Waldorf Astoria Expands to Finland: What to Expect from the Helsinki Property

Helsinki is getting an internationally branded luxury hotel, which we’d say is pretty exciting. We won’t even have to wait long for it to open!

Bedroom of the Bridal Suite of the Waldorf Astoria Helsinki (Source: Hilton)

Details of the new Waldorf Astoria Helsinki

The Hotel Maria Helsinki, 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 we’ll be sure to provide an update once it is.

Outside view of the Waldorf Astoria Helsinki (Source: Hilton)

For context, the 116-room property opened in late 2023 and is considered the city’s best hotel. However, the property has had financial issues, and the hope is that joining a more global international hotel group will help with that.

Bedroom of the Junior Spa Suite of the Waldorf Astoria Helsinki (Source: Hilton)

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.

Living Room of the Maria Imperial Suite of the Waldorf Astoria Helsinki (Source: Hilton)

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 those associated with major global hotel groups. Perhaps the other luxury property that some people favor is Hotel Kämp, which is independent nowadays but used to be part of the Marriott Luxury Collection.

Restaurant at the Waldorf Astoria Helsinki (Source: Hilton)

We’re curious if Hotel Maria being associated with Waldorf Astoria will help its financial performance. One would think it’ll at least give the property more exposure. The challenge is that Helsinki isn’t exactly a huge tourist destination, and on top of that, there’s a seasonal element to demand.

Restaurant “Lilja” at the Waldorf Astoria Helsinki (Source: Hilton)

Like some other Nordic countries, the “base” cost of decent hotels is fairly high, but the range of prices is relatively narrow. So we’d expect this to be one of the more affordable Waldorf Astoria properties, typically priced in the $300 range, give or take.

HOW TO BEST BOOK THE WALDORF ASTORIA Helsinki

While the Waldorf Astoria Helsinki cannot be booked yet, its predecessor Hotel Maria (under the iPrefer hotel loyalty group) is available through the Unmatched Voyages Hotels collection. And by the time you are reading this, we will possibly have the Waldorf Astoria Helsinki also in our portfolio, so make sure to check it out!

Booking through Unmatched Voyages lets you book Hilton for Luxury rates, among others, giving you access to double Hilton Honors points at all Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, and LXR hotels, as well as a suite of exclusive perks.

Enjoy premium service and added benefits valued at up to $500 USD per stay, including:

Get amazing benefits when you book with Unmatched Voyages!

Conclusion

The Waldorf Astoria brand will be making its debut in the Nordics later this year, with the rebranding of the existing Hotel Maria Helsinki. We’ve heard good things about Hotel Maria, so we’re delighted to see that this property will now belong to one of the world’s major hotel loyalty programs—allowing us to earn and redeem points, and enjoy elite perks, when staying here.