The Grand Hotel Vilnius, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, sits at Universiteto 14 in the heart of the Old Town, right beside the Presidential Palace and a short stroll from Vilnius University and Cathedral Square. It is a smaller, more intimate hotel than the big international chains, with 93 rooms, and it carries the polish of a property that has been carefully restored. The setting is one of the best in the city for walking: Pilies Street, the university courtyards, the Town Hall and the cathedral all lie within a few minutes on foot, while the airport is about seven kilometres away. Dining is a real reason to stay. Telegrafas, the hotel restaurant, is recognised in the MICHELIN Guide and is one of the city’s better-known tables, so you can have a serious dinner without leaving the building. DUKES Lounge and Bar suits an evening drink, and The Atelier Wine Boutique gives wine lovers somewhere to browse and taste. After a day on the cobbles, the spa is the other draw, with several saunas and a jacuzzi, a very Baltic way to warm up in winter.
Living in it
Expect a calm, refined base with attentive service and a location that lets you step straight into the Old Town. It suits couples, special-occasion trips, food-focused travellers and anyone who wants a quieter alternative to the busy Didžioji Street hotels. The streets nearby are pedestrian-friendly, which makes early-morning walks to the cathedral and the university courtyards a pleasure before the crowds arrive.
Trade-offs
A restored heritage building means room sizes and layouts vary, so check the room type when you book and ask for a quiet room if you are a light sleeper. Rates sit in the upper range for Vilnius, and car access in the Old Town is limited, so arrive by taxi and ask about parking in advance. If you want a pool or a large fitness area, check the current facilities before you reserve, since the spa is focused on saunas and relaxation.
Making the most of it
Book a table at Telegrafas early for weekends, plan a sauna session after a long day of sightseeing, and use the location to see the Old Town at its quietest, in the morning and late evening. In winter the hotel is especially appealing, with warm interiors and a spa to match, and in summer its calm location makes a pleasant contrast to the lively terraces nearby.
Why stay here
- ✓Telegrafas restaurant (MICHELIN Guide recognised)
- ✓DUKES Lounge and Bar
- ✓The Atelier Wine Boutique
- ✓Spa with saunas and jacuzzi
- ✓93 rooms
- ✓Beside the Presidential Palace
- ✓Old Town location
- ✓Short walk to Cathedral Square
Good questions
Where is Grand Hotel Vilnius?+
At Universiteto 14 in the Old Town, next to the Presidential Palace.
Does it have a spa?+
Yes, there is a spa with several saunas and a jacuzzi.
Is there a restaurant?+
Yes, Telegrafas, which is recognised in the MICHELIN Guide, plus a lounge bar and a wine boutique.
