Born in 1847, Maria Feodorovna—originally Princess Dagmar of Denmark—was not just Empress of Russia but also the cherished spouse of Tsar Alexander III. Today, her legacy resonates warmly in Finland, a refuge she often sought from the rigors of royal duty. Helsinki pays her tribute with streets and hospitals named in her honor, and recently, a hotel has joined this illustrious list.
In December, the Hotel Maria opened its doors as Finland’s first genuine five-star establishment, proudly part of the prestigious Legend Collection from Preferred Hotels & Resorts. Nestled in the upscale Kruununhaka neighborhood, this historic hotel comprises 117 rooms designed to cater to guests from all walks of life. With interiors crafted by head designer Jana Sasko and Puroplan—one of Finland’s premier design firms—the hotel reflects a fiercely contemporary Nordic aesthetic, aimed at satisfying the discerning tastes of even the most demanding American travelers.
“We understood that American luxury consumers set the bar high, and if we can meet their expectations, others will follow suit,” says Samppa Lajunen, the hotel’s founder and a former three-time Olympic gold medalist in Nordic combined events.
To that end, Hotel Maria boasts 38 elegantly appointed suites showcasing custom furnishings from RH, adorned with rich fabrics and calming neutral colors. Unique architectural features, like original wooden beams and ornate crown molding, provide the perfect balance. Spa suites come equipped with private Finnish saunas or steam rooms, expansive soaking tubs, and opulent marble walk-in showers. Notably, the rooms are spacious by European standards, averaging 460 square feet. The crowning jewel—literally—of the hotel is the Imperial Suite, an impressive 1,772 square feet of luxury featuring two bedrooms, two bathrooms, Butler service, and even a gas fireplace in the living area. Rates range from approximately $425 to around $6,500 for this indulgent suite.
Throughout the hotel, guests will find 159 bespoke chandeliers, each contributing to an ambiance steeped in elegance. In bar Maria, a stunning fixture by British design firm Timothy Oulton captures the enchanting essence of Nordic winters, with crystal accents that glimmer like icicles above the pristine white marble counter.
Adding a historical touch, the hotel’s façade—an intricate blend of four architecturally significant buildings—dates back to 1885, the same year Alexander III gifted Maria her first Fabergé egg. A boutique on-site showcases egg-inspired jewelry, while just across the hall, Lajunen’s Olympic medals are beautifully displayed.
Wellness takes center stage at the hotel, with the Serene Maria Spa now a local favorite. Open to hotel guests and the public alike, the spa features a coed Finnish sauna, various plunge pools, and a lush atrium, inviting relaxation before or after treatments.
On the culinary front, fine-dining restaurant Lilja is led by Chef Ville Rainio, whose experience includes stints at renowned Michelin-starred establishments. The menu boasts French-inspired dishes infused with Finnish flair, showcasing ingredients such as reindeer sirloin.
While Lajunen has made a name for himself as a prominent real estate developer, this venture into hospitality is his first. The journey was fraught with challenges, particularly with the onset of the pandemic following the acquisition of the historic buildings. The renovation process required meticulous coordination with various organizations, including the Finnish Heritage Society, all while adhering to around 500 quality standards established by Preferred Hotels and the Forbes Consulting Group. Yet, through it all, Lajunen has remained committed to achieving a level of excellence in hospitality.
“[Even] when I won Olympic gold medals, I understood that there is always room for improvement,” he reflects. “It’s about striving for perfection, knowing you’ll never quite reach it. Instead, I choose to be content with excellence.”