Staying at the Siauliai Hotel in Siauliai, Lithuania

My backpacking in Lithuania adventures continued north towards the Latvia border. After exploring the bars and sights of Kaunas, the crazy self proclaimed Republic of Uzupis and the capital city Vilnius, I got a bus up to Siauliai. Siauliai is pronounced “Shough Lay” (use the “ough” sounds from the word “bough” or “Slough”). Siauliai is by far the best and cheapest city to base yourself in while visiting Kyrziu Kalnas (the Hill of Crosses) which is my most recommended site in Lithuania.

Once you arrive in Siauliai at the bus station, you are pretty much in the centre of the city. However Siauliai is still not a really popular tourist spot so there are less hostels and hotels than other parts of the country. This is a good thing – it means you’ll always get a bed, you’ll be the only tourist and things will be cheaper. You have a few options. I opted for a central and fancier hotel for a change for the night, the Siauliai Hotel which costs €23 a night for a private single room. You can try the budget option of the Hostel of Siauliai Young Tourist Centre is that’s too much for you – it costs around 4-5 Euros a night for a basic dorm bed. Here are 5 reasons why I preferred the Siauliai Hotel though. I mean, it was pretty damn inspiring and hard to put into words how much I loved my experience in Siauliai and Lithuania in general – fabulous country.

1. Views
I asked to be on one of the higher floors with a view and the receptionist put me in room 1404 which had stunning views. Day and night the views are stunning…

The St. Peter’s and Paul’s Church is one of the main sights in the city and the view of it is phenomenal.

2. In Room WiFi
I had working WiFi in my room which was fast! At night it was easy – a few beers and work away by my desk!

3. Central Location
If you’re heading in and out of Siauliai quickly (as I was) then the Hotel Siauliai is the best option as it’s only a 10-12 minute walk from the bus station and 15 minutes from the train station. It’s on Vilniaus Street – the pedestrian street through the city. The budget hostel is a bit further away.

4. No Other Travellers
Even my night out in Siauliai was great as I was the onyl traveller. I almost couldn’t believe it when I checked into the hotel to be asked why I was here etc. and it’s great to have a traveller about. I say to you all – go to Siauliai please and check this city out! All alone here.

5. Comfortable Room
The final reason may be an obvious one, but the rooms here were really warm and cosy. I was there in winter and the room was well heated, working shower, free soap and shampoo, towel provided, TV, fridge etc. It was a great place to relax for the night.

So please try and break the backpackers mould and spend at least a night in unknown Siauliai rather than just base yourself in Kaunas and Vilnius and “day trip this, day trip that”. It is only through staying in towns like Siauliai that I have felt I am really travelling the last few years. Backpacking through Paris and Berlin, as cool as it is, does nothing new to inspire me. Siauliai, yes you did, thanks!

Here are the details for booking your stay at the Hotel Siauliai in Lithuania:
Draugystės pr. 25, Siauliai, Siauliai, Lithuania
Our address: Draugystės pr. 25, LT-76289, Siauliai,
Tel.: +370 437333, fax: +370 438339, [email protected]

Here are my videos from the Hotel Siauliai: