Domus Maria is a boutique hotel situated in the heart of Vilnius Old Town, by the Gates of Dawn and Saint Teresa Church. It is a former 400-year-old convent and the 48-rooms had previously been nuns cells.
Our standard double room (412) was on the fourth, top floor. It was small and simple with a sloping ceiling which meant being careful getting in and out of bed. The two doubles pushed together had individual duvets and, although there was only one pillow each, there was a spare in the wardrobe. Only one side of the bed had a table, light, and charging point. There was a small desk and two chairs, a wall-mounted TV and tea and coffee making facilities. Although bottled water was not provided, the tap water was said to be filtered and drinkable.
The small bathroom was in proportion to the bedroom. The tardis-like shower cubicle supplied relatively powerful hot water, and shower gel and hand soaps were provided. The wall-mounted hairdryer was efficient and near the mirror. There were plenty of towels and a heated towel rail which we couldn’t switch off and as the room got very hot, we left the window open. As bells from the nearby church rang on the hour from 7am, an alarm clock was not required.
As our evening flight was delayed, we didn’t arrive at the hotel until 1am, so we were pleased that check in was slick and efficient. Despite our late arrival, we were awake early and found the ground floor cafe just after 8am (breakfast was available from 8am to 11am). Unfortunately, everyone appeared to be in breakfast at the same time, and as all the tables were full, the helpful receptionist unlocked a nearby room with a refectory table seating 14. We just managed to get a photo, but it was not long before we were joined by others.
Breakfast comprised of orange juice, muesli, yoghurt and chopped fresh fruit, bread and croissants, followed by a cold selection of charcuterie, cheese, mixed salad and pickles. The hot dishes included squares of omelette, sausages and pancakes. There was good machine-made coffee and by the time we left, it had all quietened down. Whilst the food was fine, it was not the most relaxing start to the day.
A range of rooms, from singles to quads and suites, are also available, and other rooms have facilities for the disabled. Access to the upper floors was by lift.
Although the hotel had no evening restaurant or bar, it was in a good location for both sightseeing and eating and drinking and the helpful staff on reception spoke good English.
