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St Petersburg - Tallinn - Helsinki

For anyone who has been there, I'm looking for your suggestions for reasonable accommodations in Tallinn and Helsinki; late May, three nights in each city. I would like to be in the Old Town in Tallin and within a half mile from the city centre in Helsinki so that it's easily walkable.

Self-catering apartments would be fine, probably preferable, if they would rent for just three nights, and if the location is right. Since we're there in May I don't think AC is important, but Internet and cable is.

Price range: Double/Two twins: Thinking about $120 in Tallinn, $150 in Helsinki. Doable???

I've been reading reviews at TA and hotels.com and don't know what to think. Sometimes I don't think posters are even talking about the same place, the comments can be so opposite and so far apart. I'd rather get some recommendations from people here that I actually "KNOW".

AND, from what I've researched, there is no longer any train service between St P and Tallinn, and the distance between the two doesn't justify a flight, so it looks like we will be taking the Eurolines bus from St P to Tallin. Has anyone done that? How was your experience?

Posted by
707 posts

We've stayed in the Hotel Arthur in Helsinki. I believe it meets your distance criterion; it may slightly exceed your price limit.

In addition to the bus, you may want to consider the St. Peter Line ferry from St. Pete to Tallinn.

Have a great trip.

Posted by
12040 posts

I stayed at Hotel Anna in Helskinki. Probably fits your budget requirement. It's not exactly in the city center, but close enough, and there's a nearby tram stop. Probably about a 10 minute walk from the harbor market and a little longer to the main train station. I've stayed in nicer hotels, but for a city where lodgings tend to be pretty expensive, this one worked well enough.

If you're looking for an interesting dining experience, check out the Lap-themed Lappi Ravintola. I had some reservations when I saw the slightly kitschy decor, but the food was really good, if expensive.

Posted by
707 posts

I'm back! In Tallinn we stayed at Villa Hortensia. The rooms are just what you are asking for I believe--apartments with kitchenettes near the center. Villa Hortensia is (was?) in the RS Scandinavia guidebook and fares well on TripAdvisor.