Helsinki is getting an internationally branded luxury hotel, which I’d say is pretty exciting. We won’t even have to wait long for it to open!
Details of the new Waldorf Astoria Helsinki
The Hotel Maria Helsinki, which is currently part of Preferred Hotels, will soon be rebranded as the Waldorf Astoria Helsinki. The expectation is that the rebranding will happen later this year, following a short transitional period, during which the hotel will remain operational. The hotel isn’t yet bookable under the Hilton portfolio, but I’ll be sure to provide an update when it is.
For context, the 116-room property opened in very late 2023, and is considered to be the city’s best hotel. However, the property has had financial issues, and the hope is that belonging to a more global international hotel group will help with that.
The property is located in the historic Kruununhaka district, in a building designed in 1885 by architect Lagerspetz. The hotel will feature a signature restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, and a Nordic wellness spa with a traditional Finnish sauna.
Here’s how Patrick Fitzgibbon, Hilton’s SVP of Development for EMEA, describes this:
“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.”
This is a nice development for the Helsinki hotel scene
Helsinki doesn’t have much in the way of luxury properties, especially ones associated with major global hotel groups. Perhaps the other luxury property that some people like is Hotel Kämp, which is independent nowadays, but used to be part of Marriott Luxury Collection.
I’m curious if Hotel Maria being associated with Waldorf Astoria helps its financial performance. One would certainly think it’ll at least give the property more exposure. The issue generally is that Helsinki isn’t exactly a huge tourist destination, and on top of that, there’s a seasonal element to it.
Like some other Nordic countries, the “base” cost of decent hotels is fairly high, but the range of costs is fairly limited. So I’d expect this to be one of the more affordable Waldorf Astoria properties, typically priced in the $300 range, give or take.
Bottom line
The Waldorf Astoria brand will be making its debut in the Nordics later this year, with the rebranding of the existing Hotel Maria Helsinki. I’ve heard good things about Hotel Maria, so I’m delighted to see that this property will now belong to one of the world’s major hotel loyalty programs, so that we can earn and redeem points, and take advantage of elite perks, when staying here.
What do you make of the new Waldorf Astoria Helsinki?
