Historic Helsinki Hotel to Join Waldorf Astoria Brand
Helsinki is set to become the first city in the Nordic region to host a Waldorf Astoria hotel. Hilton has partnered with M&L Group to rebrand The Hotel Maria, located in the Kruununhaka district of the Finnish capital. Known for its neoclassical buildings and quiet atmosphere, the area sits close to Helsinki’s historic core. The full rebrand is expected to wrap up by late 2025. Guests will not need to change their plans since the hotel will stay open throughout and continue operating as usual while updates take place in the background.
The building dates back to the 1880s and stands on a quiet street lined with embassies, ministries, and residential courtyards. As part of the hotel’s refresh, new additions are being brought in to match what travellers expect from a modern stay while still keeping things rooted in the local vibe:
- A wellness area with a traditional Finnish sauna and relaxation rooms
- A modern fitness studio equipped for daily use
- In-house dining venues that serve local and seasonal dishes from morning to evening
These additions aim to support guests who value both comfort and cultural context during their stay.
We’re delighted to be collaborating with M&L Group to introduce the Waldorf Astoria brand to Finland. As we near 300 luxury hotels in EMEA, it’s fantastic to have signed our first in the Nordics. The Finnish capital has seen growing travel demand in recent years, and we look forward to serving an even wider range of traveller needs as we open our fourth property in the city.
Just across the street from the hotel is the cobblestoned Sofiankatu, one of Helsinki’s oldest preserved streets. It offers a quiet route between historical buildings and opens onto Market Square, where visitors can watch ferry traffic or browse food stalls selling fried vendace and local berries. A short walk brings you to the Esplanadi promenade, a tree-lined boulevard where locals gather on benches, listen to street musicians, or stop by old cafés like Kappeli.
A few steps from the hotel, Helsinki Cathedral appears above the rooftops with its soft green dome and tall white pillars. It's one of those buildings that quietly tells you you're in Helsinki even before you check the map. Just a few streets away stands the Sederholm House, the oldest stone building in central Helsinki, dating back to 1757. These sites provide travellers with a direct connection to Helsinki’s layered history, all within walking distance of the new hotel location.
If you're visiting Helsinki, this isn't just one more hotel opening. It's a chance to stay right in a part of the city where you can walk almost everywhere and feel the local rhythm without needing a map. Unlike properties near the station or the airport, this location offers direct access to parks, small shops, and coastal paths. As Helsinki evolves from a stopover city into a destination in its own right, the opening reflects how urban travel in the Nordics is becoming more layered and locally rooted.