Hospitality group Hilton has entered a management agreement with M&L Group to rebrand The Hotel Maria in Helsinki as Waldorf Astoria Helsinki, marking the brand's debut in Finland.

Situated in the Kruununhaka district, the 116-room property is nestled in a building designed by architect Lagerspetz in 1885.

Hilton Europe, Middle East and Africa development senior vice-president Patrick Fitzgibbon said: “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.” 

The hotel is set to undergo a rebranding later this year after a brief transitional period.

Guests at the property will enjoy signature dining, a bar, a fitness studio, and a Nordic wellness spa featuring a traditional Finnish sauna.

The property will remain operational during the transitional period.

M&L Group executive director Jocelyn Kum said: “The rise in demand for high-end leisure and business travel in Finland presents a compelling opportunity for us. For more than a decade, our trusted partnership with Hilton has been built on shared values and a consistent commitment to excellence.

“Waldorf Astoria Helsinki marks our eighth hotel partnership, and we’re excited to introduce this iconic luxury brand to the city and contribute to its growing appeal as a destination for discerning global travellers.” 

A Hilton luxury hotel brand, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts has properties across five continents.

The new Helsinki hotel will become part of the brand's portfolio of 67 hotels, which includes recent openings such as Waldorf Astoria Osaka in April 2025 and Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique in the same month.

The brand is also anticipating the launch of the Waldorf Astoria New York, and Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé, and new properties in key cities such as London, UK; Sydney, Australia; Hanoi, Vietnam; and Jakarta, Indonesia, by 2026 and beyond.