|
|
 Tallinn Hotels
Tallinn's Old Town, which grew up during the Estonian capital's golden years as a major Hanseatic port, is straight from a fairytale: a jumble of old fortifications and winding cobbled streets lined by merchants' houses painted in jelly bean colours and pierced by church spires and onion domes.
But it's no Disneyland. Though small, this is a youthful, dynamic, Western-looking city determined to make up for lost time trapped, until 1991, behind the Iron Curtain. Many government ministers and entrepreneurs are well under thirty and like their Finnish neighbours across the Baltic Sea, Estonians have embraced technology, with a paperless e-government and so many wifi areas that you can even sit in the park with your laptop and connect to the internet. Trendy new bars and restaurants open every week, and as for hotels, the number has increased so rapidly, including five star establishments, that there's now a surfeit of beds. Still, during the white nights of summer it's best to book well in advance. Standards, so far, remain reasonably high and the best hotels reflect both the character of Tallinn's Old Town and the Estonian predeliction for clean Scandinavian lines and cutting edge technology. You'll be hard pressed to find a badly kept room at any price range: Estonians pride themselves on tidiness and it's reflected in their pristine hotels. See which one takes your fancy. The hotels are listed by price category, and their order bears no reflection on our preference. |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
| Luxury: Warmly welcoming and characterful small luxury hotel |
| Location: In the centre of the old town, steps from Old Town Square |
|
|
|
| Of Tallinn's top four hotels, the Schlosse is the most immediately welcoming, and though bedrooms are on the small side and there's no lift, for warmth and character, as well as excellent service from a close-knit team, it cannot be bettered. Fashioned from three medieval houses, with pretty flourishes, it has comfortable bedrooms and a romantic restaurant in the stone-vaulted cellars. The guest list includes an eclectic mix of politicians and pop stars, and Prince Charles too. |
|
|
 |
|
| Luxury: A successful mix of old and modern, luxury boutique style |
| Location: Within the old town walls, yet only a short walk to the ferry terminal |
|
|
|
| The theme of modern contrasting with old (in this case a historic 14th century house) works best in the seductively beautiful bedrooms and bathrooms (with either Victorian roll top or contemporary oval baths) at this intimate, stylish boutique hotel on one of the old town's principal streets (Pikk). Don't miss the 16th century wooden ceiling in the private dining room, painted with angels and uncovered during restoration. Another starry guest list. |
|
|
|
|
| Luxury: Classical grandeur in a former telegraph exchange station |
| Location: on a quiet street in the Latin Quarter |
|
|
|
| Once a telegraph exchange station this Small Luxury Hotel of the World has 86 solemnly elegant, spacious rooms decorated in calm-to-bright colours, with rich fabrics and classical furniture. Four themed suites are dedicated to pioneers of telecommunications. Classical grandeur comes hand in hand with modern amenities such as plasma TVs and wifi. A glass roof shelters the romantic Russian restaurant Tchaikovsky, in trendy shades of grey and white, with gilded frames and icons on the walls. |
|
|
|
|
| Mid Price: Charming hotel close to town square and historic attractions |
| Location: where the city centre meets the old town |
|
|
|
| This charming hotel occupies a 19th century building on the site of the city’s former Cattle Gate and adjacent mill, with panoramic views from upper rooms over Tallinn's busy seaport or the red roofs of the old town. It is superbly placed for visiting Tallinn's historical attractions. The hotel was renovated in 2006 in an art deco style and its 43 elegant rooms are individually decorated and thoughtfully equipped. L‘Arancia restaurant, on the ground floor, serves good Mediterranean cuisine. |
|
|
|
|
| Mid Price: Medieval merchant house at the heart of Old Town |
| Location: A few steps from the Old Town Square, opposite the Beer House |
|
|
|
| Occupying a 14th century building, the hotel carefully preserves its medieval heritage, while offering modern amenities such as plasma TVs and wifi throughout, as well as a sauna, free for guests. No two of the 37 rooms are alike, with uneven walls, beamed ceilings, hand-painted frescoes and original fireplaces. Breakfast is taken in the cavernous basement, and there’s also an Ice Bar and courtyard restaurant. Full of atmosphere. |
|
|
|
|
| Inexpensive: Estonian style meets modern minimalism with great results |
| Location: On the edge of the old town, close to Toompea |
|
|
|
| Flock to Uniquestay, especially if you are young, or young at heart, because the (English) owners have got inexpensive, minimalist accommodation spot-on here. Computers and free wifi in every room; and arresting design that’s warm rather than cold, especially in the beautiful floor-lit corridors. If you want pampering – and at these prices it’s possible – upgrade to a Zen Room where you’ll get a whirlpool bath and gravity-free massage chair. Highly recommended. |
|
|
|
|
| Inexpensive: Uniquestay's newest offering in Tallinn |
| Location: Close to the Estonian National Library, less than 10 minutes walk from the Old Town |
|
|
|
| Uniquestay's second Tallinn hotel continues the theme of the first – a trendy feel; flat screen computers and free internet connection in each room; superior Zen bedrooms – but adds more. Mihkli, in a historical building, has two restaurants, one with all day menu and cocktail bar, the other Brazilian, a gym, sauna and solarium, in-house 'U-massage' treatments, and English or Scandinavian style breakfasts. Good value. |
|
|
|
|
| Mid Price: Small hotel big on charm and character |
| Location: a few steps from Old Town Square |
|
|
|
| Opened in 2006, this distinctive boutique hotel occupies a 14th century merchant‘s house. All 15 rooms have charm and character thanks to their rough walls, wooden beams, brick fragments and richly patterned throws and cushions strewn across large, high beds. Antique furniture, often oversized and casually arranged, gives the place a homely air. The hotel includes a restaurant, wine cellar, courtyard pizzeria and cafe, boldly combining modern furniture with wood, glass and iron. |
|
|
|
|
| Inexpensive: Simple, homely b&b in leafy Kadriorg district |
| Location: Near Peter the Great's palace, a short tram ride from city centre |
|
|
|
| This charming wooden house stands in the grounds of a day centre for the elderly, and exists to help costs. The ladies who run it seem a touch fierce at first (little English is spoken, though enough to get by) but they soon warm and they keep the eight rooms in apple pie order, with local wooden furniture, floaty curtains and sparkling shower rooms. The three rooms in the attic are particularly sweet. There’s a tiny breakfast room (the place could feel claustrophobic to some). Visiting academics and the like often take up residence for several weeks, and many guests return. |
|
|
|
|
| Inexpensive: Modest accommodation in a modern convent |
| Location: On outskirts, near Pirita beach, a bus ride from city centre |
|
|
|
| Further from the centre, near popular Pirita beach, but connected by regular buses, the Convent Guesthouse is part of St Bridget's Convent, a modern building occupied by nuns, which overlooks the ruins of the 15th-century nunnery. The spacious rooms are simple and contemporary. Breakfast includes cereal, cheese and ham, and on Fridays, according to Catholic tradition, you can have an egg. |
|
|
|
|
| Inexpensive: Good value for money apartments |
| Location: at various locations in the Old Town |
|
|
|
| For a more exclusive stay, these 15 self-catering apartments are scattered around the centre of Tallinn. They sleep from 2 to 6 people and are fully equipped with their own kitchen and linen is provided. Depending on price, some of the apartments occupy two floors and may have a terrace, a fireplace, a sauna or free wifi. They range from modern in style to more antique but they all echo their historic location. Good value for money. |
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
