Radisson SAS Vilnius - The Great Hotel W/O
Written: Apr 09 '03 (Updated Apr 15 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Stunning architecture. Easy walk to Old town and Gedimino shopping/site-seeing
Cons: Slightly spendy for the area. No fitness room on premises.
The Bottom Line: Stay where heads-of-state stay. If old-world charm and location are appealing, here's your choice.
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| pilotpat's Full Review: Radisson Sas Astorija Hotel |
This is another review in my series on Vilnius, Lithuania.
The Radisson SAS Vilnius sits in a prime location - at the entrance to the streets of Old Town, yet only a short walk to the newer shops on Gedmino Prospektas. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, its architecture reflects that of the 19th, and blends with the cheerfully diverse designs of Old Town that date up to 500 years earlier.
This is where heads-of-state spend the night when visiting the newly independent Republic of Lithuania's capital. Visitors of note include our very own President George W Bush, who visited immediately after Lithuania was invited to join the NATO alliance.
The hotel stands wide, tall and impressive, with ornate stonework and masonry trimming the windows and roof. Well-coordinated curtains compliment its outside (and inside) appearance. The front portions of the lobby, bar, and restaurant on the lower floor are faced completely with awning-shaded picture windows, affording a first-rate view of the town and people walking in it.
CHECK IN
Walking through the front doors, the lobby is spacious and appointed with ornate dark wood fixtures and furniture. The handsome front desk is staffed by neatly-dressed and polite hosts/hostesses who speak English and Lithuanian, among other languages I am sure. Check-in is efficient and soon you are on your way to the well-maintained elevators and to your room. Parking can be difficult, but not impossible, to find nearby.
ROOMS
Rooms vary from small queen and twin rooms to larger rooms ("Business") and some princely (Presidential?)-sized suites. The rooms are extremely quiet, even with the business of the town down below. Beds are comfortable and adorned with luxurious sheets and bedspreads, with extra pillows. The decor is 19th century - airy with swooping curtains, wood trim, and beautiful wallpaper. Rooms are well-appointed, with hairdryers, complimentary soap/shampoo/conditioner/lotion, a well-stocked minibar (wine is reasonable, hard liquor quite expensive), TV with cable and pay-per-view movie access, and even a trouser press (an iron and board will be fetched with a quick call). Telephones have dataports. The bathrooms match the decor but boast modern fixtures. An in-room safe is a nice (and in my opinion almost necessary) touch.
FITNESS FACILITIES
There is no in-hotel fitness facility or pool. Evidently, the hotel does have an agreement with a local gym, but if you have a driver and contacts (or just a bit of cash), the fitness facility/spa at the Le Meridien Villon hotel 30 minutes away is the best around. You'll probably get a good workout walking Old Town, about which is wonderful to run in the morning.
RESTAURANTS
The in-hotel Brasserie restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast can be included in your room rate, but check to make sure. The Breakfast buffet is a wonderful spread of local and American cuisine. Fresh smoked fish of several varieties are common on the table, and among my favorite items. Freshed squeezed juices are also superb.
But... this is not the best place to eat nearby, especially for Lunch and Dinner! From the front door, you are only steps away from the La Provence and Markus restaurants (descriptions of which are in my review of Vilnius., as well as several other restaurants and even two Irish-themed Pubs. Be advised that all of these places can be inundated with cigarette smoke at any time of the day.
BUSINESS FACILITIES
The hotel has at least two private conference rooms, perhaps more, that can seat up to about 30 or more people in nice upholstered armchairs with spacious tables. A fold-out presentation cabinet/board/overhead projector screen is available in at least one of these rooms.
OVERALL
This hotel boasts beautiful design and the best location available for upscale accomodations, all at an entirely reasonable rate (although high for the area). Highly recommended.
PARTICIPATE IN THE GREAT HOTEL WRITE-OFF!
http://www.angelfire.com/moon/lyagushka/index.html
Recommended:
Yes
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pilotpat
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Member: Pat
Location: World Traveler
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