The Maria Hotel is a beautiful hotel in central Helsinki which had its grand opening last year. Previously four historic buildings dating from 1885, it combines old-world luxury with modern Nordic style and amenities.
There is a bright and spacious reception, elegant rooms and suites with two great restaurants, a romantic bar and a huge spa. The property is protected by The Finnish Heritage Agency and owned by Finnish Olympic Gold medallist Samppa Lajunen.
Who for
The Hotel Maria’s central location makes it a great base for tourists, as the city’s many attractions are just a walk away with iconic neoclassical buildings and fabulous shopping, cafes and bars.
The Hotel is also ideal for business travellers. As well as a private dining room there are conference facilities and private meeting rooms. The hotel is only half an hour’s drive from the airport.
There is a small pretty chapel which can be used for weddings and christenings and the huge ballroom with its chandelier is the perfect setting for a wedding or other celebrations
Families are welcome and the large suites are well-suited for groups. Dog and babysitting services are available.
Accommodation
The Hotel Maria has 117 rooms and 38 suites – the most in Helsinki. There is a lot of space in the comfortable rooms which have marble bathrooms with golf coloured fittings, a huge bath and fragrant Bulgari toiletries. Lighting and heating can be controlled by an IPad on the wall and there is an excellent coffee machine and well stocked minibar. The suites are all different and have private saunas or steam room and loft rooms are spread over two levels. Although lovingly restored with modern styling, the hotel retains many of its period features to create an elegant atmosphere and ambience.
Food & Drink
Lilja restaurant in Maria Hotel Helsinki
The Garden Terrace is a brasserie style restaurant in a pretty glass-enclosed space. It serves Nordic and international dishes. Signature restaurant Lilja is inspired by the traditions of French cuisine; and intimate dining experiences are on offer in suite or in the private dining room, Valley, seating up to 12 people.
Breakfast is served in Lilja where there is a plentiful buffet with both Finnish and international delicacies and a la carte dishes made to order. The Bar Maria is a cosy spot for cocktails or champagne and has a grand piano which adds to the romantic atmosphere and an eye catching icicle design chandelier shimmers over the white marble bar.
Facilities
The Hotel Maria is the only hotel in the Nordics to offer the services of a Wellness concierge who can provide personal wellness programmes including specially tailored jet lag treatments and nutrition, a weekly Run Club and in-suite spa treatments.
The spa offers the best of Nordic wellness traditions with a traditional sauna, steam room, four treatment rooms and jacuzzi and plunge pools. Afterwards, you can relax in the pretty glass-roofed atrium with its relaxing fountain. The Maria Wellness Club has group classes, personal trainers and use of lounges.
There is a boutique featuring Finnish designers, a private butler service and dog and babysitting services. There are some event and meeting spaces ranging from intimate wedding venues to large conference facilities.
Hotel Maria offers curated stays and experiences with exclusive partner hotels and resorts including the Arctic boutique Hotel Iso-Syöte with its authentic Finnish log cabins on the snowy southern border of Lapland; and the glass-roofed Levin Iglut Golden Crown hotel, located in the popular ski resort, Levi, Lapland
What’s nearby
The hotel is within easy walking distance of Helsinki’s main attractions including the neoclassical Helsinki Cathedral, the Art Nouveau Central Station and the Finlandia Hall designed by Finnish functionalist architect Alvar Aalto.
There are fabulous shops in the Design Quarter or visit some of the city’s lovely coffee shops such as the elegant Fazer café on Kluuvikatu Street which opened in 1891
Take a stroll down to the harbour to the Allas Sea pool to watch brave souls taking a dip in the open air pool before their sauna. Ferries leave regularly to islands nearby such as Vallisaari Island which hosts the Helsinki Biennial Art Festival this year.
How much
A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious Legend Collection, rates at Hotel Maria start from £380 per room/night, including taxes and breakfast.
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