Pakruojis Manor Hotel Stadala

The room smelled strongly of sewage, and there was a pile of dead flies on the windowsill. The towels hadn’t been washed. At breakfast they brought fried eggs but left the bacon off the plate. I had to complain before they brought me any. For this price, that service is absolutely unacceptable.

The staff at the hotel were nice, though I wish they’d explained more about the place. We travel a lot and have plenty to compare it with, and this wasn’t a great experience. The location is lovely and so is the reception, but the room was small and smelled strongly of sewage. Some of the decor didn’t fit the theme, and the bathroom was very dated and awkward for a tall person. The old mattress was uncomfortable, made from two beds pushed together, and with no headboard my pillow kept falling off during the night. It hadn’t been cleaned properly either, there was a cookie under the table. Food at the “traktieris” bar was pretty average, and the waiter was rude. When we asked for an English menu, he almost rolled his eyes.

The reception is lovely, and the receptionists are great, friendly people. The hotel has an authentic feel, with pleasant rooms and beautiful views, but it’s grossly overpriced. I paid €140 for one night and was disappointed. The bathroom felt run-down rather than authentic, and the toiletries were in dispensers like you’d see in a public bathroom. There’s no coffee or tea in the rooms. You can make some in the cellar area, but that isn’t very nice either. The setting beside Pakruojo Dvaras is beautiful, though even entering the manor park costs extra.

The restored old buildings make a beautiful setting, with rooms, a restaurant and other things among them. It felt peaceful and lush, with woodland, a lovely lake to walk around, horses, a donkey and plenty of nature. Our room was pretty, clean and tidy, and the staff were wonderful, especially at the restaurant. Try the locally brewed light beer, just don’t have more than two pints of it :) Such an unexpected gem.