This hotel has been built inside the shell of an old machine factory and is more modern inside than it looks outside. The entrance is where you might expect the back and goods entrance to be. I add this only to make it easier to find the entrance, which is through an arch.
There is a fine big lobby area with some sort of gym and wellness area to the left. To the right is the bar, restaurant and rooms. There are two lifts to the upper two floors (one still not working).
When we arrived we were greeted with a friendly Estonian "Tere" (hello) and having replied in (obviously poorly spoken) similar fashion, the receptionist smiled and spoke to us in perfect English.
After checking in we took the lift to our floor and opened our room door with the electronic card key provided. The room was spacious with two twin beds.
The room had a television, a fridge that is probably used as a mini bar during peak season. There is free wifi in the rooms and all over the hotel. Along with the other lights, the room had a bright light in the center of the ceiling (something I really like in a hotel room). It was really cold in Estonian at that time and in the evenings we turned the thermostatic radiator valve up to its highest setting and returned it to the recommended setting before we left in the mornings. We found this worked well for us. I mention it to make you aware of this valve. Rooms were well serviced and was always done in out absence, so we had none of the annoying early morning knocking that you can sometimes get.
The bathroom was large and shower cubicle was really spacious. The shower had sliding glass doors and removable shower head. Thumbs up for that. (if any of you have been reading my other reviews, you will see that clinging plastic shower curtains and fixed shower heads are a big gripe of mine) The bathroom had a heated floor, heated towel rail and electric socket; everything you could want.
The hallway had the safe ( you can get a key for free from reception) and wardrobe and a spare electrical socket. Our window overlooked the inside of the old factory shell which had some windows looking out onto the busy street. This view could be off putting, but I was glad to forego a view for the traffic noise protection that the old factory wall provided.
Re-reading, I see that I need to explain this shell lest it be badly imagined. From the outside this shell building looks like a perfectly sound building including a good roof. Not in anyway dilapidated. I will post some photos.
Good continental type breakfast in a large dining area. Comfortable bar area with low tables and couches and armchairs that would accommodate about 6 or more groups of 4.
We had no trouble organising an early taxi and packed breakfast for our early start to the port for a trip to Helsinki. The ports are close enough to walk to, but because of the early start and wanting to get a good seat on the ferry, we took an early taxi which cost about 5 euro.
The 90K airport bus stops just down the road from the hotel and runs twice every hour. It costs 2 euro and is a great service. It travels the same circular route from the airport around the old town. For this hotel get off at the Linnahall stop. You will see the Fat Margaret Tower about 150 meters away on your left.
We ate the special value dinner in the hotel restaurant the night of arrival. We might have eaten this again but the special menu never changed during our 5 day stop.
I liked this place and would stay there again if I was to return to Tallinn.
Room Tip: From a traffic point of view, I am not sure what ground flood is like, but floor number 2 was great.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
7 February 2012
Dear wearb,
Thank you very much for your comprehensive review, it certainly will be useful to others!
Im really glad to hear that you were satisfied with your stay and the room.
Looking forward to warmly welcome you back in Domina Inn Ilmarine!
With kindest regards,
Merilin Kangro
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC