We Review Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius

Kempinski is Europe’s oldest luxury hotelier, steeped in a history that dates back to 1897. In the Baltics, its reputation is unparalleled. Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius offers a 93-room wonder, right in the centre of Old Town. Sought-after experiences aplenty, we spend a weekend charmed by boutique Lithuanian hospitality.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own

Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius review

A super central location

For anyone visiting Vilnius, you want to be in or as close to Old Town as possible. This means that the Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius is the capital’s most sought-after address. It’s right on the main square, a stone’s throw from Gediminas Hill and Vilnius Cathedral. There’s very little need for transportation when based here, so we spent the whole weekend exploring on foot.

Old Town itself is a UNESCO-listed site, and much of its original architecture is preserved in beautiful examples of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical styles. You’re enchanted the moment you step out onto the cobblestone pavement.

For a more comprehensive viewpoint, we recommend Viator’s Explore Vilnius walking tour, which lasts two and a half hours and sees a local take you through both famed sites and hidden gems, detailing the rich history behind them. If you want an even more authentic experience in Old Town, the platform also has a chance for tourists to dine with a local family in their home.

Kempinski Vilnius Lithuania view overlooking the cathedral — Close enough for Old Town cathedral views from the bedroom

The Deluxe Room

There are 93 room and suite options, each outfitted and maintained with a regal feel. Ornate-shaded chandeliers soar above maroon and mahogany furnishings. Ours was a Deluxe Room, which though early in the hotel category, provided enough space to unwind. This one featured a full-sized deep soaking tub sided by mosaic—unexpected in a non-suite option. The products were by Salvatore Ferragamo, in line with other Kempinski properties we’d visited, and there’s a separate shower.

Our king-sized bed was soft to sleep, and pre-arrival we were emailed a questionnaire for preferences such as pillow style and drinking water type. Extra scented pillows were provided at our request and they smelled like camomile tea.

Kempinski Vilnius Lithuania bedroom interior — The bedroom rich in amber and mahogany

A large Samsung television is situated across from the bed, and to our right was a perfect unobstructed view of Cathedral Square. Watching the tourists and sharply dressed locals go about their day outside, you’re separated by a calming ambience while wrapped in a robe, hand-warmed with Nespresso.

Business may also be attended to in the room, on a large wooden desk linked by power outlets. Note, that you must bring a European power adaptor to use them. The room also has plenty of wardrobe space, with a safe and mini-bar built in. There’s a night light leading to the toilet that can be accessed via both the bathroom and hallway. This comes especially in handy when sharing with a friend whom you don’t want to disturb.

Food and drink

The main dining destination at Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius is the Restaurant Telegrafas. It’s acclaimed in Lithuania, cooking up Modern European fare and serving it within a designer space lit by hanging pieces of abstract art. As their signature restaurant, guests also come here for breakfast, brunch (weekends), and lunch as well as dinner. We didn’t have a chance to eat here, but still enjoyed the space for the morning breakfast buffet. Tip: Request a table out on the balcony during warmer months—there’s a particularly excellent corner spot that overlooks Vilnius Cathedral Square.

Kempinski Vilnius Lithuania's onsite restaurant — Restaurant Telegrafas – where we did breakfast

The hotel also has its own wine bar, called Atelier Wine Boutique. Here you’ll discover an extensive selection of over 500 bottles. Other notable F&B outlets on-site include Dukes Gastrobar, a relaxed all-day hangout for seafood and sandwiches paired with a glass of bubbles or a craft cocktail. There’s also Le Café in the lobby for tea time treats showcased in their baked goods cabinet.

Finnish sauna and general spa goodies

Hotel guests get access to the Baltic spa, where a handsome indoor pool acts as a focal point on your R&R journey. It’s supported by a relaxation space, fitness area, and our favourite spot: a Finnish sauna that sits at the end of the pool and provides a way to sweat with a view. A combination of a weekday visit with the fact this is a boutique hotel meant that for two hours we had the space completely ourselves.

Guests who desire so can upgrade with a beauty or massage treatment. The spa menu spans scrubs, massage, and facials. We spied a tempting Baltic Journey treatment which combines the lot with aromatherapy.