City Hotel Tallinn by Unique Hotels

They even made up a sofa bed for my two young kids without me having to ask, which was really kind. The twin room I'd booked would usually have been fine since we often share a bed while travelling, but this was a lovely extra. The hotel is a minute on foot from Toompea Castle and the Old Town. Rooms were spacious and clean, with comfortable beds, fresh sheets and towels, and barely any noise from neighboring rooms. I slept like a baby. The bathroom worked well and had shampoo and shower gel, though the floor can get a little wet outside the shower if you're not careful. Check-in happens at the Von Stackelberg hotel, about 80 meters away. It was quick and friendly. The Von Stackelberg also has a buffet breakfast for 15€ per person, or 7,5 for kids under 12, with a good mix of sweet and savory food. A very good budget choice in Tallinn.

The receptionist was professional and let me stay in the room and pay later, even though I hadn't realized my booking.com reservation was still unpaid. There were a few downsides: no sandals in the room, a smelly toilet drain, and they charge to change the bed linen.

The beds were tiny, uncomfortable cots pushed together that kept sliding around. On the first day, the towel rail fell off the wall. The shower curtain wasn't waterproof, so the whole bathroom got wet. It looked fancy, but it wasn't comfortable at all.

For under 40€ a night, I've found this to be great value, so it's become my regular budget hotel in Tallinn. The rooms are clean and roomy. Reception is at the nearby von Stackelberg hotel, which may be confusing, but I've never run into a problem with it. It's a basic 2 star place, so I wouldn't expect extra amenities for that price.