Hotel Review: Hotel Vilnia, Vilnius – An Elegant Stay with a Few Unexpected Twists

When I was planning my trip to Vilnius, I wanted a hotel that would offer a bit of charm, some comfort, and most importantly – a location that would make exploring the city easy and enjoyable. After a fair bit of research, I settled on Hotel Vilnia, a stylish hotel that looked promising in both photos and reviews. While the hotel did live up to many of my expectations, there were a few things that caught me off guard. Here’s an honest, in-depth review of my stay, covering the good, the beautiful, and the not-so-perfect.

A Prime Spot in the Heart of Vilnius

Let’s start with the biggest highlight – Hotel Vilnia’s location. If your plan is to explore Vilnius on foot, this hotel is ideally placed. It’s located right next to Vilnius Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with cobbled streets, baroque churches, and vibrant cafés.

I was able to walk to many of the city’s top attractions, including:

• The Bell Tower of Vilnius Cathedral
• Gediminas Castle Tower
• The Three Crosses Monument
• Presidential Palace
• Bernardine Gardens
• And the charming winding streets of the Old Town

This central location meant I didn’t need to rely on public transport or taxis. Everything was within easy reach, making it perfect for solo travellers like myself who prefer to explore on foot. If you’re searching for the best hotels in Vilnius for sightseeing, this one should definitely be on your shortlist.

First Impressions: A Touch of Class

Stepping inside the hotel, the first thing I noticed was how elegant and tastefully designed everything was. The lobby is modern yet classic, with a calm, sophisticated atmosphere that immediately set the tone for the stay. You can tell that attention has been paid to the design details – think warm lighting, polished surfaces, and a blend of contemporary style with historic charm. It feels luxurious without being flashy.

There’s also a sense of calm in the building that I really appreciated. Despite being in a central location, the hotel felt like a quiet retreat, which was a welcome contrast after a day of sightseeing. Whether you’re returning after a long walk or simply stepping out for a coffee, the hotel maintains a vibe that’s peaceful and professional, which is always a plus.

The 502 Room: Charming but Challenging

Now for the more complicated part of the review – my room. I was placed in Room 502, which is on the top floor of the hotel. At first glance, I was intrigued by the room’s slanted ceiling and attic-style layout. It had character and a cosy charm that set it apart from your standard hotel room. However, that unique layout quickly revealed some drawbacks.

As soon as I entered the room on my first night, I was hit with a wave of heat. It was really hot – uncomfortably so. Naturally, I looked for the thermostat or control panel to turn the heating down, but nothing seemed to work. I then tried to open the roof window to let in some fresh air, but it wasn’t obvious how to do it. I didn’t want to force anything and risk breaking it, so I ended up heading down to reception.

This is where the hotel redeemed itself a bit. The lady at the reception desk was incredibly helpful and understanding. She explained that the temperature control panel in the room actually didn’t function, which isn’t exactly ideal, especially for a top-floor room that’s likely to trap heat. That said, she didn’t just leave it at that – she personally came up to my room and showed me how to open the window manually. She also let me know that if the room was still too hot in the morning, they’d be happy to move me to another one. I really appreciated the proactive approach, and it left a good impression despite the inconvenience.

However, there were a few more quirks with the room. The slanted ceiling design, while visually interesting, meant that space felt a little restricted. It might not bother everyone, but if you’re tall or like open layouts, it could feel a bit cramped. Then there were the curtains over the roof window – they seemed more decorative than functional. Unfortunately, they didn’t do a great job of blocking out light at night, which meant the room started getting bright very early in the morning. The curtains also hung awkwardly over the desk, making it difficult to sit and work comfortably.

Now, none of these were dealbreakers, and I still managed to get a good night’s sleep. But when you combine the heat issue, the non-functional thermostat, and the less-than-practical curtain situation, it added up to a slightly frustrating experience – especially for a hotel that’s otherwise so well put together.

Upe Restaurant – Stylish but Untested

Hotel Vilnia is also home to Upe Restaurant, which is situated just off the main lobby. I didn’t actually dine there during my stay, but I did walk past it multiple times and took a look at the menu. The space looked modern, refined, and inviting, with a calm ambience that would be perfect for a relaxed breakfast or a more upscale dinner.

The menu had a good selection of local and international dishes, and if the décor and attention to detail throughout the hotel are anything to go by, I’d imagine the food is pretty solid. It’s definitely a spot I’d try out if I returned for another visit – and one I’d recommend others check out even if just for a drink or a light bite.

The Verdict: A Stylish Stay with Some Room for Improvement

So, would I stay at Hotel Vilnia again? Honestly, yes – but with some caveats. The location is phenomenal, the interior design is elegant and inviting, and the staff are friendly and helpful. For those three reasons alone, I think it’s a solid choice for travellers wanting to stay in central Vilnius with easy access to the city’s highlights.

That said, my experience in Room 502 was a bit of a letdown. The heating issue and awkward room layout made the stay less comfortable than it could have been. These are relatively small things in the grand scheme of things, but when you’re paying for a hotel that positions itself as upscale, you expect the basics – like a functioning thermostat – to work as intended.

Taking everything into account, I’d give Hotel Vilnia a 3.5 out of 5 stars. Whilst it’s a lovely hotel with a lot going for it, there’s definitely room for improvement – particularly when it comes to comfort and functionality in some of the rooms. If you’re planning a stay, I’d recommend requesting a room on a lower floor or confirming that temperature control works properly in advance.

Vilnius is a beautiful city full of history, charm, and culture – and staying somewhere like Hotel Vilnia certainly enhances the experience. Just be mindful of the quirks, and you’ll likely enjoy your time there as much as I did.