Hotel Review: Radisson Blu Sky Tallinn, Estonia
I have to be honest that Estonia was not on our original list of cities to visit during our whirlwind trip through Europe. After we found ourselves in Helsinki and learned how easily we could jump on a ferry to Tallinn, the quant capital city of Estonia, we leaped at the chance. The Tallink Silja ferry takes only two hours from nearby Helsinki and drops you off right close to downtown. We were instantly delighted by the charm of Tallinn and, although we only had 24 hours to explore, we had tons on our to do list, and there was no better place to stay the night than the Radisson Blu Sky Hotel. Although we tend to book smaller, boutique hotels, the Radisson Blu line has developed an amazing line of locations which provide all of the benefits of a larger hotel chain with the added comforts of the smaller boutique hotels that we love.
“We were greeted by one of the most impressive breakfast spreads we have come across yet, complete with everything you could ever dream for, and then some…”
Newly renovated in May 2013, the lobby instantly feels more like a design hotel than a chain. Individual check in counters are staffed by polite staff, and across the lobby is a super hip, sprawling bar, complete with deep purples and unique design elements. Walking into the lobby made us excited for our stay, not the usual at many hotels we walk into.
Our room was on the 22nd floor, which gave us amazing views over all of Tallinn, highly recommended as the skyline of old Tallinn truly looks ancient and is full of picturesque church spires. As soon as we walked in we were met with the views, the most comfortable looking beds and a light, airy interior which felt nothing like a traditional hotel room. Seeing as most hotel rooms are similar in nature, as we always say, its the little things which make all the difference. The Nespresso coffee maker, individual slippers and bathrobes and plush, comfy chairs make for a luxurious homely feel as soon as you walk in.
The hotel features an amazing Spa on the 24th floor, a full gym and what they call “Super Breakfast”. If you travel frequently this one should excite you, and it lives up to its name. We were greeted by one of the most impressive breakfast displays we have come across yet, complete with everything you could ever dream for, and then some. Hotel breakfasts are about two things, quantity and quality, and the super breakfast at Radisson Blu Sky exceeded in both categories.
Internet is free, as it is at all Radisson Blu locations, and is not only fast but easy, no passcode username nonsense. Late check out is available pretty much as late as you want, and with Radisson Blu’s “one touch” system you can simply pick up the phone and have any question or concern you can think of handled simply at the touch of a button.
It was a shame we were only able to spend one night in Tallinn and absolutely loved our stay although it was short. Tallinn is definitely on our list of must visit places whenever we return to Europe and we cannot wait to explore the old city again and we know exactly where we will be staying.