„Monte Pacis“ — Hotel in Kaunas

RESTAURANT: ISLAND OF HOPE: Great and creative menu with extensive use of local ingredients - to the best standards and expectations - Northern European great food movement has reached the Kaunas cepelinai fortress and is standing out alongside couple of other excellent foodie places Staff is friendly and trying - even though some training on gourmet restaurant service (such as pouring sparking tea to the top of the wine glass) might be slightly polished Again - use of the chef-d'oeuvre of baroque is slightly underused - cheap tents with red bright coca cola stand is a bit of controversy to the elegant and timeless surroundings but try to enjoy what the chef prepared with great skill. And be careful not to be eaten by mosquitoes - owners have some special deal to feed them, I assume… so keeping the guests outside for sacrifice.

HOTEL: UNLOVED CHILD: Amazing venue. Want to feel pampered and offered a little bit of extra effort on service? Not here. Unpleasant and not trying dilettantes. What should be a magic place in impeccable location of former baroque masterpiece convent on a shores of beautiful (artificial) lake turns out to be a parody with untrying dilettantes: Amazing property - of course they manage to spoil it with cheap decor with “luxury” rooms where you can not even stand up from your bed without hitting your head; “Monte pacis” - “Mountain of Peace” - quiet place to rest - let alone noisy youth trying out their second hand cars and bikes in the nearby parking lot (admittedly not their fault, but I assume they could try to talk to municipality to manage this - noise pollution is EU standard); they manage to switch on music heard in all the rooms early in the morning to make sure you have a relaxed rest but wake up on time and no later than the hotel manager decides. Luxury Michelin star for restaurant - but the adjacent hotel staff has probably never been told that the luxury should mean being kind, and trying to at least pretend to pamper their guests. Located in the one of the main chef-d'oeuvre of baroque in Northern Europe - they do not offer special experiences to the guests… The list goes on with fake Nespresso (Lithuanian and, especially, Kaunas frugality is notorious),

Overall hotel staff training from reception to housekeeping is below any (let alone 4 star standard) with one nice exception of the night shift on one of the nights.

So the dilemma is whether it is better to try amateurishly without fear to fail or, if trying to try the best and not stop on the mediocre results? Who knows?

This is probably the price you’re to pay if you want luxury and feast in a convent - supposedly an oxymoron… But I’ve seen those oxymorons work in places like Prague Mandarin Oriental....

As a professional wedding photographer, I've had the privilege of working in some of the most stunning venues, and Monte Pacis is no doubt among the very best. From its picturesque surroundings to its impeccable service, Monte Pacis exceeded all expectations, setting the stage for unforgettable weddings.

First and foremost, the venue's aesthetic is simply breathtaking. Nestled among peaceful landscapes, Monte Pacis offers a picturesque backdrop that is nothing short of magical. Whether capturing outdoor ceremony in linden alley with intimate reception in a Carriage square, or the elegant celebration in Founder hall, every corner of Monte Pacis is a photographer's dream.

Moreover, the staff at Monte Pacis are exceptional in every way. From the initial inquiry to the day of the event, their attention to detail and dedication to creating a seamless experience for couples and vendors alike is exceptional. They go above and beyond to accommodate requests and ensure that every aspect of the wedding day is executed flawlessly.

As a photographer, I also appreciate the versatility of Monte Pacis as a venue. With a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, each offering its own unique charm, Monte Pacis provides endless opportunities for creative photography. Whether capturing candid moments under the canopy of trees or staging elegant portraits against the backdrop of historic architecture, Monte Pacis offers a wealth of possibilities for stunning imagery.

In conclusion, Monte Pacis is a gem of a wedding venue that I genuinely recommend to any couple in search of an unforgettable setting for their special day. With its stunning surroundings, impeccable service, and endless photo opportunities, Monte Pacis is truly a...

Authentic baroque setting • Inventive cuisine • Room for improvement on service

I dropped in for a solo dinner at Monte Pacis, beautifully tucked within the historic and still-functioning 17th‑century Pažaislis Monastery—Lithuania’s finest example of Italian Baroque architecture. The outdoor terrace was tranquil, but I could tell the indoor dining room, with its tall wooden chairs and frescoed vaults, offers a striking, atmospheric experience.

The menu is a creative nod to local ingredients and culinary heritage—seasonal, regional and thoughtfully modern. I sampled the cabbage “steak”—a brilliant balance of crunch, sweetness, and acidity. It felt like a signature dish showcasing the kitchen’s skill.

Service, however, felt subdued. As a solo diner, I wasn’t offered any insights into the menu, concept, or tasting options. When the bread and butter arrived, there was no introduction—yet I heard staff giving detailed explanations to other tables. A more engaging, inclusive approach would elevate the guest experience.

That said, this is undeniably an author’s dining experience—every dish is purposeful, artistic, and deeply linked to the setting. The tasting menus (four‑course €70, six‑course €80) come with optional wine pairings selected by the in-house sommelier—over 200 bottles available.

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