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Schlossle Hotel
Schlossle Logo
6 Stars & 5 Stripes
Society - Extraordinary
May - 2009
6 Stars & 5 Stripes
Overall - 'Hotel & Service'
The Ultimate Award:
Seven Stars and Stripes®
We landed in Tallinn, Estonia on the Baltic Sea, just below Finland, at 7:30 pm and were surprised by the still bright, blue-skied daylight at this late hour; the sun sets later here in the northern hemispheres. Since Tallinn is located only about forty miles south of Helsinki, across the Gulf of Finland, we had chosen that route to visit Estonia’s capital city this time. Sweden is Estonia's western neighbor across the Baltic Sea; Russia is to the east, with St. Petersburg just across the northeastern border. To the south is Latvia with its capital city Riga. Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Riga, Moscow, St. Petersburg, or Vilnius can be reached within two hours or less from Tallinn's international airport. City hopping might be of interest for history buffs since Estonia’s strategic location as a link between East and West has been highly in demand through the ages by gluttonous kings and conquerors - while others swear by this highly flexible way of shopping.
Schlossle - Arrival: GM Kay Peter Bischoff & Thorsten Buehrmann
Schlossle - Arrival: GM Kay Peter Bischoff & Thorsten Buehrmann
A solid welcome sign guided us towards friendly, smiling faces welcoming us graciously. A shiny, precious, blue Bentley Arnage was parked at the main entrance, already a collector’s item since Bentley announced last fall that production of this model would cease during ’09. For a brief period it was the most powerful and fastest four-door saloon on the market. Our Rimowa luggage was handled quickly and carefully and moist towels could be reached from each side of our own car door. A few light appetizing canapés, and a little fruit were presented while our champagne flutes were singing to our arrival. We were told that the check-in process would be avoided entirely by filling out the arrival form during the ride to the hotel that is in these modern days no more then a signature anyway. Our driver took the route through the fascinating, oh so one-of-a-kind, historic city to the hotel. Estonia, we were told was settled near the end of the last glacial era, sometime around 8500 BC.
Schlossle Lobby
Schlossle Lobby
We arrived at The Old Town Tallinn’s Schlössle Hotel and stepped out on precious cobblestone streets, setting the tone for our stay in a place already mentioned first in 1363 as a wealthy townhouse. We entered the dazzling medieval hall of this expertly restored small fairytale hotel. GM Kay Peter Bischoff and his staff welcomed us like long lost friends and we were invited to have a seat and offered a glass of champagne at the cozy but massive fireplace. Even in the middle of May, with mild and almost summery temperatures, this makes a warm and welcoming statement.
We were guided to our accommodations; I resided in suite 31 where Prince Charles slept under royal sheets and beams that were hand-hewn sometime in the 1300s. We highly recommended this particularly splendid and romantic suite to our Seven Star travelers, since it not only has all the new-day amenities that we all expect, but also a spaciousness that is rather hard to find in middle-age buildings.
Schloessle Suite
Schloessle Suite
The bath facilities were accordingly roomy and delightful with a large Jacuzzi tub, a couple of gender friendly bath and spa amenities to choose from, and the latest in professional blow hair drying that should please even a professional coiffeur. GM Kay Peter Bischoff, who is always looking for creative and innovative ways to improve the guest’s experience, has really defined personal service in the most relaxing way. Guests may choose from a ‘Medieval Bath Menu’ now and even ‘employ’ the services of a 'Bath Butler’, adding a middle-age dimension to their bath experience. Mr. Bischoff had since his installation as GM also added a new inner courtyard to the hotel facilities which functions as summer terrace and allows guests to dine, linger and sip piña coladas served in whole pineapples.
“The intimate Schlössle, which is actually German that means 'Little Castle’, offers only 23 rooms and 6
well appointed suites, is wireless throughout and is a dream of a small luxury hotel.” ~ TB
Schlossle Lounge
Schlossle Lounge
Later that evening we had reservations for a seven-course degutation menu prepared by a young, dynamic and aspiring chef. The cuisine as well as the unique ‘setting’ of the restaurant is a must. The amazing ambience might remind one of Disney World, except that this here is all real and part of the history.
After a royal night’s sleep in luscious linens, I felt like a prince, the wake up call came in to the minute, and a female voice inquired charmingly if a second call was needed or if I would care already for some freshly brewed coffee. I sure did and room service arrived five minutes later, the coffee was hot and strong, just the way I like it. After a quick shower I met with my colleagues for breakfast. A mini buffet was nicely arranged and for anything else that our hearts might desire, we were referred to look at the menu. I ordered an omelet and received a perfect plate. The service was impromptu, warm and caring and at the same time professional and gave us the base for an adventure that you should experience with us.
Schlossle Island Excursion
Schlossle Hotel - Island Excursion: CLICK HERE for a closer look
A driver arrived with a new Audi A 6 at the main entrance: “With its capabilities always a step ahead of your expectations…” – it’s a fine car, and brought us within five minutes to the harbor. All what came afterwards we can highly recommend for any team building experience or for a completely different kind of date. We boarded (CLICK HERE) a rustic looking boat at the pier. No matter what the plan for the day was, this was going to get interesting. We arrived an hour and a half later on Naissaar (Ladies island), we will never fully understand how we got there, but the mission was accomplished. So far. Supposedly on this island live only five people year-round and or at all.
Schloessle Island Esxcursion
Schloessle Island Esxcursion - CLICK HERE
Now we boarded a small, old train that brought us to a hidden place in the woods, with a fireplace already burning and the aroma of grilled salmon in the air. What we experience here most men would consider a guy thing with guy cuisine, though I can see girls enjoying this adventure too. Under a radiant blue sky we were sitting at an open fire while being offered white wine, shrimp and freshly grilled salmon.
Then we got to experience for the first time in our lives a railroad ‘handcar’. A handcar (also known as a pump trolley, pump car, jigger or Kalamazoo) is a railroad car powered by its passengers, and we were the passengers. Handcars are nowadays used by enthusiasts at vintage railroad events, but here in the middle of the woods on ‘this island of Naissaar’ it seemed to be part of a way of living. Our ‘jigger’ allowed us to discover an old, abandoned church in the woods and see the island from a perspective of a time long gone. It was a neat experience until … we had returned on the old train to the harbor. The rustic boat was gone!
Schlossle Hotel - Island Excursion - Helicopter
Excursion - Helicopter: CLICK HERE for a closer look
“Well what are we going to do now?” We looked at each other more or less speechless until Kay asked something like: “What the heck, why don’t we take the helicopter?” You should have seen our faces, insecurity and finally surprise and relief written all over our faces. We boarded the chopper that had been hidden from our eyes on the beach and took of in minutes. From up here we circled our fire pit and the old church and then we discovered the many little hidden white sandy beaches of our ‘island of Naissaar’. Closer to the mainland we watched the ferries that are connecting countries going back and forth and we finally stared in pure admiration at the towers and red roofs of the amazing city of old Tallinn. Back at the landing field we were welcomed with a nicely chilled glass of Moet and we all toasted to one of the most surreal and surprising excursion this Seven Star team had the great pleasure of experiencing so far.
After another dinner wonderfully executed dinner at the Stenhus restaurant the same evening, we skipped the nightcaps and went right to bed. The next morning we had only a quick breakfast and off we were on the way to a guided walking tour to discover Tallinn (CLICK HERE). Since the Schlössle Hotel is right at the center of Tallinn's beautiful medieval old town and only steps away from the historic Town Hall Square and shopping streets, one can easily walk to the Palace of feudal lords and barons dating back to the Danish King Waldemar II and the Czars and then some.
Tallinn
Tallinn City - Tour: CLICK HERE
Mister Eduard Kohlof had us follow quaint, narrow, often interlacing cobblestoned streets and showed us some of the most historical and culturally significant landmarks as well as other interesting places we might had missed otherwise, like a 600 year old marzipan factory, a pharmacy museum and a 14th century toilet that still works today. Tallinn’s Town Hall is internationally recognized for its EU-Award Prize for Cultural Heritage, as well as a medal for the conservation of Architectural Heritage. Imagine sipping on a cup of coffee in a café with walls dating back to the 13th century?
Tallinn
Excursion -Tallinn: CLICK HERE for a closer look
While staying at Schlössle Hotel we experienced a highly dedicated management who is guiding a coordinated team with grace and eloquence. We were impressed by the outstanding service this team has generated during the time of our visit and the exquisite quality of all interior and exteriors of the overall facilities. GM Kay Peter Alexander Bischoff speaks five languages - German, English, French, Estonian and Latvian for beginners. He learned the hospitality trade from the bottom up, and is a true professional of his trade, definitely hands-on, he gets the job done. Mr. Bischoff also consults in hotel portfolio and investment questions and has directed or managed other luxury hotels all over Europe in the past two decades. Mr. Bischoff joined the Schloessle group last fall and once again Schloessle Group Director Bernard Loew has proven to select the right person for the position.
2009 Schlossle Hotel - Award-Hand-Out
2009 Seven Stars and Stripers® Award-Hand-Out at the Schlossle Hotel
by Thorsten & Edmund Buehrmann

Editor: Ingrid Lemme

Editor-in-Chief: John Lomitola
© 2009 ~ Seven Stars and Stripes, Inc.


 
 
 
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Disclaimer:

Although the above information was accurate at the time of publication, it can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all pertinent information with the companies in question before planning your trip.


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