Boutique hotels in Estonia

Estonia pairs a perfectly preserved medieval capital with forests, bogs, islands and manor houses, and its boutique hotels are among the northern Baltic's best: a 13th-century merchant's house in Tallinn, a telegraph building turned spa hotel, a 16th-century manor on Muhu with its own beach, an Art Nouveau seaside villa in Haapsalu. Most are small and independent, with a sauna, a good kitchen and staff who speak excellent English.

Tallinn and the north

Tallinn's Old Town has the best choice, inside the walls and a few steps from Town Hall Square. Lahemaa National Park, Rakvere and Narva-Jõesuu offer manors, forests and spa towns east of the capital.

Tartu and the south

Tartu is the university city with a heritage hotel in the Old Town. Viljandi has a manor hotel above a lake, and Otepää is the winter sports area.

The west coast and islands

Pärnu, Haapsalu, Kuressaare on Saaremaa, Muhu and Hiiumaa are seaside spa towns and island hideaways, popular in summer.

When to go

June to August is warm, with white nights. Winter is snowy, quiet and good for saunas and Christmas markets.