named “The Maria Imperial Suite”, and at 1,722 square feet, it grants a first-class experience with a private butler, two in-suite soaking tubs, a steam room, a library, two living areas, and a grand dining room with seating for up to 10 – ideal for entertaining friends or hosting meetings.
The last stage of The Hotel Maria’s opening will take place in June 2024 with the completion of the Liisankatu 8A and Maneesikatu side buildings, doubling room availability.
Dining
Spearheading the hotel’s food and beverage offering is the Lilja restaurant, overseen by Head Chef Ville Rainio. Bringing extensive culinary experience from acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe, the gastronomy here is shaped by the traditions of French cuisine.
Lilja exclusively uses wild-caught fish and has its own buoy in Aland, where seaweed is cultivated and collected for the kitchen’s needs. Furthermore, the Finnish Dry Aged beef and exclusively sourced reindeer meat used by the kitchen comes from the Poromoision reindeer farm in Sodankylä.
For more intimate dining, there is Lilja’s elegant private dining room named “Valley”, with seating for up to 12, or guests can enjoy the full Lilja menu in the comfort of their own rooms.
Culinary delights also await at the brasserie-style Garden Terrace. This is an inviting space adorned with lush greenery, hanging lanterns, and plush Chesterfield sofas, where guests are treated to afternoon tea or dishes from an elevated all-day dining menu inspired by classic international and Nordic cuisine.
Bar Maria is a chic lounge inspired by the Arctic, specialising in champagne and caviar, and is the ideal setting for extravagant afternoons with the enchanting backdrop of snow-white chandeliers and a grand piano.
Relaxing
The Hotel Maria’s on-site spa, named “Maria Spa”, features a large Finnish sauna, a uniquely designed steam room, cold and warm water plunge pools, a Jacuzzi, and a greenery-filled, fully enclosed atrium sanctuary with a Spa Bar.
Indulgent signature skin and body treatments, such as the Luminizer Massage, Arctic Healing with Maria, and Nordic Vitality Facial, take place in four treatment rooms with luxury products from the exclusive Biologique Recherche product portfolio.
Wellness options will expand further in June 2024 with the opening of The Wellness Club, which will offer a fitness space with best-in-class equipment and unique training programmes for residents and guests.
Personalised Services
As well as standard luxury hotel services, such as valet parking and concierge assistance, The Hotel Maria supplies private butler services, dog and babysitting, personal shoppers, and an Experience Manager dedicated to curating and delivering bespoke luxury adventures throughout Finland.
The Hotel Maria – Where and How?
The Hotel Maria is located at Mariankatu 23, 00170 Helsinki, Finland. Rates start at €452 / £390 per night, including taxes and breakfast, based on dual occupancy.
For more information and reservations, please visit www.hotelmaria.fi.
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