Judith Baker stays at the Hotel Maria and immerses herself in Nordic luxury.
The Hotel Maria is a stunning property 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 It has elegant rooms and suites with two great restaurants, a romantic bar and huge spa.
The property is protected by The Finnish Heritage Agency and owned by Finnish Olympic Gold medallist Samppa Lajunen.
The Hotel Maria’s central location makes it a great base, as the city’s many attractions are just a walk away with iconic neoclassical buildings and fabulous shopping, cafes and bars.
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.
Guestrooms
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 gold 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.
Although lovingly restored with modern styling, the hotel retains many of its period features to create an elegant atmosphere and ambience. I loved the way the lily of the valley flower is present throughout the hotel, from floral displays to motifs in the lifts and on walls. The lily of the valley is Finland’s national flower and is said to represent sincerity and happiness.
Food & Drink
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. The attentive barman made a perfect Negroni to my exact request which I enjoyed while indulging in a little people watching.
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 traditional sauna, steam room, four treatment rooms and jaccuzzi and plunge pools. Afterwards you can relax in the pretty glass roofed atrium with tis relaxing fountain. The Maria Wellness Club has group classes, personal trainers and use of lounges.
The Hotel Maria is named after Grand Duchess Maria Feodorovna; a royal of Nordic descent born Princess Dagmar of Denmark She also gave her name to much of the surrounding area. I was certainly made to feel like royalty when I stayed at the hotel Although the atmosphere is sophisticated and elegant the service is personal, warm and caring. I was fortunate to be staying during Helsinki’s LUX light festival which brightens the city’s dark days in January.
The concierge provided me with an itinerary to help me navigate the art installations and the doorman provided me with a huge umbrella as I left the hotel. Both proved to make my outing memorable.
This is a really lovely hotel and for me a perfect introduction to Finnish style, cuisine and hospitality
Tell me more about the Hotel Maria in Helsinki.
Hotel Maria Mariankatu 23, 00170 Helsinki, Finland.
A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious Legend Collection, rates at Hotel Maria start from £380 per room/night, including taxes and breakfast.
