Kempinski opens its first hotel in Vilnius, Lithuania

Kempinski Hotels, the oldest European luxury hoteliers, open the doors to their first hotel in the capital of Lithuania, and their first property in the Baltic States.

Kempinski Hotel Cathedral Square offers neoclassical grandeur with a contemporary casual elegance. The unbeatable location in the heart of the Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage site – is right on Cathedral Square, and a stone's throw away from the Presidential Palace, with a view over Vilnius Cathedral, the Bell tower, and Gediminas tower; an ideal starting place for exploring the city. The exquisite décor and the legendary Kempinski service make this new hotel the first choice for international travellers, business and leisure alike.

The hotel is housed in a listed building situated on the corner of Universiteto and L. Stuokos-Guceviciaus; a hundred years ago, this was a grand hotel, well-known throughout the Baltics; now, carefully restored, with an impressive lobby in white marble, and panoramic windows, the building is once again set to be at the heart of Vilnius society.

Lithuania once boasted a Grand Duchy that rivalled some of the greatest empires in Europe; now, once again an independent state, the country is experiencing an upswing in business and culture.

That multi-layered history can still be seen in the mediaeval layout of streets in the capital Vilnius, with its attractive mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Vilnius lies at the crossroads of three cultures – Central, Northern and Eastern Europe, and its Old Town has been left untouched for centuries.

Kempinski has always prided itself on its sense of history: during the restoration of the building, the remains of the city's 16th century defensive wall was uncovered; part of that old wall has been glassed-in, and can be seen at the entrance to the restaurant; the management of the hotel is looking forward to showing visitors this very visible reminder of Vilnius's glorious past.

The Kempinski Hotel Cathedral Square offers 96 rooms and suites, each one of which has an individual character, featuring parquet floors, subtle lighting, fine fabrics, and a striking colour palette that both echoes the traditions of Baltic Lithuania, and speaks to a modern aesthetic; the bathrooms are similarly original, decorated with small mosaic tiles.

Standard rooms range in size from 20 – 27 m2, and Superior rooms, from 27 – 31 m2. Standard and Superior rooms situated on the top floor have a unique window design, and a highly original layout with charming attic roofs. Deluxe rooms range in size from 32 – 46 m2, and all these rooms feature direct views of Cathedral Square, have high ceilings, and large bathrooms with separate shower. Interconnecting rooms are available, and also rooms convenient for disabled guests.

The suites have been designed in a modern style, retaining many of the building's original architectural features – some of them with lovely alcove balconies overlooking Cathedral Square; they have large bathrooms, with separate bathtubs and showers. The Cupola Suite is a duplex, ideal for small-scale entertaining. The Presidential Suite is the pride of the hotel: at 132 m2, it is the biggest suite in Vilnius, and has been designed to the highest security standards, including bullet proof windows; with magnificent views over the city, this very presidential and elegant accommodation has specially-made furniture, and a separate butler's kitchenette.

The elegant dining restaurant "Telegrafas" takes its name from the Soviet period, when the former hotel building functioned as the Central Telegraph office. "Telegrafas" is certain to be a magnet for food lovers, looking for the freshest ingredients prepared with flair and passion. Led by the talented Executive Chef, Ciaran Gantly, the menu features superb European food, with signature Lithuanian dishes, and some of Ciaran's favourite dishes from his native Ireland. With 76 seats, and open for buffet breakfast and evening dinner, the restaurant has a direct entrance from the street, offers a casual and relaxed atmosphere, and a fabulous view of Cathedral Square.

The lobby bar and lounge, Le Salon, is an all-day and happening place, ideal for a spot of lunch, a traditional English high tea, pre-dinner cocktails, and intimate get-togethers with colleagues and friends. The furniture is contemporary, the atmosphere is old world Lithuanian, and the view of Cathedral Square is absolutely magnificent.

Companies looking to develop their business in Lithuania, will welcome the hotel's multi-functional Conference Centre; covering 600 m2, the amenities are twenty-first century, and are divided into six conference rooms, ideally suited for round table meetings, board meetings, presentations and break-outs.

The neoclassical Grand Ballroom is the premiere venue in Vilnius for important receptions and celebratory banquets, capable of holding up to 200 guests at a reception; for classroom style meetings 150 guests can be accommodated; and 120 guests for a banquet. The Ballroom boasts a glass roof, which allows natural daylight to illuminate the space, and in the evening adds to the sense of occasion.

For both business and leisure travellers, the Kempinski Hotel Cathedral Square will be an oasis of peace and quiet. Unique to Vilnius is Kempinski The Spa, an exceptional relaxation, exercise and wellness centre. Here, in the six treatment rooms, hotel guests and visitors will find all that they need for refreshing body and soul. The Elemental Herbology and Daniele de Winter cosmetics are, exclusively available in Lithuania at Kempinski The Spa. The Spa will offer individual tailor-made programmes, manicure & pedicure, facial treatments; and there is a fitness area, heated indoor pool, and two saunas – Finnish and steam.

Vilnius International Airport is only 7 km away, about a 15-minute drive. Upscale shopping and designer boutiques are within easy walking distance; there are two golf courses a short drive away, and open-air tennis courts. Cycling is very popular, and also the hot-air balloon rides over the city.

About Kempinski

Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe's oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski's rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Today the Kempinski Group operates 82 hotels and residences in 34 countries and currently has more than 25 prestigious projects under development around the globe. Each five-star hotel reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage; each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts and prestigious residences. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands. www.kempinski.com www.ghadiscovery.com

Helen Gorbunova
Regional Director PR Eastern Europe
+7 (495) 287 2000
Kempinski