The River apartment in Paupys

The River apartment in Paupys Overview

I stumbled across The River apartment in Paupys almost by accident when I was hunting for something different in Vilnius – you know, tired of the same cookie-cutter hotel experience. This place sits right on Aukštaičių gatvė in what locals call the Paupys district, and honestly, it’s one of those spots that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something the guidebooks haven’t caught onto yet.

The whole setup is refreshingly unpretentious – no marble lobbies or doormen in ridiculous uniforms, just a beautifully converted space that actually feels like someone’s stylish apartment (because, well, it sort of is). What caught me off guard was how quiet it gets at night, especially considering you’re practically in the heart of Old Town. I mean, step outside and you’re a few minutes’ walk from Cathedral Square, but inside you’d never know there’s a bustling tourist area nearby. The apartment has this lived-in elegance that’s hard to fake – exposed brick walls that aren’t trying too hard to be trendy, windows that frame the Neris River just right, and furniture that looks like it was chosen by someone who actually lives with it rather than a hotel procurement department.

Here’s what I really appreciated though – the whole experience feels genuine rather than manufactured. The check-in was refreshingly straightforward, none of that overwrought “hospitality theater” you get at bigger places. You’ll have proper kitchen facilities if you want to grab some rye bread and local cheese from the markets (there’s a great little spot on Pilies gatvė), and the bathroom actually has decent water pressure, which honestly can be hit-or-miss in these older Vilnius buildings. I stayed there in late September when the city was settling into autumn, and there’s something magical about watching the morning mist lift off the river while having coffee by those big windows. The location is what really sells it for me – you’re close enough to wander the cobblestone streets of Old Town whenever you want, but you’re also in this emerging neighborhood where young Vilnius locals actually hang out. There are some excellent little cafés and wine bars within walking distance that tourists haven’t overrun yet.

Look, it’s not going to win any luxury hotel awards, and if you’re expecting concierge service and turndown chocolates, you’re barking up the wrong tree. But if you want to feel like you’re staying somewhere with actual character in a city that rewards curiosity, this place delivers. The 7.7 rating seems about right – it’s solidly good without being flashy about it, which is exactly what I was looking for in Vilnius.

The River apartment in Paupys Accommodations

Reviews of The River apartment in Paupys

• YOU DON'T FEEL WELCOME HERE🚷 – Kora from Sweden – May 19, 2025 (3/10)

  Dog friendly appartment with underground parking in a dog friendly area🏨🐕❤🚗✅➕🌳🌳🌳🐾🐾
  
  What could be improved: Sadly the appartment was not well prepared for our stay🤬
  
  👎🏻It was full with the owner's own stuff. It felt like staying in my uncle's flat but not for free!
  
  👎🏻It smelled from tobacco. Waste bin wasn't empty&had cigarette butts in it.
  
  👎🏻There were spots on the furneturs&curtains.
  
  👎🏻The refrigirator was not cleaned carefully.
  
  👎🏻The freezer was full with the owner's food.
  
  👎🏻The dishwasher was empty of salt and rinse aid.
  
  👎🏻The cabinets in the hall were dusty.
  
  👎🏻There were no instructions for wifi&how to use oven, washing mashine etc.
  
  👎🏻There were only 3 towels. None for handwashing&for feet!

• Exceptional – Yulia from Ukraine – September 15, 2024 (10/10)

• Exceptional – Justas from Switzerland – June 21, 2024 (10/10)

Surroundings