Hotel PACAI — Hotel in Vilnius

A stay in a luxury hotel can be a brief reprieve from the harsh reality of the world.

A distraction with fluffy towels, soft linens, minibar, complimentary toiletries, the recomforting sensation that breakfast is waiting for you downstairs -- and hopefully a late checkout. Perhaps my wanderings go beyond the scope of a hotel review but as I sit at the work desk of room 226 of the Pacai Hotel in Vilnius sipping my Nespresso espresso this is what comes to mind.

The baroque Pacai Mansion was established in 1677 by the debonaire Mykolas Kazimieras Pacas. The Mansion still possesses the joyful energy of the aristocrats that frolicked in its insides once upon a time; before it was forsaken by half a century of Soviet rule. The palace that once hosted Czars, Kings, and Napoleon himself, has been reborn with the young vigor that characterizes today's Vilnius.

Its contemporary interior has vague remnants of its more prestigious past, when to spend the night here, you likely had to be of noble upbringing. (Although I feel like the decor was more inspired by the debaucherous facet of the upper classes. When exploring the Pacai in the evening I couldn't get rid of the feeling that I could stumble upon an Eyes Wide Shut scenario -- the beautiful blondes carelessly wandering through the hallways strengthen this impression.)

Pacai manages to be cozy, welcoming, and warm, but at the same time mysterious. As if the night presents more possibilities than a tranquil stay at a small city hotel. The service is excellent. The young gentlemen at the front desk seem to have been bred specially for this job. They perform their duties with impeccable precision. They even give off an air of superiority, as if spending long hours in the Pacai inevitably gave them permission to exhibit such sentiments despite the menial reality of their job.

Stylistically the room is a blend of modern functionality, with a moderate addendum of sensuality, while preserving the building's legacy. It's luxurious, but I don't feel like a profligate for spending the night there.

A zest for life develops when you are here. Even the name Pacai evokes something sophisticated, intimate, and posh, but adorned with a je ne sais quoi, unlike the universally recognizable British Monarchy elegance. This is something else. More careless, original, and indistinguishable, like Lithuania's own role among the more established Western European culture and aesthetics.

Naive, vibrant, young... and since it's young it's more prone to mistakes; which did happen during our stay. They sold me a Valentine's Day special for "one person" and charged me for person 2 upon arrival -- what hotel offers a Valentine's Day package for one person? They tried to justify it instead of accepting it was a mistake. They promised us an empty sauna/hammam at 19h, but there were 4 other people there. Mistakes that are excusable due to over-eagerness (or just inexperience).

Another downside is that the Pacai can be a bit cold, unfamiliar, like a distant couple after a bitter quarrel. I got the impression that the Pacai Mansion has not found its personality yet, like someone who went through a transformation too quickly and now is not sure who he is. The disharmony makes it somber at times. But it's also hard to forget, this is why I am writing a 583 word hotel review.

The Pacai Hotel is not perfect, but sometimes you don't need to be perfect. A 9 can be more...

The facilities of the hotel are excellent. The quality of the food is very good too. My mid par review is based on the staff, primarily the bar/restaurant staff. There’s an air that it’s ok to give sub par service. ||Two examples include, first night I can’t get into the restaurant although there are maybe 6 tables being served. I then agree to eat in the bar, I order wine and water…wine arrives, no water and 20+ minutes later I’m still waiting to put my order in. I went to the restaurant again and asked why couldn’t I get a table, for some reason that works although am told it might take a while to receive my food (?). My meal came within appropriate timing and was delicious. Why did I have to deal with all this nonsense to start off my stay? ||Second situation included not being able to eat lunch on the outdoor patio although there had to be 8+ tables available. I then went to the bar, ordered a €30 burger. I took a quick peak outside and a table where prior guests were sitting is available, I asked can I move outside and was told yes. Next thing I know I’m being told while sitting at the table that it’s reserved….embarrassing situation and move back inside. I finally decided to write this review as there are 3 children jumping up and down on the sofas, hitting each other with the seat cushions and are so animated that everyone is shaking their heads….this is not a place where I want to spend €30 for a burger. The staff is observing this situation and could care less that their guests are being impacted in what they probably consider is a “high end” environment.||I’m trying to figure out why I chose Hotel Pacai as the overall experience has definitely not met expectations Hopefully they can figure it out moving...

The Christmas weekend spent in Pacai hotel in Vilnus was simply amazing! Pacai hotel is a pearl by all means, starting from its perfect location in the Old town and beautiful renovated building, that served as a most magnificent mansion in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania since 17th century, now looks outstanding with its unique combination of Baroque and contemporary style. The reception at the hotel was at the highest level, special gratitude to Vytas and the team for their professionalism, for being so welcoming, creative and ready to find solutions to our very exceptional requests. The spa in the hotel deserves a special attention, as it is on top level having the right ambiance, most professional attentive experts, choice of treatments. I was lucky to meet Nina, who has a medical background and is certainly high professional in spa area (body and facial treatments), she made my spa experience exceptional! Last but not least, the restaurant for dinner and breakfast has unique atmosphere, imagine cozy interior, snow falling just in front of you in a big arch window, Christmas music at the background and delicious hot meal prepared by a talented chef. The view out of the room, our choice was to see the old town and it’s beautiful architecture, streets and buildings, that was simply fascinating! To conclude I’d like to mention that I work in the same lifestyle and hospitality industry for many years and it is not that easy to exceed my expections, Pacai hotel and people, who work there, certainly did! See you very soon...