St.Olav Hotel (Tallinn, Estonia)

St Olav isn't your standard, chain hotel stay. Instead, the hotel, and rooms, are quirky in the way that only historic buildings can be. The character is seen in the huge rooms and architectural features throughout the hotel. The quaintness is reminiscent of an English manor house rather than just a hotel.

For those who want to explore the cultural treasures of Tallinn, this hotel is a great location. It is within walking distances of museums, restaurants, pubs, historical locations, and theatres. You can also walk to the mall, the popular Russian market, and even the ferry transport service to Helsinki.

The breakfast options certainly aren't the usual offering. While guests can snack on a continental offering, other choices are a welcome change. Diners can partake of fresh sardines, fresh salmon, a variety of cakes, and cooked meats. There's enough to easily skip lunch.

Because the hotel is so centrally located, there are always tourists milling about. The buzz from the street noise and from the courtyard can often be heard in the rooms. At night on the weekends, the disco beat carries down the street. When the hotel is booked with meetings or a banquet, the noise can be excessive and annoying.

The staff on hand do give prompt service at reception and in the restaurant. When confronted with concerns and questions, though, the customer service aspect seems to be absent.

While much of the quaintness of the old building is charming, there are some problems to quibble about. There is no elevator, so be prepared to carry heavy luggage. Add to that narrow staircases and sloping ceilings and getting those bags in the room can feel more like an Olympic event.