MileHacker Logo
Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Central Lithuania, Lithuania

Accommodation Types

Diverse Lodging Choices

  • Hostels:

    Budget-friendly choices, popular among solo travelers, backpackers, and groups. They offer dorm beds and private rooms. Known for their social atmosphere.

  • Hotels:

    Kaunas has simple budget hotels, mid-range establishments, international luxury chains, and independent boutique hotels. Standard amenities are common.

  • Guesthouses/B&Bs:

    Smaller, family-run places for a personal, cozy experience. Owners often share local insights and homemade breakfasts.

  • Vacation Rentals:

    Widely available for longer stays, families, or groups. They give more space, often including kitchen facilities, and a sense of living like a local. Check Booking.com or Vrbo for options.

Specialty Options

  • Unique Local Stays:

    Some boutique hotels occupy beautifully restored interwar modernist buildings. Monte Pacis, in Pažaislis Monastery, presents an unique and luxurious stay with historical significance.

  • Camping & Outdoor:

    Direct city camping is limited, but campgrounds and holiday parks exist near Kaunas Lagoon. Suitable for travelers with their own Camping gear or those seeking cabin rentals. This option provides a nature-focused experience.

  • House/Pet Sitting:

    For those seeking an alternative and immersive stay, platforms like TrustedHousesitters offer exchanges where you care for a home or pets in exchange for accommodation.

  • Seasonal Options:

    During warmer months, pop-up glamping sites or seasonal holiday villages near natural attractions may be an option for an unique experience.

Neighborhood Guide

Kaunas has distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and advantages for visitors.

Old Town Senamiestis

Pros
  • Central location, easy walking access to attractions.
  • Numerous traditional and modern restaurants, cafes.
  • Highly atmospheric and picturesque.
  • Very safe, regular police patrols.
Cons
  • Can be noisy, especially in main squares.
  • Limited car access.
  • Accommodation prices might be higher.

New Town Naujamiestis

Pros
  • Modernist architecture and Laisvės alėja.
  • Commercial and cultural hub with shops, theaters.
  • Very safe, well-lit and active area.
  • Good access to museums and public transport.
Cons
  • Less medieval history than Old Town.
  • Can be busy during weekdays.
  • Moderate noise levels.

Žaliakalnis & Aleksotas

Pros
  • Quieter and more peaceful environment.
  • More affordable accommodation options.
  • Excellent panoramic city views.
  • Less touristy feel. Generally safe.
Cons
  • Further from immediate Old Town attractions.
  • Requires public transport or funicular.
  • Fewer direct dining/shopping options.

Neighborhood Tip

First-time visitors:

Staying in the New Town (Naujamiestis) presents a good balance. You will be central, access many amenities, and remain a short walk or ride from the Old Town.

Historical immersion:

For deep historical immersion and charming evening strolls, the Old Town is the choice, but expect more bustle.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies help you secure good accommodation for your trip to Kaunas, especially depending on the season.

Advance Booking by Season

  • Peak Summer (June-August): Book 3-6 months ahead. Accommodation fills quickly, prices peak.
  • Shoulder Seasons (May, September): A few weeks to 2 months notice is typically sufficient.
  • Low Season (October-April): Good deals and more last-minute availability. A few weeks notice is still good.
  • Holidays: Book early if your trip coincides with Christmas or New Year.

Booking Platforms & Policies

  • Trusted Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, IHG Hotels, Hostelworld, and Vrbo are reliable.
  • Direct Booking: Hotel websites may present better rates or special packages.
  • Walk-in Rates: For established hotels, prices are fixed. For smaller guesthouses during low season, a polite query for a better rate might be possible.
  • Policies: Deposit and cancellation terms vary. Check before reserving. Many permit free cancellation up to 24-48 hours before check-in.

Pricing and Availability

Seasonal Pricing:
  • Prices are highest in summer (June-August) due to tourism and festivals.
  • Elevated around major public holidays.
  • Shoulder seasons (May, September) bring more reasonable rates.
  • Winter (October-April, excluding holidays) typically sees the lowest prices.
Availability Tips:
  • Specific hotels or locations fill up first during peak times.
  • Consider booking apartments for competitive prices on extended visits.
  • For unique stays, especially, early booking is highly advisable.

Important Note on Policies

Cancellation:

Always read the fine print regarding cancellation deadlines and any fees. Non-refundable rates are often cheaper but lack flexibility.

Confirmation:

Confirm your reservation details and check-in times directly with the property a few days before arrival.

Payment:

Note whether payment is upon booking or at the property, and what methods are accepted.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are illustrative examples of accommodation options in Kaunas, categorized by budget and traveler type. Actual prices and availability vary.

Budget & Mid-Range

Budget Picks

For value, consider:

  • Kaunas City Hotel: Simple, clean, centrally located, good value.
  • Hostel Liberty: Well-located in the city center, social atmosphere, dorms and private rooms.
  • Local Guesthouses: Often small, cozy, and offer personalized service at lower rates.
Mid-Range Options

For comfort and convenience:

  • Hotel Kaunas: Modern, central, comfortable, near Laisvės alėja.
  • Best Western Santaka Hotel: Reliable, good rooms, amenities, location, often includes breakfast.
  • Park Inn by Radisson Kaunas: Modern and comfortable, suitable for families with good amenities.

Luxury & Unique Stays

Luxury Choices

For high-end experiences:

  • Monte Pacis: Unique, luxurious, within Pažaislis Monastery on Kaunas Lagoon. Unparalleled history and hospitality.
  • Radisson Hotel Kaunas: Modern, good services, often with river views, contemporary rooms.
  • Grand Hotel Permainos: Features historic architecture with modern comforts for a refined stay.
Traveler-Specific Picks

Best choices for different traveler needs:

  • Family-Friendly: Apartments (space, kitchens). Hotels with family suites or connecting rooms.
  • Solo Traveler: Hostels (social opportunities), small guesthouses (safe, personal environment), central location.
  • Long-Stay: Vacation rentals or serviced apartments (home-like comforts, kitchen/laundry).

Cultural Significance

  • Monte Pacis:

    Prime example, a stay within a magnificent 17th-century monastery complex. Deep immersion in Lithuanian Baroque heritage.

  • Hotel Metropolis:

    Located in the New Town, this hotel occupies a historic building, where guests experience the charm of Kaunas's interwar period architecture.

  • Boutique Hotels in Old Town:

    Many smaller hotels here are in renovated historic buildings, giving an authentic feel of the city's past.

  • Hidden Gems:

    Some apartment rentals are in protected modernist buildings, offering an unique opportunity for an architectural stay.

Additional Considerations

  • Connectivity:

    Most accommodations offer free Wi-Fi. Confirm at booking if this is a priority.

  • Parking:

    If driving, check parking availability and cost, especially in the Old Town where options are limited.

  • Breakfast:

    Many hotels and guesthouses include breakfast. Check if it's a buffet or a la carte.

  • Pet-Friendly:

    Some properties accommodate pets. Inquire about their policies and any extra fees.

Traveler Type Advice

For Families & Groups

Consider serviced apartments or vacation rentals. They feature more space, kitchen facilities for self-catering, and often a better value for multiple guests.

  • Look for proximity to parks or playgrounds.
  • Check for properties with laundry facilities.
  • Easy access to public transport for outings.
For Solo & Budget Travelers

Hostels, especially in the Old Town or New Town, are great for meeting people. Small guesthouses provide a safe, personal setting. Central location makes exploration simple.

  • Check for walking tours organized by hostels.
  • Choose locations near public transport hubs.
  • Consider properties with communal kitchens to save on food costs.

Cultural Immersion Tip

Stay at Monte Pacis

For deep cultural immersion, consider staying at Monte Pacis. Its setting within a historic monastery presents an experience far beyond typical hotel stays.

Modernist Living

Seek out apartments or guesthouses within Kaunas's famous interwar modernist buildings for an unique architectural experience.

Local Neighborhoods

Explore Žaliakalnis or Aleksotas for a quieter, more authentic feel of local life, away from the main tourist zones.