Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

Review: Holiday Inn Vilnius — With Arguably One of the Best Breakfast Buffets

I arrived by bus to Vilnius earlier than expected; so I walked the three kilometers from the bus station north all the way to the Holiday Inn Vilnius hotel property. The sun had still not risen during those early morning hours — so I walked into the small lobby. After exchanging greetings with the woman behind the front desk, I asked her if I could access the Internet for about an hour or so after greeting her.

Review: Holiday Inn Vilnius — With Arguably One of the Best Breakfast Buffets

Despite the fact that I was to check into the hotel property later in the day for two nights, the woman behind the front desk denied my request, implying that I might be trying to get a free night.

“All I want to do is access the Internet,” I said.

“You will have to pay for another night,” she countered.

“Even if I wanted to do that, that would not be a full day,” I said — but she was not budging, which I suppose was within her right, as the hotel property did not owe me anything. She did acquiesce to storing my bag in a closet near the front desk, which was a great help to me…

…so what did I do to pass the time? I walked around Vilnius taking photographs, which I intend to post in future articles. I took at least 897 photographs around Vilnius during my visit — and that number is no exaggeration.

Even though the woman behind the front desk did absolutely nothing wrong, my initial impression caused me to wonder if staying at this hotel property was the wrong choice.

It was not a wrong choice by a long shot, as I highly recommend staying at the Holiday Inn Vilnius.

The Room

During the early afternoon later that day, I returned to the hotel property to check in. There were different staff members behind the counter who smiled; were friendly; and made me feel quite welcome.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

I took the elevator to the fifth floor; and the hallway was rather dark…

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

…except for the area where the elevators are located at the end of the hallway.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

I walked into my room, which was clean and fairly spacious.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

I liked the stencil of the city skyline projected on the wall by a light above the two beds…

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

…which were comfortable. I slept quite soundly after two full days exploring Vilnius.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photographs ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

A choice of soft or firm pillows are available on the beds.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photographs ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

The desk had a telephone and a dedicated lamp — as well as a mirror on the wall — and to the left of the desk was a station with everything needed for coffee and tea.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

Be careful not to drink these bottles of water, which were priced at nearly five euros each.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photographs ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

Half of the room was inexplicably ensconced with a surfeit of blue curtains. A small flat-screen television was on the wall opposite the beds; and there was a chair on wheels with a small table. A shelf to place luggage — along with a hook and a large mirror — was located behind another curtain.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photographs ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

The closet door was actually a see-through accordion mesh which slid opened and closed — but do not expect much privacy in the closet, which contains plenty of cubbyholes and drawers. However, I still have not found where in the room the minibar is located. Can you find it?!?

The Bathroom

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photographs ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

Here we go again with another of those partial shower partitions found throughout Europe — and this one did not even extend to the halfway point of the bathtub. I did like the labeling of the light switches in the room, though.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

The bathroom had an ample sink area and enough towels for two people.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

Liquid cream wash and tissue dispensers were located on the right side of the sink…

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

…as were the amenities of two bars of soap; a shoe shine cloth; shampoo and bath foam — branded as essentials by Duke and Lyle.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

The toilet had a large shelf area on each side.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

When the lights are turned off, the light from the main part of the room shines through the translucent glass — which gives more of an open feeling in the bathroom while simultaneously preserving the privacy of the occupant of the bathroom.

The View

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

A view of the traffic on Šeimyniškių gatvė stopped at its intersection with Kalvarijų gatvė facing northwest from the window of the room was the best part of the view.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

This building — which was under construction or renovation — was not so nice of a view; but it was not the worst view from a hotel room which I had ever seen.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

The view was slightly obscured by tinted glass angled outside of the regular windows…

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

…and avoiding reflections on at least two panes of glass was almost impossible. The entrance to the hotel property is located around the corner on the left.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

I preferred the view from the big pane window near the elevators…

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

…including this intersection of Šeimyniškių gatvė — which is the street running vertically on the right side of the photograph — with Kalvarijų gatvė. The entrance to the hotel property is directly below and to the left.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

I even liked the look of the old building across Kalvarijų gatvė.

Breakfast

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

The dining area for patrons of the breakfast buffet was nicely styled and more comfortable than I expected.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

I sat in the upper level of the dining area, which included throw pillows on the cushioned bench area. The lower area of the dining area — as well as the entrance — is located beyond the cushioned bench.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

A wine cabinet finished off the upper level of the dining area; and large windows bathed this area with ambient light.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

The coffee station included honey, milk, sugar and other condiments for that hot cup of coffee or tea.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

I could not believe the selection of food which was at this breakfast buffet, which included all sorts of baked goods — including the infamous black rye bread — and assorted condiments.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

There was plenty of fresh fruit and what appeared to be canned peaches — and how I enjoy fresh grapefruit! I have never seen fruit look as close in appearance to perfect at a breakfast buffet at a hotel property than this; and a bowl of assorted flavors of yogurt was also available.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

Assorted dry cereals with different toppings and pitchers of milk were available at this station.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

I truly enjoyed the choice of fish, which included hot smoked salmon, sardines and herring. Cold assorted meats were also offered.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

Assorted cheeses on a wooden plank and salad items — including black olives in pesto sauce, which was outstanding — with different flavors of dressings and toppings were at this station.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

Porridge, crépes, omelets, sausage, crispy bacon and even chicken nuggets — they were fresh, delicious and cooked perfectly — were in covered chafing dishes at the hot food station.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

There was even a choice of fried eggs and hard-boiled eggs.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

I must have had at least five glasses of assorted juices, as they were that good. Ice cold water, hot pepper sauce and celery were offered as well.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

I thought the breakfast was amazing — perfectly cooked; fresh ingredients; an incredible assortment — so much so that I would rate it as one of the top breakfast buffets at which I ever dined.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

I could have stayed all day at this breakfast buffet — if it stayed open that long — and breakfast was included in the room rate.

Summary

Tomas was the employee of this hotel property who went out of his way to get glue for my running shoes when the soles of my running shoes unexpectedly fell off; and you can read about the entire ordeal in this article. That issue has since been resolved, which I will impart in a future article.

I really enjoyed breakfast during both mornings, which was included in the room rate for me — and breakfast is my least favorite meal of the day. The offerings between the two morning varied only slightly.

High-speed internet was more than adequate, as I had no problems whatsoever using it.

The cost to park a car is eight euros per day; and no pets are allowed.

The location of this hotel property is not quite convenient in terms of being near the center of Vilnius; but not so inconvenient that you cannot walk to virtually anywhere in the Old Town of Vilnius. Besides, bus service with several lines is available approximately two blocks south of the hotel property — including service directly to the international airport — and the fare is only one euro for each ride.

I had no problems or issues with my stay, which cost me a total of 158.00 euros — or $172.83 in United States dollars — for both nights including tax; and I highly recommend staying at this hotel property for a reasonably comfortable, quiet, clean and basic stay…

…and especially for the excellent breakfast buffet and attentive service.

Holiday Inn Vilnius
Seimyniskiu 1
Vilnius 09312
Lithuania
+370 5 2103000 Telephone
holiday-inn@ibc.lt E-mail address

All photographs ©2017 by Brian Cohen.


Please note that I receive compensation for affiliate links posted at The Gate With Brian Cohen effective as of Sunday, January 1, 2017. You are not required to use these affiliate links; but if you do use them, your support of The Gate With Brian Cohen is greatly appreciated — and using affiliate links will not cost you any extra time or money.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!