Relais & Châteaux Stikliai Hotel

Old-world romance in the glassblowers' quarter

Say "luxury hotel" to a Vilnius local and the Stikliai is usually the first name out. It hides on Gaono gatvė in the old glassblowers' quarter — the tangle of lanes that gave the hotel its name — away from the main tourist current but only minutes from everything. As the city's Relais & Châteaux member, it trades in a kind of old-world, personal luxury that the newer chains don't attempt.

The interiors are the work of French designer Anne Toulouse, and they lean unapologetically romantic: layered fabrics, antiques and warm, classical French styling rather than Nordic restraint. The heart of the house is the glass-domed courtyard garden, a cosy, light-filled spot that makes the hotel feel like a private residence rather than a place with a front desk.

Good to know

The Stikliai is the city's natural choice for a special occasion: anniversaries, proposals and once-a-trip splurges. Its location on a small side lane means you get Old Town atmosphere without the crowds outside your window, and the classic French styling will delight travellers who find modern minimalism cold.

The main drawback is simply the bill. At €150–€300 a night it sits at the very top of the Vilnius market, in a city where excellent four-stars charge half that — you're paying for the marque, the setting and the service as much as the square metres. And because it's a boutique property in a heritage building, room shapes and sizes vary, so it's worth confirming the specifics of your category with the hotel before you commit.

• Check current rates and availability on the hotel's own site before booking.