City Hotels Algirdas

I paid a high New Year's Eve rate for a December 31 to January 1 stay at City Hotel Algirdas in Vilnius. The booking terms said it was non-refundable, but that the date could be changed. An unexpected emergency meant we couldn't travel, so I told the property right away. They cancelled the reservation and sent me confirmation. The room was then resold, as that date showed “sold out.” I asked to move the booking to another date, as the conditions allowed, but they refused. A January stay in the same room cost nearly three times less than what I'd paid, and they offered no fair alternative. Afterward, I left an honest, factual review on Booking.com describing what happened. It hasn't been published, and I haven't been told why.

We had a delicious lunch, so I imagine the hotel guests eat well too. The place is small and cozy, and sits on a quiet street near the Old Town. It's well placed for the bus and train stations and has airport access. In season they bring in extra staff, and the hotel seems popular with tourists. There are two big shopping centers nearby, “Maxima” with a bistro and “Iki,” plus a cafe and Chinese restaurant on the same street and other places serving oriental food in the area. I would say the rooms could use some repairs, and the bed linen should be newer.

The rooms were clean and excellent, and the service was very good. One of the best options we found in Vilna, well worth it.

We booked through Hotels.com, reservation number 73114644761259, but couldn't get a visa appointment and asked to cancel. There were still two months before check-in, yet they turned down the request and left us in a difficult spot. They could have rebooked the rooms for a higher price, but instead made us pay for a stay we can't take. It feels like money is all this business cares about. Think twice before booking.