Finland: The Hotel Maria has officially opened its doors in the Finnish capital of Helsinki and joined Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection.
The hotel features 117 rooms, including 38 suites, two restaurants, a ballroom, chapel, a state-of-the-art spa and wellness facilities, and destination boutique, all reimagined for discerning travellers and echoing Helsinki’s Kruununhaka district.
Claiming to be the first hotel in the Nordics to offer a wellness concierge, The Hotel Maria offers personalised programmes including tailored jet lag treatments and nutrition programmes, a weekly run club, in-suite spa treatments, and spa suites with private saunas or steam rooms and large soaking tubs.
The Hotel Maria founder Samppa Lajunen, a former three-time Olympic gold medallist and real estate developer, said: “The Hotel Maria’s commitment to being the premier hotel experience in the Nordics and Helsinki’s first true five-star destination reflects the evolution of luxury in the Nordics. Our journey parallels that of our namesake, Grand Duchess Maria Feodorovna, a renowned and beloved royal figure who sought peace of mind in Finland during challenging times and served as a great unifier beyond borders.
“We aspire to provide the same tranquility and sanctuary to all who grace our doors, offering our guests a taste of the pure and natural beauty of Finland, leaving them renewed and inspired,” added Lajunen.
The Hotel Maria is a collection of four architecturally and historically prominent buildings dating back to 1885, protected by The Finnish Heritage Agency. With interiors by head designer Jana Sasko and Puroplan, one of Finland’s leading interior design firms, The Hotel Maria blends Finnish culture with American style and extra spacious standards.
A variety of accommodation options are on offer, including suites and guest rooms that can feature ‘American-style’ beds, technology, marble bathrooms, electric fireplaces and bath televisions.
The hotel’s Maria Spa opens this month, while its wellness options will expand further in June 2024 with the opening of a new Wellness Club for fitness and training programmes.
Luxury services provided also include private butler services, dog and babysitting, personal shoppers and an experience manager who curates and delivers bespoke luxury adventures throughout Finland. The hotel’s prime location enables guests to explore Helsinki’s landmark attractions through exclusive partnerships with high-end hotels and resorts in Lapland and the Lake District.
In a bid to minimise its environmental impact and embrace social responsibility, The Hotel Maria features energy-efficient lighting, indoor climate control and renewable energy sources. Green Key certification is also expected in 2024.
The final 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. Liisankatu is home to the Maria Ballroom, the adjacent Lily room and a dining and meeting space, while Maneesikatu will feature The Maria Wellness Club and Wellness Studio.
Rates start at €452 /$496 including taxes and breakfast for two.
