Amy Adejokun
Section editor
A central location, "boutique hotel" (but not contemporary) style decor, a fitness centre with free entry in the early morning, and different categories of rooms, the most spacious of which can accommodate families. The Ramada is a good choice if you wish to enjoy the quality of service offered by a hotel chain while staying in a unique setting.
Ramada - © Carlos Rodrigues / EASYVOYAGE
Ramada - © Carlos Rodrigues / EASYVOYAGE
On Subaciaus 2, a small street in the historical centre, which joins the main road of the Old Town of Vilnius between the town hall and the Gate of Dawn.
Vilnius airport is only 4 mi away. Allow 15 or 20 minutes for the journey.
The 55 rooms are divided into standard, superior and suite categories. They are different sizes (from 215 to 270 sq ft for superior rooms), and have different layouts. The standard rooms only have room for a double bed, or two twin beds, and the bathroom has a shower. You will need to book a superior room if there are more than two of you, as this category includes a sofa-bed in addition to the double bed. They also have a bath in the bathroom. For groups of two or more, the suites include an alcove separate from the lounge, like an apartment. The decor is dominated by baroque influences, although it is less exuberant than in the lobby. There are golden curtains and bedspreads, monochromatic shades of fabric stretched over the walls, a brass art nouveau (or almost) lampshade, and pale wooden furniture in a contemporary style. The overall effect is both subdued, stylish and cosy; a plus point counterbalanced by the drawbacks of the view. Half of the rooms look onto the courtyard, with the neighbouring buildings crowding round. You might as well keep the curtain drawn, or better still, book a room overlooking the street. As far as amenities are concerned, there is a flat-screen satellite television, a tea / coffee-making kit, mini-bar, air conditioning and telephone. In the bathroom, small bottles of Ramada hospitality products (20 ml) and a hair-dryer are provided. There are bathrobes in the superior rooms and suites.
The Ramada is a 4-storey building near the National Philharmonic building (great for music lovers), and the Honorary Consulate of Malta (in the same block, but with a separate entrance). Added to these two original characteristics is a third: the "boutique" style of the hotel. This means that while some guests will not know which way to turn, others will pick out the stylistic currents running through the decor, hidden amongst the mirror effects, art nouveau shapes, leather, varnished wood, brass and gold fabrics. But do not worry: the rooms themselves are not as busily decorated as the entrance space leading to the reception, or the lounges beyond. Nor is the fitness centre, in spite of its golden mosaic tiles. There is a whirlpool bath, a sauna and a hammam, which can be used free of charge from 7.00 am till 10.00 am, after which a fee is imposed (at £18 per person per hour, it is well worth waking up early!).
The breakfast room looks over the inner courtyard that is surrounded by the hotel walls. The decor here blends rural Lithuanian inspirations (a white wooden dresser) with touches of refinement (framed lithographs on the walls, and single-stem vases on the tables). In the morning, guests can choose from a selection of hot and cold dishes: eggs, hams, cheese, cereal, fresh fruit, small bread rolls, etc. In the afternoon and evening, there is a change of scene (and room). There is a bistro eatery at the front of the hotel, and a gourmet restaurant in the extension to the rear. It is a question of taste... we preferred the bistro tables, which get more light from the bay windows looking onto the street. The plates are piled high with pasta dishes, salads and Mediterranean recipes. The gourmet restaurant serves Italian specialities (in keeping with the name of the restaurant, the "San Marco"), such as saddle of wild boar with wine sauce and gnocchi, or calf's liver with Parmesan cheese. The prices are reasonable, around £10.50 per dish.
Do not dwell on the fact that the Ramada hotel is part of a hotel chain: it is a "boutique hotel". It has a small number of rooms, a personalised welcome, and distinctive, carefully considered decor. The decorator has favoured a baroque style with gilding that recalls Venice or Versailles; but that is not all. Look hard enough, and elements of art nouveau are there for the discerning eye, in the furniture, light fittings and sculpted features.Accommodation tip
Ask for one of the superior rooms if there are 3 people in your group (these have a sofa-bed as well as the double bed). They also overlook the street, rather than out into a courtyard hemmed in by the surrounding buildings. Do not forget that only 50% of the rooms overlook the street.
massage, beauty salon, sauna, hammam, keep fit, spa, Turkish bath, wellness
gym, aerobics, golf, squash, water-polo, fitness, sports
Very well located, on the main road through the historic district of Vilnius; a historical building, most of the rooms overlook the old town, one of which is a new, round-shaped suite; a restaurant that absolutely must be tried, particularly in the summer, when the tables are put outside. The Europa Royale is a good choice of accommodation, even if the soundproofing is not up to the standards of a contemporary building.
A central location, a historical building, a fine setting in the Old Town of Vilnius... The Radisson SAS, along with several other hotels in the Lithuanian capital, offers all of the above. So why stay here instead of somewhere else? To swim - but of course - in the swimming pool (or lounge in the whirlpool bath) for no extra charge. To enjoy a generous breakfast after sleeping (preferably) in one of the superior rooms or suites, as the standard rooms and their bathrooms are not very spacious.
This is an address for those with an "average budget" (as this is no youth hostel), very well situated for discovering the historical centre of Vilnius on foot, adapted for families or groups of friends, and meticulously well kept; but with simple comforts and ancient corridors resonating at the slightest noise. Recommended for a night or two, and to those who have nothing against old convents.
This is one of the most appealing hotels in the historical centre of Vilnius. It has few bedrooms but offers high-quality facilities and service, a pleasant layout (with a covered winter garden) at any time of the year, relaxation facilities and a very good à la carte restaurant... You are advised to visit the Stikliai before everyone else does - you won't go wrong and it won't cost the earth: part of the Relais et Châteaux chain of hotels, it has a local feel and is full of charm.
A beautiful hotel to keep in mind for its bedrooms and location - in the heart of historic Vilnius. All of the old city is accessible on foot from the hotel. It is cosy, with decoration typical of the area, especially on ground level and underground, but make sure that you do choose a room according to your taste. Note that you will be charged extra to go to the gym: take it or leave it, depending on your budget and your holidaying habits.
If you like books, non-standardised bedrooms, warm atmospheres, wooden flooring and wood panelling, the Shakespeare Hotel is the place for you. Located in Vilnius Old Town, surrounded by old buildings... The English-style interior decor is not very local, but it is typical: enthusiasts take note!
This is one of the most appealing hotels in the historical centre of Vilnius. It has few bedrooms but offers high-quality facilities and service, a pleasant layout (with a covered winter garden) at any time of the year, relaxation facilities and a very good à la carte restaurant... You are advised to visit the Stikliai before everyone else does - you won't go wrong and it won't cost the earth: part of the Relais et Châteaux chain of hotels, it has a local feel and is full of charm.
A beautiful hotel to keep in mind for its bedrooms and location - in the heart of historic Vilnius. All of the old city is accessible on foot from the hotel. It is cosy, with decoration typical of the area, especially on ground level and underground, but make sure that you do choose a room according to your taste. Note that you will be charged extra to go to the gym: take it or leave it, depending on your budget and your holidaying habits.
A central location, a historical building, a fine setting in the Old Town of Vilnius... The Radisson SAS, along with several other hotels in the Lithuanian capital, offers all of the above. So why stay here instead of somewhere else? To swim - but of course - in the swimming pool (or lounge in the whirlpool bath) for no extra charge. To enjoy a generous breakfast after sleeping (preferably) in one of the superior rooms or suites, as the standard rooms and their bathrooms are not very spacious.
Very well located, on the main road through the historic district of Vilnius; a historical building, most of the rooms overlook the old town, one of which is a new, round-shaped suite; a restaurant that absolutely must be tried, particularly in the summer, when the tables are put outside. The Europa Royale is a good choice of accommodation, even if the soundproofing is not up to the standards of a contemporary building.
If you like books, non-standardised bedrooms, warm atmospheres, wooden flooring and wood panelling, the Shakespeare Hotel is the place for you. Located in Vilnius Old Town, surrounded by old buildings... The English-style interior decor is not very local, but it is typical: enthusiasts take note!
This is an address for those with an "average budget" (as this is no youth hostel), very well situated for discovering the historical centre of Vilnius on foot, adapted for families or groups of friends, and meticulously well kept; but with simple comforts and ancient corridors resonating at the slightest noise. Recommended for a night or two, and to those who have nothing against old convents.