Hotel Review: Hotel Telegraaf, Autograph Collection
During my visit to Helsinki, Finland, I decided to take a quick weekend getaway to Estonia's beautiful capital, Tallinn. Known for its rich Eastern European history and strong Soviet Union influence, Estonia gained full independence from Russia in 1991. A simple two-hour ferry ride was all it took to travel from Helsinki to Tallinn, making it the perfect opportunity to explore another country's culture and cuisine. As I planned my trip, I discovered there was only one Marriott property in Tallinn—Hotel Telegraaf, Autograph Collection. The hotel was once a bank and a telegraph office, hence the name Hotel Telegraaf. With a few Suite Night Awards to use up before the year's end, I booked my stay without hesitation. Located in the historic Old Town neighborhood, I wasn't sure what to expect from a five-star hotel located in the historic Old Town neighborhood, and I’m happy to report that my stay at Hotel Telegraaf was pure luxury. Here is my review of Hotel Telegraaf, Autograph Collection:
What Card(s) Should You Use to Book?
I earn tons of Marriott Bonvoy points by using my American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you spend $5,000 within your first 3 months of card membership. The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on dining and flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X on all other purchases. Paired with Marriott’s promotions and AMEX offers, it opens doors to endless points-earning opportunities.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card does come with a hefty $650 annual fee but offers tons of perks to significantly offset its costs. The card features the following benefits:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status
$25 monthly dining credit—$300 total in a year
$100 property credit when booked directly with Marriott and staying a minimum of two nights at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties
An 85,000-point Free Night Award
Access to Priority Pass lounges
25 Elite Night Credits for chasing Marriott Bonvoy status
Even if you don’t stay at Marriott properties often, this card is still a must-have, in my opinion. It’s a true example of a keeper card that offers benefits that outweigh the annual fee.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
If you are looking for a Marriott Bonvoy credit card with a low annual fee, consider the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of three Free Night Awards after spending $1,000 in three months, each covering up to 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. I personally value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents each, making the 105,000 points offer worth $840. The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card earns 6X points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases every year on dining, grocery stores, and gas stations, and 2X points on all other purchases.
The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card’s annual fee is $95, and it offers useful perks to offset the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits that will help you achieve a higher Marriott Bonvoy status
Please note that you can’t combine Elite Night Credits from two Marriott Bonvoy personal credit cards, but you can stack Elite Night Credits from one personal and one Marriott Bonvoy business card. Thus, if you own both AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant and Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, you would only earn 25 elite night credits.
If you’d like to apply for the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you!
The last Marriott Bonvoy credit card you could use would be the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you spend $5,000 within your first 3 months of card membership. Considering that the annual membership costs $125, you get paid to have the card! The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 4X points on dining, U.S. shipping purchases, U.S. wireless telephone services, and at U.S. gas stations. All other purchases earn 2X points.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card’s annual fee is $125, and it offers valuable benefits to justify the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits, which can be combined with 15 Elite Night Credits from other personal Marriott Bonvoy credit cards
As you can see, the card’s benefits are less substantial than the ones from the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, but it is a great long-term keeper card due to its annual Free Night Award perk. Furthermore, it is absolutely necessary if you want to chase a higher Marriott Bonvoy status because it is the only Marriott business card that is on the market and will grant you an additional 15 Elite Night Credits. Lastly, even though it is a business credit card, it is very likely that you could get it approved. Check out my article on how to apply for a business credit card as a sole proprietor.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
Location
Hotel Telegraaf is located in the middle of the Old Town neighborhood of Tallinn. Major tourist attractions like St. Catherine’s Church, KGB Prison Cell Museum, and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral are all within walking distance from the hotel. If you are coming from the nearby Tallink ferry station, I’d advise you to take an Uber to the hotel if you have a suitcase with you since it would be difficult to maneuver a suitcase on cobblestone streets.
Lobby & Check-In Review
After walking on long, winding Old Town streets, I arrived at Hotel Telegraaf. The hotel's exterior was unassuming, but once I was inside, I realized why it is a five-star hotel. The hotel used to be a telegraph office, and the lobby was full of artifacts related to communication and telegraphy, including antique phones and artworks featuring Morse Code.
The lobby embraced classic design elements such as oversized checkerboard marble flooring and chandeliers that complemented the historical brand of the hotel but also included modern light fixtures and furniture to make the atmosphere not too orthodox.
Upon approaching the front desk, I was immediately struck by its beautiful wood panels and black marble tops. Thanks to a Suite Night Award I had redeemed prior to my stay, I was thrilled to learn that I had been upgraded to a suite.
The front desk agent kindly informed me of the perks of my Titanium Elite status. Since the hotel did not have a lounge, she offered me a choice between 1,000 extra Marriott Bonvoy points or complimentary breakfast, and I selected the breakfast option. My welcome bonus included a daily food and beverage credit of €9, which came in handy when I explored cocktails at the bar later. I received my card keys and went up to the third floor, where my suite was located.
Living Room Review
Hotel Telegraaf named its suites after notable inventors and contributors who advanced the telegraph industry. My suite was the Siemens suite; it was Hotel Telegraaf’s version of a presidential suite and was named after Werner von Siemens.
It resembled a private luxury apartment and was in a strategic location where the hotel could seal the room off from other areas of the hotel, establishing a security zone. Upon entering the suite, I was welcomed by a grand living room with 20-foot ceilings. With an illustrative portrait of Werner von Siemens on the wall, the living room featured a huge dining table that could accommodate up to six people at once.
Next to the dining table was a small coffee stand where you could make instant coffee and tea.
I found a petite welcome amenity from Hotel Telegraaf on the dining table; the box contained four pieces of sweet meringue dessert with powdered sugar—perfect for my afternoon coffee break.
The sitting area in the living room was beautifully decorated with oversized abstract art, along with a velvet couch.
A chandelier on the ceiling, extra ornamental crown moldings on the walls, and a real flower on a white marble coffee table reminded me that I was in the best room in the hotel. I loved the symmetrical look created by matching wall lights, and on the side table was an antique phone that was still functional.
Opposite the sitting area was a non-smart TV, and because it was situated a bit far away from the couch, it was challenging to enjoy it. Despite this position not being the most convenient for watching TV, it was the best option given the room's layout. The TV stood on top of a mini-fridge stocked with an array of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.
The standout feature of the Siemens suite was definitely its private balcony that overlooked the charming Vene Street.
Though the balcony was small and could fit up to only two people, it was a welcome retreat where you could step outside and catch some fresh air whenever you liked. On days with pleasant weather, it would be the perfect spot for a delightful breakfast with a view of the enchanting Old Town Tallinn.
The elegant living room set the tone for the hotel's most exquisite accommodation. It had all the key attributes of a presidential suite: a marble family dinner table, a classic chandelier, a massive art pie, and, of course, a private balcony. It had all the key attributes of a presidential suite: a marble family dinner table, a classic chandelier, a massive art pie, and, to top it off—a private balcony. The living room left me with an impeccable first impression and stirred excitement for the bedroom.
Bedroom Review
The bedroom boasted the same elegant features as the living space, from its towering ceilings to the sleek hardwood flooring.
However, the traditional poster bed with its classic wooden frame emanated a more sophisticated ambiance compared to the modern and trendy atmosphere in the living room. Because of the headboard’s low profile, the height of the ceiling drew attention, enhancing the sense of space.
The bed was exceedingly comfortable, and each bedside was well-equipped with a nightstand and reading light. A unique touch was a menu provided by the hotel, allowing guests to select from five different pillow types based on their personal preferences and sleep style.
An antique alarm clock on the nightstand was fitting, given the hotel’s brand identity, and paired well with other traditional artifacts in the room.
For instance, a work desk sat across from the bed, and it had another classic telephone—the same model from the living room.
It was still functional, and I respected the hotel for consistently reinforcing its theme. In addition to a desk lamp, two matching wall lights illuminated the room gently. Lastly, another non-smart TV was mounted on a side wall, but luckily, you could adjust its angle, allowing a pleasant viewing experience from the bed.
Even though the bedroom didn’t feature a grand marble table or an elegant chandelier, I appreciated dark wood finishes and antique objects, as they brought out a solemn character of the master bedroom. Moreover, the bedroom wasn’t drenched with decorative objects, allowing gorgeous crown molding finishes on the wall to shine. I was thoroughly impressed with the bedroom as it met all of my expectations and beyond. I highly recommend booking the presidential suite if you want to elevate your lodging experience to another level.
Bathroom Review
The Siemens suite had two bathrooms; a half bathroom in the living room and a master bathroom attached to the bedroom. Although the half bathroom was small, the hotel managed to fit a toilet and a petite sink.
Unfortunately, there was no bidet included with the toilet, and because the sink was tiny, I had to be careful not to accidentally spill water on the floor while washing my hands.
On the contrary, the master bathroom was much more impressive. As soon as I walked in, the room really opened up, showing off the same tall ceiling that the suite had. To my delight, the floor featured heating which added to the luxuriousness of the space. Although I had anticipated seeing a double-sink vanity, there was only one sink present.
The sink itself was aesthetically pleasing, but its low countertop proved to be inconvenient in practice, requiring me to constantly bend over while using it. The toiletries were by Elemis—a British skincare brand—and they were provided in communal bottles, as Hotel Telegraaf values reducing unnecessary plastic waste.
The master bathroom's toilet lacked a bidet, but it was compensated by a massive soaking tub. It was one of the deepest and longest tubs I had used in a hotel.
As if that wasn't enough, a small TV was integrated into the wall. Unlike the one at The St.Regis Toronto, this TV was more practical since one watches TV for a longer period while bathing. Even though the quality of the TV was acceptable and featured only a handful of channels, I loved its seamless look. The remaining space was dedicated to a walk-in shower equipped with a rainfall showerhead and a handheld option.
The water pressure was phenomenal, and again, the hotel supplied toiletry products from Elemis. However, they were in squeeze bottles, similar to the ones I used at Tru by Hilton in Smyrna.
I didn’t have to squeeze them too hard, but I would’ve preferred regular dispensers that would require less force. The master bathroom was as grand as the rest of the suite. With tall ceilings, heated flooring, and a massive soaking tub, I indulged myself in these luxury amenities after exploring Tallinn.
Spa Review—Spa Telegraaf
Though Hotel Telegraaf didn’t have its own gym, the hotel had a partnership with a local gym just a 5-minute walk away. During my stay, I decided to skip the gym due to the rainy weather, but I had an amazing spa experience instead. The spa, located on the ground floor of the new wing, was accessible by heading up to the second floor from the lobby and then making your way back down.
The Spa Telegraaf offered massage and facial treatments, as well as complimentary access to saunas, a jacuzzi, and a pool. Upon checking in with the receptionist, she gave me a key to a locker in the unisex changing room so I could change into a swimsuit.
After changing my outfit, I took a quick shower before going into the pool, and the walk-in shower had one of the biggest rainfall showerheads I had ever seen.
I was thrilled to see the swimming pool because it was absolutely stunning; a skylight ceiling made me feel like I was swimming outside, and Greek fountain heads were spouting water into the pool.
The pool, finished in smooth marble, created an ambiance perfect for any time of the day thanks to recessed lighting from both inside and outside. The pool water was lightly cool at 28°C, but if you prefer something warmer, you can take advantage of a jacuzzi, big enough to fit six adults at once.
The hotel was thoughtful enough to install floor-to-ceiling windows to emulate an outdoor environment, making your time there even more special.
Spa Telegraaf’s sauna culture is just as prominent as Finland’s, which was why the spa had two rooms: a steam room heated at a comfortable 45°C and a Finnish sauna at 85°C.
The steambath, with its gray marble interior, could hold about six people, while the Finnish sauna could fit up to 12 individuals. I preferred the Finnish sauna over the steam room because the humidity was much less intense.
Both my body and mind felt rejuvenated after alternating between the saunas and the pool. Spa Telegraaf is a complete package for anyone seeking a sumptuous spa experience, and if you’re new to the Finnish sauna culture, don’t worry. Spa Telegraaf staff will ensure you have a complete spa experience you can’t resist.
Bar Review—Lobby Bar
Since I received the €9 food and beverage credit, I stopped by Lobby Bar on the ground floor before dinner.
The drinks weren’t cheap, but I tried one of its signature craft cocktails—Nordic Remedy. It was a gin-based drink with sea buckthorn juice, which primarily expressed sour and slightly sweet notes.
The drink was refreshing and well-balanced for a tart cocktail. The egg white helped smooth the edges, and it was an excellent aperitif. Since the cocktails are rather expensive, the Lobby Bar may not be the best spot for a full night out, but it's definitely worth adding to your Tallinn itinerary as a great starting or ending point.
Dinner Review—Restaurant Tchaikovsky
The Michelin guided-listed Restaurant Tchaikovsky was on the ground floor of Hotel Telegraaf. While it hadn’t received a highly prized Michelin Star, the restaurant was distinctly regarded for using fresh Estonian ingredients to create contemporary Russian dishes with French techniques.
To discover the world of Russian fine dining, I opted to dine at Restaurant Tchaikovsky. The dining room was breathtaking; because the swimming pool was adjacent to the restaurant, it shared the same skylight ceiling as well as a greenery wall.
A grand chandelier in the middle of the room and elegant table settings signified an upscale gastronomic journey ahead of me.
On the menu, I chose Tchaikovsky’s Favorites—a four-course menu priced at €65—and paired the course with a glass of Haut-Médoc from Bordeaux. The course started with L'Aperitif, and the kitchen served chicken liver pâté with apple chutney and chips with a mustard dip.
The chips were light and were great vessels for anything, and sesame seeds gave the chips subtle toasty notes.
Instead of sourdough bread, I opted for Estonian black bread, also known as Leib. Leib is fermented rye bread, and mine had whole hazelnuts inside, and anise seeds added a subtle hint of licorice to the bread.
The next dish was a lobster and salmon duet with dill mayonnaise, cucumber salad, and passion fruit mousse. The seafood was delicate and fresh, but the star of the dish was the passion fruit mousse, as it brightened the entire dish.
The course continued with wild mushroom and beef dumplings with mushroom purée, lingonberries, and parmesan hollandaise sauce. As someone who loves mushrooms, I was excited to try the dish, and it definitely didn't disappoint in terms of its rich, full-bodied mushroom taste. However, the hollandaise sauce was slightly overwhelming.
The restaurant served apple-dill sorbet to cleanse my pallet and proceeded with the main dish—roasted duck with Jerusalem artichoke purée, apple-ginger jam, and vermouth demi-glace. The duck was cooked wonderfully, and the demi-glace sauce complemented the meat very well. The bright apple ginger jam and creamy artichoke purée worked harmoniously with the duck, and it was a true symphony of complex flavors.
Lastly, I finished the course with a Pavlova—a meringue-based cake named after a famous ballerina, Anna Pavlova. Freeze-dried berries and ballerina-shaped chocolate accompanied the dessert.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed my meal, the service was disappointingly slow, which I believe may have been due to the restaurant's hosting a wedding reception. Besides the unusually slow service, Restaurant Tchaikovsky was a great introduction to Russian and Estonian cuisine, and I would love to return when I am back in Tallinn. If you want to visit Restaurant Tchaikovsky, make sure to secure a reservation as the restaurant regularly becomes fully booked.
Breakfast Review—Restaurant Tchaikovsky
Breakfast was served at Restaurant Tchaikovsky daily from 7 AM to 11 AM. Thanks to my Titanium Elite status, breakfast was complimentary for me, and I was seated immediately upon arrival. Because I dined at the restaurant last night, I was familiar with the interior, but I again fell in love with the restaurant. The soothing sounds of Tchaikovsky's classical music played softly in the background, providing a fitting and tranquil atmosphere.
I ordered a cup of cappuccino to start my morning and headed straight to the hot station. The restaurant had standard breakfast items like breakfast sausages and bacon, but it also served mini meatballs.
Instead of regular scrambled eggs, the eggs were in perfect squares. I tried one out of curiosity, and I was disappointed to find that it tasted similar to artificial eggs served at cheap domestic hotels. If you want traditional egg dishes, you can ask for an à la carte menu and order an omelet.
Along with standard options, the buffet included grilled tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, and baked beans, perfect for assembling a hearty full English breakfast.
The restaurant served a variety of rolls and bread, including a fresh-cut baguette and a loaf of dark rye bread with hazelnuts and raisins. I liked them, but I wish they were warm like the ones I had at Hotel U14.
The cold station offered an array of cold cuts of cheese and meat; the cheese was beautifully garnished with edible flowers, and the meat included steady sellers like salami and ham, as well as more unique options like duck breasts, which I hadn’t seen at other hotel restaurants for breakfast.
While some items, like the duck breast, had bits of congealed fat and weren't my favorite, there were still plenty of tasty options to try. The restaurant also featured smoked salmon, cured herring, and white fish in red sauce.
While the cured herring wasn’t to my liking due to its fishy aroma and oily texture, the white fish was surprisingly tasty. Its sweet sauce had a hint of curry, making it a delicious addition to the buffet. I finished my breakfast with some pastries such as brownies and pain au chocolat.
The buttery, flaky pain au chocolat was sprinkled with powdered sugar, making it an irresistibly sweet treat. The brownie wasn’t chewy like an American brownie but rather had a soft texture and truffle-like taste, immediately melting in my mouth.
The breakfast service at Restaurant Tchaikovsky was excellent, in contrast to the dinner service. However, the food was not entirely to my taste, as it featured some unconventional items like cured herring and duck breasts that may not be everyone's preference. Nevertheless, the buffet was very inclusive and offered gluten-free and dairy-free food items for folks with dietary restrictions. If you have free breakfast from your Marriott Bonvoy status or want to try traditional Estonian breakfast items, Restaurant Tchaikovsky would be a great choice to embark on a culinary journey.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
Telegraaf Spa was my favorite amenity at the hotel. The spa facility had everything and more to make your stay revitalizing and relaxing. You can swim at the pool or loosen up your body in the jacuzzi. Try the steambath and the Finnish sauna to remove toxins from your body, and if you want to indulge yourself in facial treatments or massage, you can do that too.
The fine dining experience at Restaurant Tchaikovsky was memorable and introduced me to elevated Russian and Estonian flavors that I had not encountered before. The interior of the restaurant and the service from the staff were both immaculate.
I was thrilled to stay at the Siemens suite—Hotel Telegraaf’s version of the presidential suite. It was special to stay in the only suite with a balcony overlooking streets in the Old Town neighborhood of Tallinn. The combination of functional antique pieces and intricate architectural elements added to the overall charm of the suite, and the Simens suite provided an unforgettable lodging experience.
Negative
While I don't want to come across as negative, I must say that the breakfast at Restaurant Tchaikovsky wasn't quite as impressive as their dinner. The service from the restaurant staff was great, but there were many traditional items on the menu that might not appeal to everyone at first. I would still recommend getting complimentary breakfast at Restaurant Tchaikovsky if you have high Marriott Bonvoy status.
Summary
Hotel Telegraaf, Autograph Collection, was a hidden gem in Tallinn, Estonia. I stayed at the Simens suite, which was full of opulent features, including high ceilings, a chandelier, and a balcony overlooking the cobblestone streets of Old Town. Though the hotel didn’t have an onsite gym, Spa Telegraaf offered ultimate relaxation and renewal, and the stunning skylight ceiling and luxurious marble finishes created a dream-like atmosphere. Whether you visit the pool during the day or at night, and the saunas and jacuzzi will help you decompress and reinvigorate your body and soul. Finally, embark on a gastronomic journey at Restaurant Tchaikovsky, savoring Russian delicacies infused with local Estonian ingredients. For an unforgettable escape to Estonia, make sure to stay at Hotel Telegraaf; I promise your stay will be unparalleled. Have you stayed at Hotel Telegraaf? We would love to hear about your experience!