With a steady increase in yearly visitor numbers, Estonian capital Tallinn is fast becoming one of the top Eastern Europe tourist destinations.

Benefiting from new airline connections through Tallinn Airport - including to major cities such as London, Frankfurt, Moscow and the Scandinavian countries - hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers now flock to the Baltic state each year.

Just a ten minute walk from Tallinn Old Town – itself a UNESCO heritage site since 1997 – on the edge of the newly refurbished Politsei Park stands the recently opened Hilton Tallinn Park.

The property is the first in the Baltics from Hilton and the vanguard of a major expansion for the international group in the region.

Conceived by Meelis Press architects, the building was designed to complement the city skyline, creating a unity between the park area and the hotel complex.

As well as providing a 360 degree view of the Tallinn skyline, the arc-shaped building faces the central axis of the park, building an eloquent relationship with a rare green area in the city centre.

Arriving just two months after opening in August this year, during the height of the summer season, the hotel is buzzing with visitors from the neighbouring Helsinki and St Petersburg, as well as further abroad.

Boasting 202 guest rooms and suites across nine floors, as well as a business centre, fitness centre, spa, and an outdoor sun terrace, the hotel is designed with the finest quality materials and atmospheric mood lighting.

The refined simplicity of the rooms shows in every detail, from original artworks by local artists such as Katrin Karu to the decorative headboard patterns and streamlined lighting – unique to the Tallinn site.

The three suites with indoor saunas also provide the ever-popular Nordic touch.

eforea spa spa at Hilton Tallinn Park

My visit focused on the eforea spa, a key attraction for the hotel.

Located on the second floor of the property, the spa comprises four treatment rooms, a heated 15 metre indoor pool and a spacious sun terrace.

Offering a wide range of treatments, from a popular 60 minute deep tissue massage to hydrotherapy, the range has been designed by eforea to introduce guests to special techniques from the most applauded spa cultures around the world.

Even the most discerning traveller will find something to their taste on the extensive treatments menu.

On this occasion I selected the Elemis Couture Touch signature treatment – a full body massage combined with a prescribed booster anti-ageing facial, and concluded with a foot cleanse.

After filling out a quick questionnaire to help the therapist determine what parts of your body need extra attention, we start off with a hot towel foot compress (a nice touch) to get the circulation going and ease you into the process.

Moving on to the legs and the sides my masseuse uses a medium pressure massage while administering a hot mix of essential oils for further relaxation.

Next comes the back – a notoriously ailed body part.

Effortlessly the therapist works away at the knots with a gentle yet firm touch eliminating any discomfort that may come with such procedure, making you nearly dose off from tranquillity and warmth.

The 30 minute massage is followed by a rejuvenating facial, first using the nourishing omega rich cleansing oil, followed by a dynamic resurfacing gel mask and finished off with a rehydrating ginseng toner.

Hot towel mittens are used in between application of the three products to clear off any residue and open up the pores.

And finally – a therapeutic neck and arm massage with more essential oils.

The whole experience leaves you feeling calm, rested, revived and maybe even younger.

A perfect getaway when life gets a little bit too hectic.

Able Butcher brings a new flourish to fine dining in Tallinn

Able Butcher

Fine dining is also central to the Hilton Tallinn Park offering, with the hotel’s Able Butcher signature steakhouse recognised for its Black Angus prime beef free range steaks.

Imported all the way from Kansas, the hotel is the only place to get these dishes in Tallinn.

Arriving during a busy evening service we are promptly shown to our table on a sunny outside terrace.

On our way we pass a large open plan kitchen where head chef Salvatore Coco is orchestrating his latest culinary masterpiece.

It is always a delight to see local craft breweries on the menu and it is unanimously decided that we forgo the wine in favour of crisp and fruity Põhjala Virmalised (Northern Lights) IPA.

And it sure doesn’t disappoint.

Delicately balanced with a fresh citrus and grapefruit punch – you can safely say the craft beer revolution has reached Tallinn.

The first course is burrata with heirloom tomatoes, baby basil and black olive & sherry vinaigrette.

Delicious mozzarella shells contain stracciatella and cream, giving it an unusual, soft texture.

The starter is fresh, flavoursome and terribly calorific - but absolutely worth it!

The main is prime tenderloin steak, aged for 28-days to develop tenderness and flavour before being marinated in the restaurant’s own recipe ‘Able Butcher seasoning rub’.

Cooked medium rare, you can see the juices oozing onto the plate.

The meat is rich, smoky and wonderfully succulent – it is everything you want it to be and then some.

Complimented by crispy and fluffy hand cut chips the dish is a meat eaters’ delight.

The overall atmosphere is informal and laid-back with friendly, knowledgeable staff always on hand to guide you through the menu.

We leave with bellies full and faces happy ready to explore the Old Town.

Hilton Tallinn Park is a welcome addition to the Estonian hospitality scene

More Information

Located on the edge of Politsei Park just steps away from the city centre, Hilton Tallinn Park ensures an unforgettable stay.

Take in the spectacular views of the enchanting Old Town and harbour showcased to their fullest by the hotel’s captivating modern glass structure.

Enjoy spacious guest rooms, warm and professional service, and amenities designed with guests in mind. With an impressive range of flexible, state-of-the-art business and meeting facilities close to all the major attractions, it is an ideal venue for business and leisure travellers alike.

Find out more on the official website.

Maria Korelina