Estonia

Almost like my second home

/ Eveliis / 2 Comments

I have always been a bookworm, when I was a child I read more than an avarge child maybe does. One of my favorite books was “Lolita”, I read it when no one saw, because I felt it is a bit too adult and maybe my mom would not like me to read it. I never asked her and never let her see that either.

What does it have to do with my stay at “Oru” hotel? Well, when I was walking up stairs I walked by a bookshelf and the first book I noticed was “Lolita”. I started laughing, childhood memories came to my mind, I took it with me to hotel room to see if the book still talks to me, like it did more than 20 years ago, when I was 13-14. Of course it did. It’s a classic. From that moment I say “Lolita” in this hotel, I felt like home.

Of course this is not the only reason I like staying at “Oru” hotel when in Estonia. I L-O-V-E this cozy little hotel. It’s nothing fancy, but you feel welcome the moment you walk in, it’s like coming home or to friend’s house. It’s small and personal. I understand that people on bussiness trips often choose this hotel, but believe me, it’s not a bussiness hotel. It is a nice “home” for everyone.

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The location could not be better. Only some kilometers from the city center and surrounded by so many places worth a visit (read about my walk here). Last I stayed in “Oru”  was during the Estonian Blog Awards and I didn’t actually have too much spare time. You know how it is to get ready for women before going out, right?  Choosing what to wear etc?

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But the surroundings are so inviting that I just had to take a walk to Kadriorg park to see the Charity Duck Race. I almost wanted to go to Art Museum KUMU as well, but I understood that I may not have time for that if I don’t want to be late for the bloggers event. Next time definately, because KUMU is one of my favorite museums and when staying in hotel so close to it. it’s almost compulsory;)

But more about the hotel. This time I stayed at family room, which was a bit ironic as I was on a little vacation away from family:D It is a spacious room and ment for a “classic family” with 2 adults and 2 children, but the bed is big enough for one both parents and a child, so when you are looking for a hotel with suitable family room for a 2 adults + 3 kids “Oru” is an option.

Each room features a air-conditioning, hair dryer, an LCD TV, a direct dial phone, and a desk. Bathroom is equipped with floor heating and shower. The rooms offer free WiFi access. Some rooms come complete with a spacious balcony.

PS: Window curtains have darkening qualities, which is always to prefer when staying at a hotel with (small) child(ren). And also pets are allowed to the hotel.

There is only one minor thing I would have liked. Fresh flowers in the room. I know this may be  something only I think about, but I feel when situated in such a beautiful place surrounded with nature and parks, it would give the hotel a little extra. Something that the guest could not expect?

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When it comes to breakfast I am always a bit picky. Or not picky, I know what a hotel breakfast is about, but I like the hotels where breakfast in presented nicely and not like in a canteen, much better. A nice brekfast gives a good start to the day. I forgot to take a photo, but i assure you that the bacon was crispy, the pastry fresh and the coffee tasty. Like it’s supposed to be. I was not the only one satisfied with the breakfast. I heard a German couple giving their compliments to the waitress.

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When I left the hotel I was “welcomed back again” and I know I will. Next stop: Sweden.

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http://www.oruhotel.ee

Booking :+372 6033 302
Info: +372 6033 300

E-mail: sales@oruhotel.ee
Narva mnt 120 B, Tallinn 10127, Estonia
Fax: +372 6012 600

 

I’m a walking mombie and I think I’m going to be like that for a while.

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In last 2, 8 years  have become ten years older. To put aside that I am on an emotional level with a  teenager my body feels 10 years older and I feel I look 10 years older. Bags under my eyes are not Chanel, they are from sleeplessness. And whenever people ask me why we don’t want another kid, I just answer honestly: I have been too tired for the last years and I think I will not handle looking like a 54-years old at the age of 34. I have been a mombie  (=mom + zombie) for too long for my liking.

That is why I ALWAYS say yes to a little getaway (God knows, we have not had too many childless moments) and a spa treatment. To get away from everyday and the kid is sometimes the best thing. Last time we were in Estonia we stayed at Meriton Park Inn (LINK) and of course I saied “yes” when I was also offered to test a spa treatment at Meriton Welness Spa.

I feel I have neglected my looks a bit after becoming a mother and you know when you are in the age of 35+ it is not the wisest thing to do. Facials and good skin products are essential at this age. Have I also told you that I love the sun, but have never used a sun block, that I have smoked for many years (stopped when was pregnant) and like wine? If we add over two years of sleeplessness to this, this is the face you get. A tired one.

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So, let me tell you again how thankful I am to every possibility to pamper my face. Better late than never?

 I had to choose between the following treatments: INTENSIVE VITAMIN C INVIGORATING AND COMPLEXION IMPROVING TREATMENT (Anesi 45 min 52.00 €)  or INTENSIVE FIRMING “MARINE” FACIAL TREATMENT WITH SPIRULINA ALGAE MASK (Annemarie Börlind 60 min 55.00 € ).  I actually would have liked to take both of the treatments, because it would have ment 45+60 minutes me-time in peace and quite, but I knew my company will starving in the hotel room, if I stay longer than needed, because they of course could not go eating on their own, so I great-heartedly chose the shorter treatment;)

And it felt SO GOOD. It feels heavenly when someone touches your tired face, talks calmly to you, and you just feel like you want to stay there forever, fall asleep while someone is massaging your face. Oh the  glorious beauty and wellness feeling, forgetting the mombie inside you, just enjoying! 45 minutes went quickly! Too quickly. I am not sure if one treatment in a long period (last I had  a facial was a year ago!), but the fact is that for some time the skin feels much fresher and more radiant. For some time the extra ten years and not-Chanel-bags disappeared from my face.

Special thanks to cosmetician. She was really sweet. A professional service and smiles are  one of the reasons why I choose some spas, hotels, restaurants, shops over others.

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The Spa and Welness center is one of the largest health and beauty spas in the city, but still the atmosphere was calm and relaxing. I was really surprised, that 1) the Wellness part was so big and 2) that despite of that it felt very cozy. It offers a variety of private treatments including massages and facials, while the Sports Club provides fitness classes and advanced exercise equipment. You can rejuvenate at the Aqua & Sauna Center, home to 4 different saunas, 2 pools, 2 whirlpools and Kneipp pools (LINK).

I was thinking where to take a group of Norwegians who are coming to Tallinn to a spa-holiday in August, I didn’t want to go outside Tallinn, but had not found a hotel that offers everything and has good location, now I am almost 100% sure they will be staying at Park Inn By Radisson Meriton Tallinn.

SO CLOSE, YET SO FAR

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Have you heard the saying “so close, yet so far”? I think that is just the right expression I could use to describe my relationship with Hotel Oru. I have stood at the door of Hotel Oru on at least five or six occasions, never ending up inside. I once even had a reservation for a night, but on the last minute, I needed to be somewhere else for work, so I had to cancel my reservation. Back then, a couple of years ago, my job took me away from the hotel, but this year my job brought me back here at one point. Not only to spend the night, but even so that through this blog, I will be bringing to you the news of Hotel Oru and other topics related to tourism.

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Who is this impersonal me? Let me introduce myself. I am  a 35-year-old travel and hotel enthusiast, so I dare say I know a thing or two about the very essence of hotels. Who is a hotel enthusiast? It is probably not a real term, but how would you call someone whose hobby is to visit and compare hotels? I reckoned “hotel enthusiast” would be just fine. Only five years ago, I was probably one of the customers that employees feared and disparaged. I always found something to criticize, I was never a hundred percent satisfied, I could be disturbed by the smallest of things, and I made a mountain out of a molehill quicker than a sports car accelerates from zero to a hundred. However, my attitude has changed with years of experience. There is a difference between criticism, constructive criticism and simply whining. A bad mood and a bad day create an atmosphere that is subsequently transferred to things that otherwise would not matter. I have learned to assess, not criticize hotels. It was while assessing a hotel that I finally ended up inside Hotel Oru.

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Over years, my acquaintances and relatives have spent many nights in this hotel – it would be hard to find a better place to spend the night during the Song Festival – and it is precisely these relatives and acquaintances that I had arranged to meet at the hotel. I just never made it inside. Come to think of it, that is not true, I have sat on the terrace of the hotel’s restaurant, sipping wine as I observed the Song Festival folks bustling around. I already told you how I had to cancel my reservation due to work, and obviously, there were no free rooms left for the Robbie Williams concert. So until now, this hotel has been an old and familiar place for me on the one hand, while on the other, it has been completely unknown.

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By now, things have changed. I know the hotel. I know its very essence. What makes it different. Special offers. Promotions. We have become acquainted. I hope you will, too.

If you are looking for a hotel in Tallinn now. Here is a reason WHY you should book a room in this hotel (link to homepage) . They donate 2€ on your behalf to the DUCK RACE  charity (link) on each prepaid night you spend with them.

The Duck Race is a charity event called to life in 2014 by the Estonian Association of Parents of Children with Cancer (EAPCC) – the objective of the rubber duck swimming competition is to raise awareness of the situation of children with cancer and their families and invite businesses as well as private individuals to contribute into efforts aimed at helping such children and families.

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Just one word. Perfect.

/ Eveliis / 1 Comment

I have been away from Estonia for a year now and I honestly must tell I don’t know where home is – is it in Lillehammer, Norway or in a small village outside Keila, in Estonia. But the moment plane lands in Tallinn the question of home disappears,  I know I am back home, I LOVE TALLINN (and Tartu, and Viljandi and Haapsalu and…well, you get the point, I LOVE ESTONIA).

I was lucky to be invited to stay at Park Inn by Radisson Meriton Conference & Spa Hotel (link to homepage) and you know how I always say that big is without personality and boring, but this hotel is FAAAAAR from booring. It is a perfect place in the middle of Tallinn. It lies close to Old Town, Parliament, the train station, the bus station and the airport. Situated in one of the most vibrant areas of the city, the hotel provides a perfect starting point for discovering historical attractions, theatres, shopping areas and restaurants. Public transportation to and from the hotel’s setting near Tallinn city centre via trolley bus makes it even easier to explore.  The Old Town, Kalamaja “the local hipsterville”, Seaplane Harbour and many many sightseeings in Old Town are nearby and all worth a visit!  And honestly the closness to the fabulous Old Town is so inviting that you just want to go for a walk. And take a “joyride” with public transportation, because your 2,7years old daughter thinks this is the best amusement ever invented. I didn’t mind. Being away from Estonia makes me appreciate sightseeing in hometown more than ever.

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But let me tell you about the view from the hotel room – the view to Toompea and Alexander Nevskij Cathedral makes you go wow.

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The rooms are spacious (we stayed in a one bedroom suite) and Scandinavian. I just sat there, admired the view in silence (because our daughter was busy trying to understand why the walls are seethrough and this gave me and my husband the possibility to enjoy at least a quarter SITTING in one place, without someone demanding us to go somewhere or to fetch something for her). Yes, a glass of wine was also enjoyed.

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The hotel felt really cozy and made me feel like I am at home. I think one of the reasons was the clever way the interior designer introduces Estonia by carpets on the floor which are inspired by Estonian national costumes. I think the Norwegain bunader are one of the prettiest in whole world, but Estonian national costume is just so cozy. Made me think of the Song festival. By the way, did you know that Estonian national costume reflected the social postion, marital status, age difference and origin of the wearer? A cool fact, right?

While I was pampered in wellness part of the hotel, my husband and daughter enjoyed the pool and sauna. Win-win for everyone. One of the best feelings now, after becoming a mother, is the feeling of silence and someone pampering my tired face (sleepless has left a mark in my face:). The 40 minutes of heaven went to soon.

And the breakfast. If you love goooooood breakfast, this is the hotel for you. It  was a hotel for us. Perfect in so many ways!

 

 

 

Villa Villekulla

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Almost ten years ago when we moved to our house in the middle of nowhere, people asked us “Why?”. Why do you want to live away from the city, where there is nothing to do? We didn’t have an answer, we just felt this is the right thing to do. The peace and quietness, the surroundings, the atmosphere – everything just felt right. We have always had a lot of guests, because everyone says it’s a perfect place to “charge the batteries”, for a small vacation. After a while people stopped asking why we moved there. They understood the decision.

This year we decided to list our home at airbn site. We call it Villa Villekulla after Pipi Longstocking. There is no Pipis living in our house, but in a way it is a “villa villekulla”. It’s not your regular perfectly polished place, there are things still waiting to be fixed, there are things already waiting for a renewal, it’s a neverending project, always changing, because one day I like the walls to be green and the next I feel everything needs to be white. The house has our face – it’s playful, childish, but has a personality. You’ll feel it, when you’re there.


There are two bedrooms upstairs and guestroom (the middle room). You will find pillows, blankets, linen in the cupboard in the main bedroom.

On the first floor there is a living room with fireplace and kitchen. One bathroom with bathtub and toilet.


You will find our personal things in the house -books, toys, dvd’s, candles. We have not put them away to boxes, because when we are not hosting we actually live in the house and one of our ideas is to make our guests feel like they know us, like they are there to visit us. Not staying at a hotel, but at friends’ house. Feel free to use bathoils, soaps, bodylotions, olive oils, jams, cereals, candles or chocolate in the drawers. Feel yourself at home! Of course we would prefer you leave our personal belongings to the house when you leave, but you knew that without saying, right?


Our house is not big, but it has been big enough to host 13 men who wanted to learn how to make a perfect breakfast, it has been big enough for family reunions and gatherings with friends.


There is not much to do in “Villa Villekulla” – as said it is in the middle of nowhere, which is not a bad thing if you like nature and privacy, it’s not accesible by public transportation, but nearest town Keila is 5km from our house and the train connection to capital Tallinn is very good and taxi takes you further for 5-7euros/one way.
I would suggest you to rent a car (www.amestic.ee is a very good choice), because there are so many beautiful places worth to visit nearby. Keila-Joa waterfall, manors, ruins of old castle, old prison (which is underwater now) made to a cool tourist attraction and beach. I will write a separate post about sightseeings/places to go next (stay tuned!)


For bookings go to: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/11615786?guests=1&s=l9vCEXig

In case of any questions send me an e-mail: eveliis.kundzujev@hotmail.com

I hope you will like Villa Villekulla as much as we do. WELCOME to our home! We are always at home, except when we are not as the welcome sign says;)

Dreams do come true

/ Eveliis / Leave a comment

For a long time I have had two dreams. To visit the Maaemo restaurant in Oslo and stay at Grand Hotel. I´ve always said that you have to be careful with what you wish for, wishes may come true. For my 35th birthday I have been invited to one of the best restaurants in world. Yes, the Maaemo ( I cannot wait!) and I just stayed at Grand Hotel. Okay, it wasn´t the Grand Hotel in Oslo, it was a hotel in Viljandi, but it is “Grand Hotel” and I didn´t specify in my dreams which Grand Hotel I ment. So, my dreams have come true. Now I wish for 48 000 euros.

I do not remember the last time I was in Viljandi, I´m not even sure if I have been there at all (I mean visiting the town, not just passing through). I took a bus from Tartu, it is 70 kilometres from Tartu and enjoyed the ride. It´s not too often we take time to look around. A 1h bus trip gave me the oppertunity to take a look at part of South Estonia. From Viljandi bus station it was max 5 minutes walk to the hotel.

I was so surprised that during this first five minutes Viljandi seemed so charming. When you are from Estonia, you know Viljandi has a bit of a bad reputation, at least when I was young(er). It was called a Town-Where-To-Get-Beaten-Up. I really hope this has changed, because it would be such a shame. I fell in love with Viljandi. During the first 5 minutes! It didn´t seem to be a town where I could get my ass kicked.

I wondered on the streets of this cozy little town and before I had realised I had came to my destitation. As this blog is quite new, you probably don´t know that I am facinated by arhcitecture and history, so at the moment I first saw the hotel I knew it was my cup of tea. I googled its history and found out that the building was completed in 1938 and was named Esimene Viljandi Esinduslokaal(‘The First Representative Place in Viljandi’) or EVE.  I love classical grandeur and hotels finished to details. I looked around hoping to see Hercule Poirot reading newspaper in the hotel lobby while waiting for Hastings. I probably just missed them…

 

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Photo from hotel homepage

I was planning on going for a little tour in Viljandi and really take maximum of the “mombie´s day off” (how wonderful it is to have babysitters for a change!) but I suddenly got a work assignment with short deadline, so instead of a mini vacation it became a work trip, but I am not complaining when working conditions are like this.

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Strange pose for working? Agree. But at the moment I am admiring the view from the mirror;)

I locked my self to the room and started working, but to keep my sanity I went for a short walk. I didn´t make it too far, because on the same street there were 2 second hand shops and I LOVE second hand. The prices were good, the clothes selection so my cup of tea. Probably because of Art Academy in town, my sister later said – she may be right, but there was actually something for everyone. From a disco babe to old wannabe hipster like me. For 23,50 euros I got a black dress, pants, cardigan and boots. Note to self: do not throw away old boots before you are sure the ones from second hand are okay. The next morning I found out that the zippers on both boots are damaged, but for 6 euros the boots were fixed in Tartu and now I am happy again.I  almost bought a bag for seven euros as well, but it was a fake Mulberry and although I really liked the bag, I felt I am too old for a fake bag. If you cannot afford a real one, at my age you don´t need a fake one.

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Second hand from top to toe

I was feeling hungry and I know every one recommends to eat at Fellin restaurant, so my choice was to eat there, but talk about bad luck. They had a break from 16 to 17 and it was 16:28, I could have walked around for half an hour, but I thought about the work assignment and headed back to the hotel. For my bad luck also the hotel restaurant opened from 18, but that´s okay I thought. I will work for 1,5 hours and then enjoy a nice dinner as an award. The restaurant looked really nice.

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Photo from hotel home page

When I next time looked at the watch, it was 6 minutes past nine. Way too late to eat(and the restaurant was opened until 22 anyway). I had totally lost track of time. Such a shame. Especially when I the next morning saw the breakfast. Last time I was so impressed by breakfast at Cru Hotel in Tallinn Old town and you kind of expect good breakfast from a hotel with one of the best restaurants in Estonia, but the breakfast in Viljandi was even better. So I have to tell you the best breakfast I have had in Estonia so far, is at Grand Hotel Viljandi. Sushi and sparkling wine was one thing, but I was mostly impressed by a eggs and bacon. The sunny side up egg was bright yellow and just perfect!

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As I was not finished with my assignment last night I had to continue working during breakfast as well. But can you complain with working conditions like this?

After the breakfast I walked to bus station to go back to Tartu, where a “cultural package” with theatre and coctails were waiting for me. I left Viljandi feeling relaxed, although for 90% of the time I had been working. Grand Hotel Viljandi is definately the place where to stay when visiting Viljandi. Either it´s for a romantic getaway or a work trip.

The hotel is located at Tartu 11 / Lossi 29, Viljandi. Their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GrandHotelViljandi