Official Hotel Telegraaf Review: Spa, Suites, & Service
In this official Hotel Telegraaf review, we will be taking a closer look at one of the best 5-star hotels in Tallinn, Estonia. Over a 2-night stay, I thoroughly explored the hotel grounds inside and out paying close attention to its rooms and suites, rejuvenating spa, Michelin-star restaurant, and attentive staff.
I want to emphasize that this review is completely impartial, despite being sponsored, and I hope it offers you valuable insights. I am eager to announce that my stay was nothing short of magnificent, however, I always recommend reading about the details of a property to ensure it aligns with your own expectations and desires. All photos in this hotel review are my own.
Hotel Telegraaf is a luxury hideaway nestled in the heart of Tallinn’s historic Old Town. Just steps from the iconic Town Hall which houses the city’s annual Christmas market, this exquisite hotel effortlessly merges the region’s rich past with contemporary elegance, standing as a symbol of comfort and sophistication.
Whether it’s the allure of the 19th-century architecture, the lavish suites, or world-class service, Hotel Telegraaf promises a stay filled with charm, relaxation, and unparalleled hospitality.
As we continue exploring this award-winning hotel, we’ll be diving into some of the standout features that make it an exceptional choice for your next stay in Tallinn!
I’ll also be making note of everything I witnessed during my stay, so you have a complete overview of the grounds before booking. Let’s get started on the official Hotel Telegraaf review!
About Hotel Telegraaf, Autograph Collection
The Hotel Telegraaf, as part of the prestigious Autograph Collection, holds a rich tapestry of history. It resides in an architecturally stunning building that dates back to the late 19th century. Initially, it served as a hub of communication – the telegraph exchange of the city, hence the name ‘Telegraaf’.
As the decades rolled by, this grand edifice underwent a remarkable transformation, retaining its historical charm while incorporating modern luxuries. In 2007, after meticulous renovations, the doors of Hotel Telegraaf reopened to reveal a world of opulence and comfort, ushering in a new era of Estonian hospitality.
Recognized today as one of the top 5-star hotels in Tallinn, it seamlessly melds history, culture, and top-tier service, offering an immersive experience that is quintessentially Tallinn. Furthermore, the hotel’s commendable efforts in preserving various elements of the original facade of the building have earned it even more recognition.
This exceptional journey from communication epicenter to top-class hospitality highlights Hotel Telegraaf’s status as a premier destination for both local and international visitors seeking a unique, luxurious stay in Estonia’s charming capital.
Facilities and Amenities
Hotel Telegraaf offers an array of top-notch facilities and amenities designed to elevate your stay.
Telegraaf Spa
At the core of its offerings is the Telegraaf Spa, a sanctuary of tranquility and rejuvenation. Complete with a heated indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna room, and numerous treatment rooms, the spa provides a range of professional services from massages to facials, expertly designed to restore balance and invigorate your senses.
Opinions on what constitutes “heated” swimming water can vary greatly amongst travelers, however, I found the pool to be both comfortable and refreshing. And for those seeking a slightly hotter experience, there’s always the option of the jacuzzi.
Now, contrary to what most Americans expect in hot tub temperatures, the jacuzzi sits at a comfortable 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). In the U.S., we’ve become accustomed to experiencing a familiar burning sensation at the instance your toe touches the water’s edge since most hot tubs in Western countries often sit between 102-104 degrees Fahrenheit.
While initially surprised by this, I actually quite enjoyed that I was able to stay in the jacuzzi longer before feeling overheated. Plus, when I really wanted a heat fix, the steam room and sauna were just a few steps away!
The spa area also came equipped with clean locker rooms and showers as well as complimentary towels, robes, and slippers. Plus, the spa area was wonderfully quiet with just some light music to accompany your visit. Needless to say, you won’t find families with young children practicing their cannon balls in this indoor pool.
Without a doubt, Telegraaf Spa is one of the leading facilities at the hotel, embodying true luxury and attention to detail.
Meetings & Events
For business travelers (like myself), the hotel provides well-equipped meeting rooms with state-of-the-art technology, perfect for conferences or presentations.
The Symphony Lounge is a popular choice for private events, with its stunning decor and relatively large capacity. Don’t worry, they have plenty of standard meeting room chairs to fill the space, so sharing sofas won’t be necessary.
And as someone who relies on staying connected for the sake of work purposes, I can testify that the wifi was easy to connect to and remained strong throughout my stay. It didn’t waver at the use of video conferences or uploading hundreds of large documents including RAW image files.
The internet password is easily searchable online so I refrained from logging into any accounts holding sensitive information, however, this is easy to look past if you don’t need to consistently be online banking or the like.
Lobby Bar and Sitting Area
The Lobby Bar boasts an impressive selection of refreshments, from well-crafted cocktails and fine wines to premium coffee and tea. It is also the perfect spot to enjoy light meals or snacks, with a menu that features a variety of options.
Comfortable seating arrangements are scattered throughout the bar area, with plush chairs and sofas that invite you to relax, indulge in a beverage, or simply appreciate the elegant surroundings.
There are a few stools situated just behind the bar as shown above, but it seems as though most visitors enjoy the comfort and quiet of the large lobby area just beyond the bar.
Whether you’re looking to unwind after a day of exploration, catch up on some work, or enjoy a quiet drink before your reservation at Tchaikovsky, the Lobby Bar at Hotel Telegraaf offers an inviting and luxurious setting.
Rooms & Suites
Telegraaf’s 79 rooms and 4 suites are a testament to classic elegance and comfort. Embellished with modern Art Deco designs and luxe fabrics, each room offers a serene retreat with modern amenities such as personal thermostats, minibars, and strong free Wi-Fi.
The suites go a step further, sporting spacious seating areas, inviting bathtubs, and stunning city views. I stayed in a King Suite with city views and particularly enjoyed the spaciousness of the room, with ample space on either side of the bed.
Guests who reserve a suite also enjoy the convenience of room service cabinets, allowing for hassle-free linen exchange and seamless delivery of food from the on-site restaurant. This added perk is especially beneficial for travelers seeking a tranquil and uninterrupted stay.
For those on a smaller budget, the rooms are equally as tantalizing with all of them including their own en-suite bathrooms, the option of double or twin beds, courtyard or street views, with some even having their own business area equipped with a desk, lamp, and comfortable armchair.
Regardless of which room you choose, you’re guaranteed cleanliness, supreme comfort, and impressive amenities at Hotel Telegraaf!
Staff and Service
When it comes to Tallinn 5-star hotels, Telegraaf’s staff certainly did not disappoint. Throughout my stay, I was impressed by their commitment to ensuring each guest had a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The concierge team was particularly helpful, providing excellent recommendations for activities and restaurants in the area.
Moreover, the staff were quick to respond to any requests or needs I had during my stay, making sure I felt well taken care of at all times.
It’s clear that the hotel places a strong emphasis on top-tier service, which is evident in the attentiveness and professionalism of their staff. From room service to getting some extra towels, helpful service was efficient and well-received.
Guests can also enjoy the convenience of the 24-hour front desk, airport shuttle service (35€ one-way fee), and private on-site parking. And for those wishing to explore the charming Old Town, the hotel offers free city maps and helpful advice from the concierge team to make sure you don’t miss any of the must-see attractions.
This commitment to ensuring guest satisfaction underscores Hotel Telegraaf’s dedication to creating an unforgettable stay for every visitor.
Restaurant Tchaikovsky
A culinary journey awaits you at Michelin-star Restaurant Tchaikovsky, the on-site dining establishment at Hotel Telegraaf. The restaurant’s atmospheric decor, reminiscent of 19th-century elegance, sets the tone for an enchanting dining experience.
The menu presents a captivating blend of traditional Russian recipes, innovatively fused with contemporary French culinary techniques and local Estonian ingredients. Each dish reflects the creative vision and exquisite craftsmanship of the talented culinary team, with a particular influence from Executive Chef Denis Golik.
From succulent meats to fresh seafood delicacies, and robust soups to decadent desserts, each item on the menu promises to tantalize your tastebuds.
The finesse extends to the beverage menu, featuring a carefully curated selection of international wines, paired delightfully with the food offerings. The restaurant’s commitment to an unforgettable gastronomic journey is evident in its meticulous preparation, presentation, and service.
Cod fillet with potato purée, endive confit, lingonberries, and mushroom cappuccino sauce made its way to my plate during my stay, and there was simply nothing that could have made it more perfect.
I recognize this is an official Hotel Telegraaf review and I’m likely not sounding very unbiased, but it’s hard not to when everything that was served was immaculate!
For those seeking a sumptuous breakfast, Hotel Telegraaf offers an a-la-carte buffet each morning in the restaurant. With an array of freshly baked pastries, fruits, cereals, and hearty hot dishes available, it’s a perfect start to your day in Tallinn.
Whether it’s a special occasion or a casual dining experience, Restaurant Tchaikovsky promises a meal that is as memorable as it is appetizing.
Value for Money
While Hotel Telegraaf sits at the higher end of the price spectrum, it offers excellent value for the money given its range of top-tier amenities, impeccable service, and prime location in Tallinn’s Old Town.
With elegant rooms and suites, a full-service spa, an onsite Michelin-star restaurant, and a range of additional services, guests are assured a stay of unparalleled comfort and luxury. Coupled with the hotel’s historic charm and its dedication to delivering a personalized and memorable experience for each guest, the value proposition of Hotel Telegraaf is undoubtedly high.
That being said, if you’re more of a numbers person, then you’ll be excited to learn that you can earn yourself a bed in one of their beautiful rooms for as low as 129 euros per night!
Their luxury suites can cost nearly four times this during peak season (i.e. December), however, you won’t be sacrificing comfort or extravagance by booking one of the other available rooms.
For those who have it in their budget, I can personally vouch for the elegance and lavishness of the superior king suite. It was spacious, well-stocked with hair and body products, and boasted gorgeous views of Vene Street.
Regardless of whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, the hotel’s offerings provide a return on investment that extends well beyond the cost of a night’s stay.
Onsite Parking
Hotel Telegraaf offers the convenience of secure underground parking to its guests. This feature, which is a rarity in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town, sets the hotel apart in terms of guest convenience and comfort.
Despite the historic surroundings, the underground parking facility is equipped with modern design elements, ensuring easy maneuverability for any vehicle size. The parking area is well-lit, clean, and monitored 24/7 for the safety of the vehicles.
There are, however, a limited number of parking spots, so if you’ll be in need of one during your stay it is best to reserve a spot in advance. The fees for this service are 30€ per night and reservations can be made by contacting reception.
Final Words: Official Hotel Telegraaf Review
From the attentive staff to the exquisite dining options and impeccable amenities, Hotel Telegraaf truly offers an unforgettable stay for its guests. Book your stay today and experience it for yourself!
This official Hotel Telegraaf review was a pleasure to write, and I hope it has given you a taste of the unique, luxurious experience that awaits you at this 5-star hotel in Tallinn’s Old Town.
