The best hotels in Tallinn: seven places to stay, inside and outside the walls

The old telegraph station

Hotel Telegraaf occupies a historic building that was once the city's telegraph station, on a street just off Town Hall Square. Rooms are elegant and classic, and there is a spa with a pool and a courtyard that comes into its own in summer.

It is a reliable choice for a first visit, putting you in the heart of the Old Town with a spa and a good restaurant under one roof. It appeals to couples and anyone who wants a classic luxury hotel with high standards. The busy Old Town is right outside the door, and rates are among the highest in the city. The spa is the place to thaw out after a cold day in the lanes.

Three merchants' houses by the harbour gate

The Three Sisters is made up of three old merchants' houses at the northern end of the Old Town, near the Fat Margaret tower and the road down to the port. Rooms have beamed ceilings, thick stone walls and large beds, and no two are alike.

It gets our vote as the romantic pick, a small hotel where history is present in every room. It is well suited to couples and anyone who wants quiet and cosiness. Top-floor rooms have sloping ceilings and stairs, so ask about lifts and room types if that matters. The restaurant downstairs is good enough that many guests eat there at least one evening.

Medieval walls and an open fire

Schlössle Hotel stands in a medieval building a few steps from Town Hall Square, with heavy wooden doors, an open fire in the lounge and rooms with old timber beams. The mood is dark, cosy and calm.

It suits anyone who wants to stay in a house with history and have every sight on the doorstep. It is especially lovely in winter, when the lanes are under snow and the fire is lit. If you prefer light, modern rooms, look at the hotels in the centre. The restaurants around the square are a couple of minutes away, and in summer people sit outside late into the evening.

An old hotel at a good price

Hotel St. Petersbourg is one of the oldest hotels in Tallinn, on a side street right by Town Hall Square. Rooms are decorated in a modern style, with dark colours and a few bold touches.

It takes our value pick, putting you at the very centre of the Old Town for less than Telegraaf or The Three Sisters. It is a good fit for couples and friends on a long weekend. There is no spa and the rooms are not large, but the location makes up for a great deal. Several of the city's best cafés and wine bars are in the neighbouring streets.

The view from one of the city's tallest buildings

Swissôtel Tallinn occupies a tall glass tower in the centre, with views over the Old Town and the sea from many rooms. At the top there is a bar and restaurant, and the hotel has a spa with a pool.

It earns our design pick and the best place to see the whole city from above. It works best for couples and business travellers who want modern rooms and polished service. This is a big-city hotel, so you will not get medieval atmosphere in your room, but the Old Town is ten minutes' walk away. Go up to the bar at sunset, when the light catches the spires and the harbour.

A rooftop pool by the Viru Gate

Nordic Hotel Forum stands on Viru Square, just outside the gate into the Old Town. On the roof there is a spa with a pool and sauna looking out over the rooftops and spires.

It is made for travellers who want an easy walk to both the Old Town and the port, and who like to end the day in a sauna. It is a practical pick for families and friends. Rooms are modern and simple, without much character, but the location is so central you will hardly need a tram or taxi.

A classic on Freedom Square

Hotel Palace stands on Freedom Square, south-west of the Old Town, in an interwar building. Rooms are classic and calm, and there is a small spa with a pool.

It is ideal for travellers who want a traditional hotel in a good location with a little less traffic than around the Viru Gate. Town Hall Square is five minutes' walk away. Some rooms are more tired than others, so book one of the refurbished categories. The tram to Kadriorg Park and the Kumu art museum stops nearby.