St Olav Hotel

Old Town Accomodation

We had a very enjoyable stay at the St. Olav Hotel in Tallinn. The character, location and value (€50 for a double room) of this hotel make it an ideal place to stay in Tallinn if your not looking for an unforgettable 5 star service. I am not one for spending a lot of time in my accommodation anyway so once I have a bed and hot shower I'm happy, but this hotel does offer much more.

The rooms are very atmospheric, although there is a difference between the newer rooms in the courtyard and the older rooms in the main building. (We stayed in both room types because we took a trip to Finland in the middle of our trip to Estonia and got a different room the second time.)
I actually preferred the older rooms, they were bigger and had a more rustic atmosphere with stone walls, wooden floors and beams running through the walls! I have read other reviews on this hotel, compaining about these beams which cut through some of the rooms at head height. (One of the beams actually cuts through one of the upper floor corridors and you have to step over it!) Have to admit I loved all this but people with reduced mobility would find it awkward. Actually the hotel in general is not very accessible. (No elevator and lots of steps and narrow halls.
The newer rooms are very small and don't have the character of the older rooms but they do open out onto a beautiful coutyard and are located on the ground floor which saves having to lug suitcases up and down narrow twisting stairs.

The location of the hotel is what makes it so perfect for anyone who is primarily here to soak up the delights of Tallinns Old Town. The hotel is located just off the main square, Raekoja Plats, on Lai Street and is within walking distance of all the interesting sights in the Old Town. Plus, despite the very central location, the hotel is situated on a very quiet mainly residential street so you won;t experience the noise and disturbance which you may have to endure staying in hotels elsewhere ion the Old Town.

The breakfast is included and is typical Estonian fare, consisting of a buffet of cold meats, breads, fruit, yoghurt as well as a number of hot options such as sausage, potatoe and eggs. The breakfast is quite good and there is plenty of it. Good way to set you up for the day.

The only down side to the hotel is the staff. I found them to be very moody. One minute they are very helpful and attentive and the next they're gruff and uninterested. I guess it depends who you get at reception and what mood they're in. The girl we dealt with when checking in was very welcoming and helpful but the next time we went to reception there was a different girl on who was perhaps the worst and most bad mannered girl we ever came across, be it hotel, hostel, camp site or kennel!!! Its a pity because she tainted our overall positive experience of the hotel.

Overall I would recommend this hotel and despite staffing problems, I would stay here again if visiting Tallinn.

• Opinion of Price: less expensive than average

St Olav Hotel Photo: Courtyard (New Section)

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