Hilton and M&L Group to Launch Finland’s First Waldorf Astoria in Helsinki’s Historic Kruununhaka
(IN SHORT) Hilton has signed a management deal with M&L Group to rebrand The Hotel Maria in Helsinki as Waldorf Astoria Helsinki—Finland’s first Waldorf Astoria—later this year. Located in the historic Kruununhaka district, the 116-room property will remain open during its brief transition. Amenities will include signature restaurants, a refined bar, fitness facilities, and a Nordic wellness spa with a traditional sauna. Hilton’s Senior VP Patrick Fitzgibbon highlighted the strategic importance of expanding into the Nordics as part of its growing EMEA luxury portfolio, while M&L Group’s Jocelyn Kum emphasized the region’s rising demand for high-end travel. Waldorf Astoria Helsinki becomes the 67th property in the brand’s global luxury portfolio, joining recent openings in Osaka and Costa Rica and upcoming launches worldwide.
(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, Finland, 2025-Jul-3 — /Travel PR News/ — Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has entered into a management agreement with M&L Group to transform The Hotel Maria in Helsinki into the first Waldorf Astoria property in Finland. Situated in the venerable Kruununhaka neighborhood, the 116-room building—originally designed in 1885 by architect Lagerspetz—will undergo a brief transition before re-emerging later this year as Waldorf Astoria Helsinki. Throughout the renovation, the hotel will remain open, ensuring uninterrupted service.
Blending heritage charm with contemporary luxury, Waldorf Astoria Helsinki will offer guests signature dining experiences, an elegant bar, a fully equipped fitness studio, and a Nordic wellness spa featuring a traditional Finnish sauna. With this opening, Hilton expands its luxury portfolio in the Nordics and brings the brand’s renowned service ethos to Finland.
“Partnering with M&L Group to launch the first Waldorf Astoria in the Nordics is an exciting milestone,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, Senior Vice President of Development, EMEA, Hilton. “As we approach 300 luxury hotels across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Helsinki’s thriving travel market makes it an ideal next step.”
Jocelyn Kum, Executive Director of M&L Group, added, “Finland’s growing appetite for upscale travel aligns perfectly with our long-standing collaboration with Hilton. Waldorf Astoria Helsinki marks our eighth joint venture, and we’re eager to showcase this iconic brand to discerning visitors and enhance Helsinki’s global allure.”
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is Hilton’s flagship luxury collection, spanning five continents with 67 properties in operation or development. Recent openings include Waldorf Astoria Osaka and Costa Rica Punta Cacique, with future debuts slated for New York, Rabat Salé, London, Sydney, Hanoi, Jakarta, Tanger, Kuala Lumpur, and Jaipur.
Media Contacts
Jessica Simms
Hilton
jessica.simms@hilton.com
Jade Cooper
M//&L Group
jade.cooper@mlgroup.sg
SOURCE: Hilton
