Merchants House Hotel

Merchants House Hotel stands on Dunkri, one of the quieter lanes of Tallinn's Old Town, a minute's walk from Town Hall Square. The Old Town was a wealthy trading port of the Hanseatic League, and the name of the hotel nods to that heritage, and it sits among streets of gabled townhouses, guild halls and church spires. Staying here means that the city's greatest sights are on your doorstep, and when the day trippers have left in the evening the cobbled lanes become quiet and atmospheric. For anyone who wants to wake up inside the medieval town, this is an excellent and characterful choice. The rooms come in a good range of sizes. There are economy doubles and single rooms, which are compact and good value, standard double rooms that can take a third guest, and executive doubles with more space for up to four. The executive suite has a king bed and a roomy sitting area, and the presidential suite is a very large two-bedroom apartment for up to six people, suited to a family or a group of friends. All rooms have free wifi and private bathrooms. Ask at booking for a quiet room if you are a light sleeper, since the Old Town can be lively in the evening. There is a spa on site, with a sauna, massage and body treatments, which is a delight after a day on the cobblestones, especially in the colder months. A bar and a terrace serve drinks and light meals, there is a coffee shop for a quick break, and a garden offers a calm spot in the warmer season. Some designer shops operate inside the building, which gives it a lively, boutique feel. The front desk is open throughout the day and night, luggage can be stored, tours and tickets can be arranged, and a computer station is available. Bicycle parking is provided. Pets are not accepted, and the premises are smoke-free. The location is hard to improve on for sightseeing. Town Hall Square, the Town Hall itself and the Christmas market in winter are all about a minute away, and a long list of cafes and restaurants lies within two minutes' walk, including some of the Old Town's best-known places for traditional Estonian food and for craft beer. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral on Toompea hill is about four minutes' walk uphill, and the viewing platforms of the upper town, with their fine views over the red roofs, are close by. The Baltic Station, for trains to the rest of Estonia and onward, is around eight minutes' walk, and the harbour and ferry terminals are reachable on foot or by a short taxi ride. The airport is about twenty-five minutes away by car. Merchants House suits couples, history lovers and travellers who want to be in the middle of the medieval city. The cobbled streets can be hard for wheeled luggage, so pack light. Rates are in the mid to upper-middle range for Tallinn, with the best value in the shoulder seasons and the highest prices in summer and in the Christmas market weeks, when the Old Town is at its most magical. Check when you book what breakfast and cancellation terms apply, and ask about spa opening times if you plan to use it.