Our Verdict: “Views, breakfast, facilities impress – guest volume is its biggest flaw.”
The Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva is one of Vilnius’s largest hotels, with more than 450 rooms and suites spread between its main tower and a newer annex. Built in the Soviet era and finally opened in 1983 after a drawn-out 20-year build, it was once considered Lithuania’s first “skyscraper.” Today it operates as a full-service four-star under the Radisson brand, linked to the Radisson Rewards loyalty programme. Business travellers make up much of its clientele thanks to the enormous conference centre, but leisure guests check in for the riverside location and the sweeping city views from the rooftop Skybar. Read on for our honest review of the Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva, Vilnius.
In this review:
- Hotel Summary
- Location
- Check-in
- Our Room
- Facilities & Services
- Food and Beverage
- Check-out
- BG1 Verdict
Hotel Summary
Name: Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva
Location: Vilnius, LT
Hotel Class: ☆☆☆☆
Chain: Radisson
Loyalty Programme: Radisson Rewards
Room Type: Business Suite
Room #: 1736
Price bracket: ££££
Competing brands: Kempinski Hotel Cathedral Square, Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius, Hilton Garden Inn Vilnius City Centre, Courtyard by Marriott Vilnius City Center
Good for: Business travellers, conference guests, and city-break visitors wanting a modern base with river views
Accepts pets? No
Location
The Radisson Blu Vilnius review starts with geography. The hotel sits on the north-western side of the city centre, a ten-minute walk from the cobbled streets of the Old Town. That short walk makes it easy to find the best bars, restaurants, and historic squares without the hassle of staying directly in the touristy part of town.
Its position beside the River Neris gives it a relaxed, open feel. Early risers can take advantage of the river path for a run, or just enjoy the cityscape from the footbridge opposite. Two of the city’s largest shopping centres are practically next door, making retail therapy convenient. While the location is not as atmospheric as Cathedral Square or Pilies Street, it’s a practical base for both work and leisure. You also get the buzz of Vilnius without the noise of being right in the middle of it.
Check-in
Arriving late at night, check-in was, frankly, grim. At 11pm the line stretched across the lobby, moving at a glacial pace. It’s surprising, given that the hotel has a reputation for excellent conferences, that it struggles with something as fundamental as arrivals. After 25 minutes of shuffling forward, I was finally check-in and upgraded to a Business Suite in the older main tower due to my Radisson Rewards membership – though I was far too tired to care. Guests in standard categories are often housed in the newer, smaller wing, which has fresher interiors.
Parking is available on site, though at a hefty charge.
Room
The Business Suite on the 17th floor came with a separate entrance hall, a dressing room leading to the bathroom, and a generous bedroom complete with sofa, desk, and chair. The bed was a decent super king. At 40 square metres, it was roomy by European standards. There were lots of lights and lamps, but the light level always seemed a too low and left shadowy corners that made me think the room was better suited for a cheesy romantic getaway than for business.
The décor, though, hasn’t kept up with the times. The Soviet skeleton remains, dressed with Scandinavian-inspired finishes that already feel dated. – very 90s. It was functional and clean, but lacked the polish of more modern competitors in Vilnius. The bathroom was a little basic and seemed more suited to a budget hotel, though the separate toilet was a good feature.
The high-rise position did, however, deliver one of the best views in the city, with sweeping perspectives across the Old Town’s spires. The room was also comfortable and quiet for the duration of my stay. I’d be curious to try the newer rooms in the annex, which promise a lighter, fresher look.
Facilities & Services
With over a dozen meeting rooms, this hotel is one of the city’s leading conference venues. Business groups fill the lobby most weekdays, but facilities for leisure guests aren’t neglected. A generously-sized gym was available, along with a jacuzzi and sauna. The Skybar on the 22nd floor is worth a visit for its panoramic views and well-made cocktails.
Service is hit and miss. Staff are unfailingly polite and friendly, but front-desk bottlenecks show the hotel hasn’t matched staffing to guest volume. Elsewhere, service at the bars was generally good, although peak breakfast hours saw table clearing suffer, and long wait for coffee machines and eggs.
Bars & Dining
Breakfast is the star of the show. The buffet is vast, with everything from smoked salmon and local cheeses to hot dishes and pastries. A live station prepares eggs and omelettes to order, while Radisson Rewards members are steered to a quieter, reserved area.
For evenings, the lobby bar is casual and convenient, while the Skybar offers a more stylish escape. Perched high above Vilnius, it has become something of a local landmark, drawing in not just hotel guests but city residents. Room service, on the other hand, has raised eyebrows with steep markups compared to restaurant pricing. One review mentioned a children’s pasta dish priced at triple the cost when delivered to the room. Worth bearing in mind before ordering in.
Check-out
Sadly, the check-out repeated the frustrations of check-in. With an 11am departure time, queues quickly formed, and once again the desks looked overwhelmed. I dropped my key in the express box to avoid waiting. While functional, it left the final impression that management needs to tackle its most obvious operational flaw.
BG1 Verdict
The Radisson Blu Vilnius review shows a hotel with two faces. On one hand, it’s a landmark property with history, size, and a Skybar view that rivals any rooftop in the Baltics. Its breakfast is superb, its riverside location practical, and its conference facilities among the best in town. On the other, the outdated rooms in the main tower and the painfully slow front desk seriously undermine the product.
Read Our guide to the Radisson hotel brands
For business trips where location and facilities matter more than charm, it’s a solid choice. For leisure stays, especially you’re looking for a calmer, less busy experience, you may want to weigh up alternatives like the Kempinski or Hilton Garden Inn.
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