Hilton Tallinn Park {EST}
Apr 17, 2017, 5:52 pm
#78
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: NW London and NW Sydney
Programs: BA Diamond, Hilton Bronze, A3 Diamond, IHG *G
Posts: 6,344
Has anyone stayed in Hilton Tallinn before, taken a ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki?
The taxi in Tallinn seems to be non-regulated. Lonely Planet said the fare should be no more than 4 to 5 euro. TripAdvisor posters said the taxi is not metered and need to pre-negotiate the price before getting in.
The taxi in Tallinn seems to be non-regulated. Lonely Planet said the fare should be no more than 4 to 5 euro. TripAdvisor posters said the taxi is not metered and need to pre-negotiate the price before getting in.
Excellent news. The lounge breakfast is pretty good too but it gets boring after a while, so I am keen to try the restaurant if I can find the time to go to Estonia again
Apr 17, 2017, 7:30 pm
#79
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,762
The bus number 2 goes from the tram stop Keskturg (2 mins walk from hotel) to the ferry terminal in 15 mins (comes every 20 mins and the website with the timetables is really neat). If you're paying the cash single fare of €2 then it is expensive compared to a taxi, but you can also get the 3-day unlimited travel pass for €5 (from an R-kiosk)
We are arriving Tallinn by Lux bus, ETA 7PM. The bus terminal is right by the Railway terminal IIRC. Is there R-Kiosk inside the Railway terminal?
Apr 18, 2017, 3:11 am
#80
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: NW London and NW Sydney
Programs: BA Diamond, Hilton Bronze, A3 Diamond, IHG *G
Posts: 6,344
Is there a R-Kiosk near the Hilton? I understand that you need to get the Green Smartcard (2 euro deposit) first, then you can get the pass loaded to the card.
We are arriving Tallinn by Lux bus, ETA 7PM. The bus terminal is right by the Railway terminal IIRC. Is there R-Kiosk inside the Railway terminal?
We are arriving Tallinn by Lux bus, ETA 7PM. The bus terminal is right by the Railway terminal IIRC. Is there R-Kiosk inside the Railway terminal?
(This is where you get the Lux Express from Latvia and Tartu and Narva etc anyway, maybe there is somewhere else too as I can't think why you would remember it being next to the train station.)
Yes the deposit is €2 but apparently it is only refundable at the City Hall during limited working hours for 6 months after you buy the card (and then how are you going to get to the airport/ferryport...), so actually it is more like €7 for 3 days unless you plan to return to Tallinn in the future.
There is no option for 2 days, so if you are only there for 3 days, then you might as well "waste" the first day by taking the tram one stop to reduce your walk to the Hilton from 15 minutes to 2 minutes.
**Unfortunately, the j in Estonian is pronounced with a y sound, otherwise it would be quite amusing if you get what I mean
Apr 18, 2017, 3:29 am
#81
Moderator: Hilton Honors forums
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Marietta, Georgia, United States
Posts: 24,997
The walk is almost 30 minutes between the ferry terminal and this hotel property.
The walk is almost 15 minutes between the bus station and this hotel property.
The walk is almost 30 minutes — if that — between the hotel property and Old Town in Tallinn. On your way there, stop at the Eurex counter in the Viru Keskus shopping center to exchange currency at a good rate and with no commission or minimum amounts.
Unless you have too much luggage to handle or cannot walk that much of a distance, I would skip public transportation — and I did do just that, as I never used public transportation once.
By the way, I enjoyed breakfast in the restaurant. I usually like to use the executive lounge; but the restaurant experience was far superior.
The walk is almost 15 minutes between the bus station and this hotel property.
The walk is almost 30 minutes — if that — between the hotel property and Old Town in Tallinn. On your way there, stop at the Eurex counter in the Viru Keskus shopping center to exchange currency at a good rate and with no commission or minimum amounts.
Unless you have too much luggage to handle or cannot walk that much of a distance, I would skip public transportation — and I did do just that, as I never used public transportation once.
By the way, I enjoyed breakfast in the restaurant. I usually like to use the executive lounge; but the restaurant experience was far superior.
Apr 18, 2017, 12:57 pm
#82
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,762
Thanks for the info and the location of the R-kiosk. I have read the law has since changed now that you could refund the electronic ticket without waiting the 6 months. There even is a place at the ferry terminal to do it.
We have been in Tallinn before, twice in fact, but were in 2013 and 2015.
Used to stay at the Radisson Blu just outside the edge of Old Town (there was a big supermarket across street at the corner - further down one cross street you are right by the edge of the "park" that you walk thru it you are at Old Town. We actually dropped by the ferry terminal one day just to take a look, all by walking from the old town. So we kind of know our bearings.
Did not use public transportation on last 2 visits, but this time we would like to visit the Kadriorg Palace, which is quite far from town. (on the opposite direction from Hilton and may be 30 min walk). Taking the bus would save time.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kadriorg_Palace
This time we picked Hilton for 2 reasons - it is closer to the Lux bus terminal, and the Radisson Blu no longer offers breakfast to everyone (it used to be a sumptuous buffet breakfast and free to every guest) At Hilton we could get the breakfast as Golds. So Hilton it is.
For 5 euros for a taxi ride to the ferry terminal it is a very reasonable price, IF you can get an honest taxi that is!
Last I know Estonia uses Euro which unfortunately we still have plenty left from last year's European trips. (it has since devalued close to 10% against USD).
We have been in Tallinn before, twice in fact, but were in 2013 and 2015.
Used to stay at the Radisson Blu just outside the edge of Old Town (there was a big supermarket across street at the corner - further down one cross street you are right by the edge of the "park" that you walk thru it you are at Old Town. We actually dropped by the ferry terminal one day just to take a look, all by walking from the old town. So we kind of know our bearings.
Did not use public transportation on last 2 visits, but this time we would like to visit the Kadriorg Palace, which is quite far from town. (on the opposite direction from Hilton and may be 30 min walk). Taking the bus would save time.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kadriorg_Palace
This time we picked Hilton for 2 reasons - it is closer to the Lux bus terminal, and the Radisson Blu no longer offers breakfast to everyone (it used to be a sumptuous buffet breakfast and free to every guest) At Hilton we could get the breakfast as Golds. So Hilton it is.
For 5 euros for a taxi ride to the ferry terminal it is a very reasonable price, IF you can get an honest taxi that is!
Last I know Estonia uses Euro which unfortunately we still have plenty left from last year's European trips. (it has since devalued close to 10% against USD).
Last edited by Happy; Apr 18, 2017 at 3:41 pm
May 3, 2017, 9:12 am
#83
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: London Stratford, E7
Programs: BAEC Gold! Thanks to FT
Posts: 3,378
I have a suite booked with no status so I understand I will be able to use the Executive Lounge for breakfast. Do I get the option for restaurant breakfast as well or is that just status holders?
Also, what is the difference between a suite and deluxe one bedroom suite which is offered on my upgrades for EUR 23.
Also, what is the difference between a suite and deluxe one bedroom suite which is offered on my upgrades for EUR 23.
May 3, 2017, 9:20 am
#84
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Egham, Surrey, UK
Programs: Mucci Champion des Champions, BAG4L, *A Gold, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, Hertz Gold, Avis President
Posts: 3,416
I have a suite booked with no status so I understand I will be able to use the Executive Lounge for breakfast. Do I get the option for restaurant breakfast as well or is that just status holders?
Also, what is the difference between a suite and deluxe one bedroom suite which is offered on my upgrades for EUR 23.
Also, what is the difference between a suite and deluxe one bedroom suite which is offered on my upgrades for EUR 23.
The Exec Lounge breakfast is OK with hot and cold food
May 3, 2017, 10:12 am
#85
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denmark
Programs: TK Elite
Posts: 11,848
I'm sure you will do with the lounge breakfast which is quite nice as reported above. If you really need breakfast in the restaurant, pay for it.
May 3, 2017, 4:57 pm
#86
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: London Stratford, E7
Programs: BAEC Gold! Thanks to FT
Posts: 3,378
Thanks for everybody's comments.. My several category upgdraded room is part of a service recovery matter that required intervention of Hilton Corporate Offices so they may offer breakfast in the restaurant but if they don't I am sure the lounge offering will be adequate. Just curious to know.
Surprised that what happened to me with my booking occured after reading the glowing praises of the hotel here and on Trip Advisor..
Surprised that what happened to me with my booking occured after reading the glowing praises of the hotel here and on Trip Advisor..
May 7, 2017, 4:03 am
#87
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Rhineland-Palatinate
Programs: *A Gold (A3), HHonor Gold
Posts: 5,698
I had a stay this weekend and was extremely impresssed: the hotel looks new, is stylish. The room (booked King room upgraded to Executive King room) was huge, the bathroom too, bed extremely comfortable. The restaurant was excellent, as was the breakfast, the view from the lounge excellent. I used the gym and the equipment is good, varied enough to do an Ok workout.
What strikes me the most was that the staff were truly proud and happy to work there, the service consistently excellent from the faultless check-in to the nice lady showing each station at the breakfast restaurant. I am looking forward to my future stays there.
The competition could well do a trip there to see how it is done.
What strikes me the most was that the staff were truly proud and happy to work there, the service consistently excellent from the faultless check-in to the nice lady showing each station at the breakfast restaurant. I am looking forward to my future stays there.
The competition could well do a trip there to see how it is done.
Last edited by fransknorge; May 7, 2017 at 5:50 am
May 7, 2017, 2:45 pm
#88
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: HEL
Programs: Finnair Plus Platinum, TAP Silver, EB Silver, Honors Diamond, IHG Diamond, NCH Platinum , BW Diamond
Posts: 91
May 27, 2017, 4:07 pm
#89
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,762
Now we are home from the over month long trip including 2 days in Tallinn, I can provide some info on our stay.
It is a long summary with details. Hope it would help others who are consider this property when visiting Tallinn.
1) Hotel sent us an email a few days before arrival, detailing benefits and invited us to check in at the Executive Lounge upon arrival.
2) The walk from the bus station is about 15 min as mentioned. I dont know from what angle the picture of the property on Hilton website is taken as it does not indicate the building from the front entrance actually is curved. Plus the picture is taken when sun shone on it therefore it was gold tone, while the property actually is greenish blue tone From the main road (the trams/buses) looking towards the right direction we were not sure we saw the hotel but guessed the tall building was the hotel. The first sign you saw from side way is actually the Olympic Casino, not Hilton which is on the other corner but due to the curve, you would not be able to see it until much closer.
We entered the hotel from the side door of the Casino, then grabbed an employee on how to go up to Executive Lounge. He then made a quick buzz upstairs and then accompanied us to go up as key card needed to access floors. Good security measure.
3) At check in the receptionist was professional and friendly. She detailed the benefits, indicating we could have breakfast in the restaurant downstairs.
The offerings at the restaurant were quite impressive, especially the self-service juicer and the banana/spinach smoothie.
4) Lounge has great view. On our first night after check in it was 1 min to 8pm. They were kind enough to leave the cold foods and drinks to let us get what we wanted before cleaning up. No hot food left at that time. The next evening there was some fried fish fillets available but once that was finished, the replenishment was a dumpling.
Everything considered, the F&B offerings are reasonably good. We really appreciate the breakfast at restaurant.
5) Our room is on the 10th floor, one floor down from the lounge. It is just a basic room. I am not even sure we have a King bed as the bed seems to be a small for a King but a tad larger for a Queen. Room size is on the small side with modern design and very efficient usage of space.
There was a small plate of 3 triangles of bread, 3 small chunk of Gouda cheese, a splat of some jam and a fork, together with a tiny bottle of some local alcoholic drink (very strange taste) already at the corner of the long ledge under the TV. We did not touch it before we went out the next day. Upon our return we found the plate apparently was replaced - SAME content but this time there was a little Estonia flag on the cheese, a 2-leaves herb placed on the jam splat which looked larger than the day before and the plate was placed on a reversed direction. Based on the added "extra" we suspected it was a new plate. We thought this was funny. They could have just leave the plate from the first day alone since the content was identical anyway.
6) Everything was smooth until check out. There were 2 girls at the lounge desk. Looked to us one was a trainee. She asked, "would you like to receive the bill by email?" We asked, what bill? This was a 100% point stay and we did not incur incidentals. She then said, this was the question on the screen to tell her to ask... After we explained it was a point stay, would we still get a bill (statement) showing the stay even there was no $ involved? Her answer was positive but told us to go downstairs to get that as she "would need to go downstairs to get it anyway so it would be better for us just asked the front desk on our way out to get it." We were now totally
So on our way out we asked the front desk. The front desk was just as puzzled as us and he called upstairs. A while later a gentleman came down to pass on a credit card slip - on it, it said "Reservation Final" and it is a Payment Receipt of 160 euro actual charge!!! Well, there was 80 euro per day pre-authorization we signed for incidental guarantee, but the pre-authorization should never put thru or only put thru with actual charges incurred. Since we had 0 incidental, there should never be any "Final Payment". So I asked further clarification on this "Payment Receipt". Front desk looked at the account and called upstairs again. Finally a supervisor came down and handed us a "Void Transaction" slip, said the charge was a mistake, should never happen. But now it is voided so everything is back to what it should have been. Hind sight - when the girl asked about emailing the bill, that is a sure sign she had no idea on what an award stay was, nor the mechanism of CC preauthorization.
This is the first time we have such billing error happened on all our award stays across chains. Now we know if the associate says something does not make sense, better to make sure there is no billing mistake.
I am glad we caught this when we were still at the hotel. Otherwise it would be some hassle to have to contact the hotel to process a refund as the transaction has gone thru, against the initial authorization number. The Void Transaction has a new authorization number by the way. I saw the pending charge showing on the credit card for 3 days but finally fell off without actual billing. Whew.
The episode took 15+ min to sort out. It caused us to miss the originally planned to take bus to the ferry dock. We always plan to take one to two earlier buses than needed, so we still had enough time for the next one - unlike the tram which runs every 6 min, the bus is every 18 min so missing one means a long wait - not fun in the cold windy weather.
In the survey I mentioned this incident, indicated that better training is needed as the hotel is new, staffers may not be as familiar with award stay as in a well-established property.
I am surprised to receive a follow-up email from the front desk supervisor to apologize. She also wants to know why I have not given 9 or 10 on other aspects of the stay even though I indicated satisfaction. She would like to know specifics so the hotel can improve. Well, to me, an 8 is a high score. Very very very few places would get a 10, and 9 is also not common - at least based on my own very subjective standard. lol.
7) Finally, there is a bus with the stop right on the main road where the tram stop is, go directly to the Ferry Terminal D, and then A. Very convenient. No need for a taxi. You can now return the e-Card at the R-Kiosk at the terminal and get back the deposit. On every tram / bus, there is an instruction board giving information on the transportation options / costs / refund procedure. Very handy.
Also one can buy the Day Pass from the Stockmann customer service. We took the No.2 Tram all the way to the turn, then back to Old Town where we took the No.3 Tram to the Kadriorg Park. From where we walked the park paths all the way to the seaside, where we took a bus 53? along the coast to the East end, first passing some business/residential area, then lots of greens, then to a suburb where there are big shopping center(s) and schools. Had it not started raining and very cold, we would take another bus to the other side the West side where should be more populated based on the google map. Alas, it started to rain and we forgot our umbrella so we headed back to the hotel.
It is a long summary with details. Hope it would help others who are consider this property when visiting Tallinn.
1) Hotel sent us an email a few days before arrival, detailing benefits and invited us to check in at the Executive Lounge upon arrival.
2) The walk from the bus station is about 15 min as mentioned. I dont know from what angle the picture of the property on Hilton website is taken as it does not indicate the building from the front entrance actually is curved. Plus the picture is taken when sun shone on it therefore it was gold tone, while the property actually is greenish blue tone From the main road (the trams/buses) looking towards the right direction we were not sure we saw the hotel but guessed the tall building was the hotel. The first sign you saw from side way is actually the Olympic Casino, not Hilton which is on the other corner but due to the curve, you would not be able to see it until much closer.
We entered the hotel from the side door of the Casino, then grabbed an employee on how to go up to Executive Lounge. He then made a quick buzz upstairs and then accompanied us to go up as key card needed to access floors. Good security measure.
3) At check in the receptionist was professional and friendly. She detailed the benefits, indicating we could have breakfast in the restaurant downstairs.
The offerings at the restaurant were quite impressive, especially the self-service juicer and the banana/spinach smoothie.
4) Lounge has great view. On our first night after check in it was 1 min to 8pm. They were kind enough to leave the cold foods and drinks to let us get what we wanted before cleaning up. No hot food left at that time. The next evening there was some fried fish fillets available but once that was finished, the replenishment was a dumpling.
Everything considered, the F&B offerings are reasonably good. We really appreciate the breakfast at restaurant.
5) Our room is on the 10th floor, one floor down from the lounge. It is just a basic room. I am not even sure we have a King bed as the bed seems to be a small for a King but a tad larger for a Queen. Room size is on the small side with modern design and very efficient usage of space.
There was a small plate of 3 triangles of bread, 3 small chunk of Gouda cheese, a splat of some jam and a fork, together with a tiny bottle of some local alcoholic drink (very strange taste) already at the corner of the long ledge under the TV. We did not touch it before we went out the next day. Upon our return we found the plate apparently was replaced - SAME content but this time there was a little Estonia flag on the cheese, a 2-leaves herb placed on the jam splat which looked larger than the day before and the plate was placed on a reversed direction. Based on the added "extra" we suspected it was a new plate. We thought this was funny. They could have just leave the plate from the first day alone since the content was identical anyway.
6) Everything was smooth until check out. There were 2 girls at the lounge desk. Looked to us one was a trainee. She asked, "would you like to receive the bill by email?" We asked, what bill? This was a 100% point stay and we did not incur incidentals. She then said, this was the question on the screen to tell her to ask... After we explained it was a point stay, would we still get a bill (statement) showing the stay even there was no $ involved? Her answer was positive but told us to go downstairs to get that as she "would need to go downstairs to get it anyway so it would be better for us just asked the front desk on our way out to get it." We were now totally
So on our way out we asked the front desk. The front desk was just as puzzled as us and he called upstairs. A while later a gentleman came down to pass on a credit card slip - on it, it said "Reservation Final" and it is a Payment Receipt of 160 euro actual charge!!! Well, there was 80 euro per day pre-authorization we signed for incidental guarantee, but the pre-authorization should never put thru or only put thru with actual charges incurred. Since we had 0 incidental, there should never be any "Final Payment". So I asked further clarification on this "Payment Receipt". Front desk looked at the account and called upstairs again. Finally a supervisor came down and handed us a "Void Transaction" slip, said the charge was a mistake, should never happen. But now it is voided so everything is back to what it should have been. Hind sight - when the girl asked about emailing the bill, that is a sure sign she had no idea on what an award stay was, nor the mechanism of CC preauthorization.
This is the first time we have such billing error happened on all our award stays across chains. Now we know if the associate says something does not make sense, better to make sure there is no billing mistake.
I am glad we caught this when we were still at the hotel. Otherwise it would be some hassle to have to contact the hotel to process a refund as the transaction has gone thru, against the initial authorization number. The Void Transaction has a new authorization number by the way. I saw the pending charge showing on the credit card for 3 days but finally fell off without actual billing. Whew.
The episode took 15+ min to sort out. It caused us to miss the originally planned to take bus to the ferry dock. We always plan to take one to two earlier buses than needed, so we still had enough time for the next one - unlike the tram which runs every 6 min, the bus is every 18 min so missing one means a long wait - not fun in the cold windy weather.
In the survey I mentioned this incident, indicated that better training is needed as the hotel is new, staffers may not be as familiar with award stay as in a well-established property.
I am surprised to receive a follow-up email from the front desk supervisor to apologize. She also wants to know why I have not given 9 or 10 on other aspects of the stay even though I indicated satisfaction. She would like to know specifics so the hotel can improve. Well, to me, an 8 is a high score. Very very very few places would get a 10, and 9 is also not common - at least based on my own very subjective standard. lol.
7) Finally, there is a bus with the stop right on the main road where the tram stop is, go directly to the Ferry Terminal D, and then A. Very convenient. No need for a taxi. You can now return the e-Card at the R-Kiosk at the terminal and get back the deposit. On every tram / bus, there is an instruction board giving information on the transportation options / costs / refund procedure. Very handy.
Also one can buy the Day Pass from the Stockmann customer service. We took the No.2 Tram all the way to the turn, then back to Old Town where we took the No.3 Tram to the Kadriorg Park. From where we walked the park paths all the way to the seaside, where we took a bus 53? along the coast to the East end, first passing some business/residential area, then lots of greens, then to a suburb where there are big shopping center(s) and schools. Had it not started raining and very cold, we would take another bus to the other side the West side where should be more populated based on the google map. Alas, it started to rain and we forgot our umbrella so we headed back to the hotel.
Jun 6, 2017, 6:05 am
#90
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Cheltenham
Programs: KLM Plat for Life , BA Gold, HH Silver, (Other half Diamond), IHG Gold
Posts: 2,398
very impressed so far with pre arrival communication. Due to arrive this Friday, and today Tuesday already shows us upgraded to exec bay view Room
Nice email from the lounge:
Dear...
On behalf of the entire team, thank you for choosing Hilton. We are delighted to welcome you to Hilton Tallinn Park. We would like to assure you that we always appreciate our guests’ choice and strive to achieve the highest levels of service quality.
As a Hilton Honors Gold member you can enjoy the following elite member key benefits, at the Hilton Tallinn Park, as a thank you for your loyalty:
• Executive Lounge Access with private check-in and check-out located on the 11th floor and opened daily from 6am until 10pm
• Free upgrades based on availability
• Complimentary extended continental breakfast in our Executive Lounge
• 1000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points and 25% bonus on all Base Points
• Complimentary 2 bottles of water (sparkling and still) during your stay located on the desk in your room.
To view a full list of your Hilton Honors benefits please visit HiltonHonors.com/MemberBenefits.
Should your time permit, we suggest you to discover the magnificence of our beautiful city that is famous for its unique attractions and sights all of which you will find close to the hotel. For your convenience, please find attached our virtual concierge with further information about our hotel services, facilities and attractions of Tallinn.
Do not hesitate to contact our Executive Reception team for any enquiries or special arrangements that you may need for your upcoming stay with us.
We are looking forward to welcoming you personally at Hilton Tallinn Park.
Yours Sincerely,
The Executive Reception Team!
Nice email from the lounge:
Dear...
On behalf of the entire team, thank you for choosing Hilton. We are delighted to welcome you to Hilton Tallinn Park. We would like to assure you that we always appreciate our guests’ choice and strive to achieve the highest levels of service quality.
As a Hilton Honors Gold member you can enjoy the following elite member key benefits, at the Hilton Tallinn Park, as a thank you for your loyalty:
• Executive Lounge Access with private check-in and check-out located on the 11th floor and opened daily from 6am until 10pm
• Free upgrades based on availability
• Complimentary extended continental breakfast in our Executive Lounge
• 1000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points and 25% bonus on all Base Points
• Complimentary 2 bottles of water (sparkling and still) during your stay located on the desk in your room.
To view a full list of your Hilton Honors benefits please visit HiltonHonors.com/MemberBenefits.
Should your time permit, we suggest you to discover the magnificence of our beautiful city that is famous for its unique attractions and sights all of which you will find close to the hotel. For your convenience, please find attached our virtual concierge with further information about our hotel services, facilities and attractions of Tallinn.
Do not hesitate to contact our Executive Reception team for any enquiries or special arrangements that you may need for your upcoming stay with us.
We are looking forward to welcoming you personally at Hilton Tallinn Park.
Yours Sincerely,
The Executive Reception Team!