Hilton has signed a management agreement with M&L Group for The Hotel Maria in Helsinki, which will be rebranded as Waldorf Astoria Helsinki.

The first hotel to operate under the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand in Finland, the 116-room property is located in the city’s historic Kruununhaka district in a building designed in 1885 by architect Evert Lagerspetz. The rebranding will occur later this year, following a short transitional period during which the hotel will remain operational.

Waldorf Astoria Helsinki will feature signature dining, a bar, fitness studio and a Nordic wellness spa with a traditional Finnish sauna.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, 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.”

Jocelyn Kum, executive director of M&L Group, 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 travelers.”

Waldorf Astoria Helsinki joins the brand’s global portfolio of 67 hotels trading and pipeline, including the recently opened Waldorf Astoria Osaka and Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique followed by the upcoming openings of the legendary Waldorf Astoria New York and Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé.