Scandic Rannahotell - Parnu, Estonia 

Having seen several varied reviews of this hotel, I was keen to see what it was like. Art Deco seems to be very "in" at the moment and the hotel had a lovely airy brightness about it. The location was perfect, with the beach at the bottom of the hotel garden and climbing frames on the beach for our children. We booked a family room and asked for a sea view. We didn't get one of the main rooms overlooking the lawn, but could just about make out the sea from the side window. I think the room was 121. The room was slightly jaded, with the silver missing from part of the back of the mirror and the black woodwork could have done with a touch up, but nothing serious. We booked through the hotel website, which gave a discount for early booking. You could choose whether to have a smoking/non-smoking room, but as smoking seems to be banned throughout the Baltic States indoors, maybe a smoking room was the way to get a room with a balcony overlooking the sea? The only other option on the website was if we wanted a room away from the main lift, for quietness. I'd indicated that there were 4 of us (2 adults, 2 children aged 5 & 6) but unless we'd gone for a more expensive appartment, we were only given the option of a room for 3 adults. The children's bed was rather narrow, but they managed to sleep. Still it was good value at about ?50. There's a roof terrace which looked lovely, but was shut because this was still early in the season, even though it was 4th June. (and wonderfully warm). Dinner was delicious, especially the butterfish, which I'll look out for again. It's a firm white fish with a delicate flavour. There was a wide selection for the buffet breakfast. The dining room could have had a lick of paint over the chips during the winter months, but nothing serious. It's a good value hotel in a great looking building - not top luxury (the carpets don't have that deep plushness that you associate with top hotels), but it's been cleverly renovated to keep that Art Deco feel and the location was perfect. I'd stay here again, but would pay the extra for a more luxurious room.

I stayed in the Scandic Rannahotell, with my daughter, for 1 night in early May. Parnu was very quiet, which suited us, and the hotel's location was fine. We had a twin room with a sea view. The room was comfortable, but the decor was past its best. We stayed in 5 different hotels on our Baltic trip. I rate this 5th of those 5. Yet it was the 3rd most expensive of the 5. At 1600EEK (?104), the price was not an accurate reflection of the quality of the hotel. I think ?70 or ?75 would have been a more appropriate price. The hotel is located on the beachfront, but so is the Tervise Paradiis, just a short walk away. The Tervise Paradiis was more up-to-date, had cheaper rooms, and, best of all, a great pool and waterpark. We went to the pool there. It was very good value. This would have been included in the accommodation price if we had stayed there. If we go to Parnu again, we'll stay in the Tervise Paradiis. It was the rating and reviews I read about the Scandic Rannahotell on Trip Advisor that misled me into choosing it. That's why I think it's important to let other prospective travellers know how we got on. In short, it was all right, but not great. Stay in the Tervise is my advice. Parnu is a nice place. It comprised the Estonian part of our Baltic trip. There is a very big shopping centre on the way into Parnu from Riga. It has a large Rimi supermarket. It also has lots of clothes shops, a book shop, several places to eat and a Eurex exchange bureau, where you can change your money into Estonian kroons (EEK). I recommend Kalev chocolate as a present to bring home.