1/5

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The Hotel Maria

Helsinki • Kruununhaka • SPLURGE

avg. $335 / night

Includes $18 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

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5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

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Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts

Location

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At a glance

A restored nineteenth-century neoclassical palace in Kruununhaka with contemporary interiors and a full-depth restaurant.

Best for: Architecture enthusiasts visiting Helsinki's neoclassical district

Highlights:

  • 1800s civic palace with preserved Ionic facade and rusticated stonework
  • Restaurant spans building's full depth with original arched windows
  • Rooms alternate between ornate chandeliers and minimalist grey-oak suites
Historic-contemporarymeasured

PB hotel design editorial

One of Helsinki's most distinguished nineteenth-century civic buildings, a neoclassical sandstone-coloured palace on Unioninkatu in the Kruununhaka district, was converted into Hotel Maria following an extensive restoration that preserved its Ionic pilastered facade, rusticated ground floor, and pedimented roofline while threading a thoroughly contemporary interior through rooms that once served the Finnish state. The building's architecture carries the measured authority of the National Romantic and late-Empire styles that shaped central Helsinki — broad street frontage, rhythmic window articulation, arched entrance portal framed in carved stone — all retained with evident care. Inside, the design approach sets the ornate shell against interiors calibrated to a cooler, more current register. The restaurant runs the full depth of the building with herringbone oak floors and a procession of tiered glass-rod chandeliers in brass, white barrel-back chairs arranged around white marble tabletops, the long room gaining warmth from arched original windows left generously unobstructed. The bar area introduces sculptural petal-form pendant lights that dissolve the ceiling in warm amber, arranged above a Calacatta marble counter and herringbone parquet that reappears throughout the public spaces. Guest rooms oscillate between two moods: the street-facing rooms deploy crystal chandeliers, leather sofas in tobacco brown, gold drum side tables, and panelled plaster walls, while upper-floor suites open onto terraces behind floor-to-ceiling glazing, the palette shifting to dove grey, pale oak, and polished nickel — lighter, quieter, and oriented toward the sky above the rooftops.

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About

Waldorf Astoria Helsinki is located in one of the city’s most prestigious addresses, in close proximity to the Presidential Palace and Senate Square. Steeped in tradition and reimagined to create a sophisticated escape for discerning guests, the hotel features 116 unique guest rooms including 25 majestic suites. Waldorf Astoria Helsinki delights guests and visitors with an array of dining, wellness and entertainment experiences. Unwind and rejuvenate in our globally inspired spa and wellness facilities, thrill your tastebuds with an immersive culinary experience in our restaurant Varjo or take a moment of repose in the serenity of the courtyard garden and outdoor spaces featuring flowing fountains.

Amenities

Suites

Restaurant

Bar/Lounge

Spa

Free Wifi

Dry cleaning

Fitness center

Ironing Service

Room service

Wheelchair Access

The Hotel Maria Reviews

83 reviews

"Why I would recommend this hotel: A beautifully designed luxury hotel with elegant interiors, exceptional rooms, delicious food and an authentic Waldorf Astoria experience in the heart of Helsinki. Location: The hotel enjoys a very central location, making it easy to reach Helsinki's main attractions either on foot or within a short drive. Despite being in the city centre, the surrounding street is remarkably quiet, allowing for a peaceful night's sleep even with the windows open. The immediate surroundings are somewhat unexpected for a luxury hotel, as the street itself is rather ordinary and offers little in terms of atmosphere or shopping and there are no particularly noteworthy views. However, the beautifully landscaped inner courtyard provides a tranquil oasis and reflects the impeccable maintenance standards found throughout the property. Check-in: The arrival experience is exactly what one would hope for at a Waldorf Astoria. The doorman welcomed us by name, assisted with our luggage straight from the taxi and escorted us to the reception. We were greeted with refreshing iced tea and delicate, airy macarons: a thoughtful touch that immediately set the tone for the stay! The front desk team explained the hotel's facilities professionally and confidently before personally accompanying us to our room, delivering the polished and attentive service expected from a hotel of this calibre. Room: The rooms are beautifully designed with timeless elegance and exceptional attention to detail. The lighting has clearly been thoughtfully planned, the furniture feels luxurious and is maintained in immaculate condition. Compliments to the housekeeping team for keeping everything spotless! The entire room can be controlled via an iPad, which worked flawlessly throughout the stay and added a modern touch without becoming complicated. The bed was exceptionally comfortable, although I felt the bed linen could still be slightly more luxurious compared to some other Waldorf Astoria properties. The Aesop bathroom amenities are an excellent choice and perfectly complement the hotel's refined atmosphere. While only a limited selection of additional amenities is placed in the room by default, I am confident that anything else can easily be requested. If possible, I would highly recommend booking one of the rooms with its own private sauna. The sauna is spacious, beautifully designed and turns the stay into something truly memorable. Hotel facilities: The hotel offers everything one would expect from a true five-star superior property. The fitness centre features excellent, high-quality equipment, although it is somewhat tucked away under the roof and not immediately easy to find. The spa is beautifully maintained and provides everything needed for relaxation, including a sauna, steam room, experience showers, a jacuzzi and a small indoor pool accompanied by relaxing music. Access is either included depending on the room package or available for an additional fee. What truly elevates the spa experience, however, is the outstanding team. The staff are exceptionally welcoming and attentive, regularly offering drinks and fresh fruit throughout the visit (the fresh pineapple was particularly memorable). The spa is never overcrowded, creating an exclusive and peaceful atmosphere that makes the experience feel even more special. Restaurant: The culinary offering is, overall, of a very high standard. Every meal we enjoyed throughout the hotel was beautifully prepared and showcased excellent local ingredients with creativity and finesse. From the diverse selection of starters to perfectly executed main courses and exceptional desserts, dining here is a genuine highlight. The raspberry souffle is an absolute must-try, while the creme brulee and the homemade ice cream are equally outstanding. The service, however, is somewhat inconsistent. While some members of the restaurant team deliver the warm, polished and intuitive hospitality one expects from a Waldorf Astoria, others appear noticeably less confident and refined. As a result, the overall restaurant atmosphere occasionally feels a little formal rather than naturally welcoming, which may also explain why relatively few local guests choose to dine here. Breakfast is good but leaves room for improvement considering the brand's positioning. The buffet is relatively compact for a Waldorf Astoria and could benefit from a wider and more generous selection. The quality of the products is very good, while the beverage selection, particularly the coffee options, is excellent. Guests can choose from two separate egg menus, with one included and the second available at an additional charge or included depending on Hilton status. Overall, breakfast is enjoyable but lacks some of the excitement and abundance one might expect from a flagship luxury hotel. Bar: The bar is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the hotel. The bartenders are exceptionally professional, genuinely friendly and clearly passionate about their craft. Cocktails are prepared with premium ingredients, beautifully presented and perfectly balanced. Even for visitors not staying at the hotel, the bar alone is well worth a visit and offers one of Helsinki's finest luxury hotel bar experiences. Overall: Waldorf Astoria Helsinki fully lives up to the expectations associated with the brand. The impressive interior design, beautifully appointed rooms, outstanding spa and excellent culinary offering create a luxurious and memorable stay. If possible, I would strongly recommend choosing a room with a private sauna, as it significantly enhances the overall experience. While the restaurant service is somewhat inconsistent and breakfast could be more extensive, these are relatively minor points within an otherwise exceptional property. Anyone who appreciates refined luxury hospitality will immediately feel at home here and I would happily recommend WA for both leisure and business trips."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 28, 2026

"My family and I stayed at the Waldorf Astoria at the beginning of July. I must say that the English language is insufficient to describe how wonderful our experience was. Any review about this hotel must beging and end with their staff. They're simply a delight and my family misses them already. They anticipated our needs and were incredibly patient. Not enough can be said about their concierge Tepo, and the entertaining and delicious walking tours he took us on. Of course, the Waldorf Astoria is synonymous with class, luxury, and excellence. True to form, like most of Finland, everywhere you look there is a sauna, and our rooms were no exception. You expect the food to be good, and this hotel didn't disappoint. What really stood out were the cocktails. When you order drinks here, you're literally getting world class service. Their bartender is the Tom Brady of drink alchemy. I've had whiskey sours all around the world, and at first my eyebrows raised at the price. I thought surely, no whiskey sour could be worth that amount. I was wrong. In fact, it made the many cheaper whiskey sours I had from the shores of Punta Cana to the waves of Santorini seem expense despite being lighter on the wallet. If you stay here, you can't leave without trying their signature, Helsinki Waldorf Astoria original, Indigo Moon. Finland is proud of its blue berries, and they here the fruit is mixed into a symphony of flavors. My wife loved it. The only criticism I would have are for the pillows. Either put something in the rooms more substantial or give us more. I would travel back to Helsinki just to stay here, and there's tons of reasons to go back. This was great. Thank you, Waldorf Astoria staff for a memorable trip."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 25, 2026

"This is a great luxury hotel in a convenient location. The room was luxurious with nice linens and a deep soaking tub. All the lights are operated via iPad so this took some getting used to. The rooms are spread across multiple buildings so you might need a trail of breadcrumbs to find your way. The breakfast buffet was enormous. The main restaurant was unexpectedly closed for lunch, despite the hours posted on the website, but lunch in the bar area was good. Evening cocktails were also enjoyable. I would certainly stay here again when I return to Helsinki, just plan to have lunch elsewhere."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 18, 2026

"Wonderful hotel in a peaceful neighbourhood. Exceptional room - complete with Sauna! My only issue was that breakfast was very slow on our first day."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 11, 2026

"We had an absolutely magical three night stay here at the end of June. The hotel is beautiful with a fantastic location. The staff were incredible, friendly and poised. We were especially impressed with the breakfast staff, who after the first morning recognized us by name and remembered our tea orders, amazing! The room was incredible, we were upgraded to the two-level junior suite (Honors diamond) with the in-room sauna. The room was just amazing! And that bed was so comfortable! My only complaint about the room was that the AC was very European, it was there and definitely cooled the room, but it wasn't able to get the room as cold as I would have liked (especially with the very thick and luxurious down comforter on the bed). We really enjoyed our time in the spa as well, very nice pools, sauna, and steam room. We had dinner at the restaurant, Varjo, on our first night and it was excellent, definitely worth checking out! Overall, this was a splendid stay at an incredible property, I would highly recommend!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 10, 2026

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