The Hotel Pacai has debuted in the Old Town of Vilnius, Lithuania within a 15th-century structure. Emphasizing the juxtaposition of historical artifacts with a contemporary design sensibility, architect Saulius Mikštas preserved several original elements, from archways to the onsite courtyard. Unearthed frescoes were restored with details, including the inviting staircase, illustrating the Baroque grandeur of the building.
“It was an incredibly exciting moment when we saw the history firsthand. It was a time capsule of our country, and we felt the life lived during the epoch of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. We saw the same paintings and art pieces that Napoleon, Tsar Alexander I, Polish king John Sobieski and other historical influencers saw,” Mikštas says.
Public spaces feature a palette of dark gray and blue set against clay, tin, stone, and original barn wood. Two floors were added to the building during the renovation, resulting in a five-story hotel with a reconstructed Baroque rooftop. The open-air courtyard sits at the heart of the hotel, serving as a convivial outdoor space. Ninety-four guestrooms and 10 suites each boast intricate wall detailing, while painted faux columns and rugged exposed brick and original wooden beams recall the historical significance of the building. A subtle palette ranging from eggshell and light gray to taupe and deep brown evokes a sense of calm across all accommodations.
