Amy Adejokun
Section editor
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!
Shakespeare - © Carlos Rodrigues / EASYVOYAGE
Shakespeare - © Carlos Rodrigues / EASYVOYAGE
On Bernardinu 8, a small, typical street leading to the main street of Vilnius Old Town. The hotel is a good base from which to explore the historical district of the Lithuanian capital. Vilnius airport is about 4.5 mi away. Transfer time is 15-20 minutes.
The 31 bedrooms and suites (of which there will soon be another 10) are all named after a writer or an artist. Cultural and dreamy surroundings as soon as you enter to the rooms, be they of standard (the least spacious, with a floor area of around 172 sq ft), business, superior or luxury (the most spacious with a floor area of around 269 sq ft) category. Those who love wooden flooring and attic rooms should stay on the third and top floor (there is a lift). This is where you will find the Oscar Wilde suite, among others. However, bedrooms overlooking the courtyard should be avoided: there is no typical view and less light during the day and it's a shame when you know that the other rooms overlook the garden or the Old Town facades. As far as facilities are concerned, everything you would expect is provided: mini-bar, (substantial) tea and coffee-making facilities, mineral water and fresh fruit (even better), air-conditioning, telephone, television. Bathrooms have a shower or bathtub (depending on space), bathrobes (depending on the room category, provided from business up), a hair-dryer and "Country Garden" hospitality products (30ml).
The Shakespeare Hotel was born of a former publishing house (under the Soviet era). In 1999. Its typical and charming nature originates from the building's traditional (Baroque-style) architecture, as well as the heavily wooded interior (flooring, walls and furniture). The Shakespeare describes itself as a "boutique hotel": yes, provided that you are not expecting any designer decor and do not expect to see anything other than the legacy of British residences in the entrance hall or the lounge pub. The atmosphere is, in any case, warm: you feel like you have the hotel to yourself, like at a guest house, and the Old Town is also right on the doorstep of the hotel.
For those with a healthy appetite, breakfast is more than substantial. It is included and served at the table and consists of a plentiful menu: eggs (poached, in an omelette or Lithuanian-style, cooked with onions and mushrooms), blinis, red caviar, diced fresh fruit, various bread rolls, butter and preserves, Viennese pastries and also cereals, should you so wish. A dining room which is welcoming both in winter (wooden flooring, paintings on the walls) and in summer (small terrace overlooking the street and its typical facades). Has breakfast won you over? In that case you can also have lunch and dinner at the Shakespeare. In the bar, with its rustic and traditional yet 'off-beat' atmosphere (sofas, coffee tables and British bistro-style furniture) or in the restaurant, with its white tablecloths and medallion chairs. The menu (along with the prices) differs depending on the place. Vegetarian pasta dishes and mussels à la crème in the bar for around £7.40; grilled salmon with seafood or duck couscous in the restaurant for the equivalent of £13.85.
A few steps in the corridors, standard bedrooms a little on the small side, certain suites located in the attic: disabled travellers should avoid staying at the Shakespeare.
On the other hand, the cosy atmosphere, the personal welcome and the service 'plus points' (fruit and mineral water provided free of charge in the bedrooms) are worth a special mention.
Accommodation advice
Are you travelling as a couple? If so, request the Romeo and Juliet room, which has a garden view and a hydromassage bathtub. Are you a literature fan? If so, the Trollope room is the one for you: if you have never read Trollope, you will find a few of the author's books in this room. 19th Century-style Dandies had better book the Oscar Wilde suite: unusual (a rather long attic room), pleasantly furnished and with a lovely view (overlooking the Old Town).
spa
tennis, gym, fitness
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, "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.
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.
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.