When we visited Tallinn in April we were rather impressed! A gorgeous medieval town unspoilt by tourism and some excellent places to stay! The Telegraaf was our base. It is a boutique hotel located on the edge of the old town. When we stayed it was part of Small Luxury Hotels. It’s now part of Autograph Collection which have plenty of independent hotels. Relais & Chateaux and Leading Hotels of the World are also in town, but the Telegraaf took my fancy!
We were in Tallinn for a long weekend and it really was a treat. There is such a lot to see in the little city – covering the medieval and soviet eras. And it is picture postcard stuff. We felt very spoilt by the blue skies and sunshine that we had on two of the days. Read my 10 top tips here.
The hotel is (clue in the name) in the old telephone exchange. And the exterior is quite something. Such grandeur. The theme is carried through the property with old fashioned telephones in the rooms, a nice touch! Inside there are older parts to the hotel as well as a modern extension that is very smart.
We were upgraded to a junior suite in the new part of the hotel. I was sad to not be staying in the smaller room we had booked in the original part of the building, but who says no up an upgrade!! Extra space is always pleasant. It was a snowy day when we arrived and the lounge to relax and warm up in was very useful! Deep reds and dark woods were definitely an acquired taste however it looked good, and smart, if not a little businessy. I particularly liked the hotel embossed comb left in the bathroom!
The hotel has a tranquil spa. Having braved blizzards, the hot tub and sauna were our recovery! The hotel was full but it wasn’t busy here, good result. And with the snow falling on the glass roof it was a pretty idyllic setting! The pool was unfortunately baltically cold (see what I did there) but a pretty setting with the wall covered in plants!
We had the pleasure of dining at the house restaurant – Tchaikovsky. It was excellent. Waiting staff are often the way to win at dinner and the hotel had excellent and fun staff. It is a beautiful setting too. I particularly loved the folded swan napkins, I had to nip back the next morning to take some pictures! The planted wall is a unique feature. The food was beautiful and a symphony of flavours. This isn’t a hotel restaurant that will disappoint!
The only thing that is lacking is the bar. The bar staff are excellent and friendly. But the bar area lacks character. The building restricts the space, but this means the bar is also a thoroughfare! In summer there is a walled garden perfect for an afternoon drink or aperitif, but a snug place for the winter would be a great addition.
On my first night in town, we actually stayed at the Radisson Blu Sky Hotel. This was where Mr P had been based for his business trip. The highlights here are the view from the sky bar at sunset which is magical, as well as the breakfast. The buffet is said to be one of the best in town and it was certainly one of the biggest spreads I have seen! We had the most enormous suite here, I found an extra bathroom just as we were leaving!
All in all, great options for a relaxing and chic stay in a fascinating little city! I normally avoid branded city hotels – so impersonal and reminiscent are they of work trips! But Tallinn is up and coming on its tourism journey and the personal service really shone through in both hotels, especially The Telegraaf.
This is such a beautiful hotel! I went to Tallinn for a school trip years ago, and we actually got a tour of this place! I remember loving the swan shaped napkins haha. x
Laura // Middle of Adventure
Laura recently posted…Brunch at The Petite Coree, West Hampstead
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It is unique to be in such a fascinating building! I need to learn how to make those swans!!
This is such a great place! I love the pictures:)
irinathayer.com
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Thanks Irina, it was such a nice surprise in a city we knew nothing about!
They renovated spa this year. Bubble bath is not so luxorious as it was before. It is actually plastic pool now. Tea and coffee making facilities in rooms are new and welcome feature.
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Always good to have tea and coffee in room! I liked the hot tub – but I guess I didn’t see the previous one!
Tallinn is such a nice little city, and the snow does make it look extra pretty. Looks like you had a great base for it too – we stayed in the old town in a converted Merchants House which had loads of character but I’m very jealous of your hot tub!
Lucy recently posted…Ponts and palaces: What to see and do in Avignon
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Without that hot tub I wouldn’t have defrosted! That said he numb fingers and toes were worth it – stunning place to explore!
This looks like a lovely hotel. I’ve heard great things about Tallinn, it definitely on my list of European breaks!
Vicky x
http://www.dalton-banks.co.uk
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Tallinn far exceeds the rep it has because only easyJet flies there, it’s a classic city trip- and better!
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I just got back from Amsterdam and it didn’t even come close to the delights of Tallinn!
It would be hard not to love Old Tallinn – it was one of my memorable stops a while back, especially the Olde Hansa restaurant. I love those swan napkins too – and the planted wall!
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Everything about the city was just so well thought through!
Tallinn is so delightful isn’t it? I used to work as a PR for a company specialising in the Baltic and was lucky enough to go on a special tour organised by them, seeing some fascinating sights, and now I am wondering why I didn’t stay at this hotel – there must have been a VERY good reason because it looks perfect. If you go back I recommend going to the island of Saaremaa.
Jaillan Yehia recently posted…The Travel Tipping Point: River Cruises
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You will need to go back too! I would love to visit Saaremaa, we were just a little to early for the season sadly
I love Tallinn – so much culture there and a great place for a city break – sounds like this is a great choice of hotel
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BA fly there now too so it might be busier than it was. Top hotel – just the right place for us!
Aren’t those old telephones beautiful! What a fabulous hotel. I love the planted walls, a great way to bring nature indoors. I hear Tallin is a wonderful place to visit and I hope to get there one day, before too long.
Kathryn Burrington recently posted…Travel Gear, Gadgets and Gizmos
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The planted walls are excellent – really good way of making it feel more spring like!
How can you not love a hotel with such a sense of place. The old phones would have me charmed immediately, as would the floor treatment in the room Tallin looks like a a wonderful spot to explore.
alison abbott recently posted…Exploring Greenspace Atlanta’s DeKalb County
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Exactly, they really made something of the history they inherited!
I remember this hotel well, we dropped by for a drink at the bar and had a sneaky look around. I don’t think the hot tub was there then but
I remember thinking I’d rather like to stay there. Maybe next time!
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Summertime when the garden bar is open would be the perfect time to go back!
Wow – gorgeous decor! Noting for when I finally get there 😀
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Excellent, go there soon! Such a quirky part of the world
It looks like a really lovely hotel Anna…I visited when Ryanair starting operating the first direct flight which was way back in 2012 I think it was and the city was so lovely. I can’t remember for the life of me where I stayed however there weren’t that many hotels so am glad to see this beauty.
That hot tub is bloody amazing!
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I want that hot tub at home! It was a real winner for the hotel
I’ve been wanting to visit Tallinn for SO long, I really need to do it next year!
Catherine recently posted…Lux Life’s Return to London – July 2017.
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I hope you do, you’d love it – I remember your trip to Budapest! Xx
Oh my gosh it’s just beautiful isn’t it? I went to Tallinn a couple of months ago and it was my first time in Estonia – I will definitely be going back, there’s so much to see and do!
http://www.diaryofanexpatgirl.com
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A real treat, I love it when somewhere is a delicious surprise!