For a long time, the “Corner” hotel on T. Ševčenkos Street in Vilnius’ Naujamiestis district had little connection to the vibrant surroundings around it. Today, it is far more than just a place to stay. In just one year, after the building was acquired by the creative real estate development company “reefo,” not only the hotel’s identity but also its relationship with the surrounding environment has been transformed.
“Corner” is becoming a space open to the city: here, hospitality services, culture, and the city’s rhythm converge; creators meet, community initiatives take place, and contemporary art is showcased. The hotel’s common areas have been renovated and refurbished, and all rooms have been transformed into cozy studios designed for comfortable living. The bar, restaurant, and lobby areas have been creatively revitalized, making them more appealing to both guests and visitors.
By the end of the year, the complete renovation of the building’s façade is scheduled to be finished. The ongoing transformations within the hotel are already reflected in its performance—during the first half of this year, compared to the same period in 2024, occupancy increased by more than 16%, reaching full capacity during the summer months, while room rates rose by nearly 15%, with potential for further growth.
An innovative hybrid investment model has also been introduced. By purchasing fully furnished apartments or studios, buyers can rent them out, live in them, or entrust their management to the hotel’s professional team and receive regular payouts—returns from rooms rented out as part of the hotel’s operations. The projected annual investment return is expected to reach 8.5%. and more. Already 78% of apartments have been sold, most of them have been entrusted to the hotel’s management. „Tai galimybė investuoti be rūpesčių – viskuo pasirūpina profesionali komanda, o investuotojai gauna apčiuopiamą grąžą“, – sako Karolis Aidulis, kūrybinės NT vystymo kompanijos „reefo“ įkūrėjas ir vadovas.
More than just a renovation – a new creative vision reflecting the identity of Naujamiestis.
The hotel’s renovation aimed not only to enhance the guest experience but also to embody the identity of Naujamiestis—the district’s creativity, vibrant community, and dynamic, innovative energy. The project was carried out in collaboration with creators and design studios well acquainted with Naujamiestis. The façade renovation project was designed by the architectural studio HEIMA, while the interior design was created and executed by the studio “Another Studios.” The spaces are designed for both relaxation and work, with art becoming an integral part of the experience.
It is said jokingly that the loft district, of which “Corner” is a part, is home mostly to artists who have represented Lithuania at the Venice Art Biennale. “Therefore, it was especially important to us that art be present within the hotel spaces, not just as an interior detail, but in a way that sparks visitors’ curiosity, inspires them, and creates a different relationship with the spaces,” says K. Aidulis.
The hotel hosts the “CAC Reading Corner,” curated by the Contemporary Art Centre, and showcases works by local artists. The bistro wall features a fresco titled “On the Tip of the Tongue”, specially created for this project by young-generation artist Ieva Rojūtė. Photographs by Ignas Maldaus and works by illustrator Karolis Strautniekas are displayed in the corridors and rooms. In the common areas, visitors can view a collection of posters from the LOUISIANA Museum of Modern Art.
This fall, one of the meeting rooms will be transformed with a game-themed concept, brought to life by the creative studio “Studio Playground,” operating between Stockholm and Vilnius.
The hotel’s interior blends its industrial past with a sense of coziness
In Naujamiestis, two strong creative hubs converge: technological innovation and the arts and creative industries. This district is home to many artists and professionals from the film and cultural industries, surrounded by design and architecture studios, and hosts a variety of creative businesses. It is a vibrant district that attracts diverse audiences, generates significant cross-sector creative value, and stands out for its distinctive, architecturally multifaceted landscape.
“When redesigning the common areas, we drew inspiration from Soho House, which positions itself as a club for creatives.” We visited some of these hotel-clubs ourselves and were inspired by how the spaces maintain an unpretentious simplicity, tolerate natural wear, and at the same time invite a refined, cozy, and creative experience. This approach aligns with “reefo’s” principle: Rethink, Redesign, Redevelop. “To preserve what is worth keeping and do only what is necessary, creating a significant change through soft factors—design, art, lighting,” shares Gabrielė Poderė, one of the founders of “Another Studios.”
The team from “Another Studios,” which designed the hotel’s interiors, spent some time “living” in the hotel—they set up a temporary office, had lunch, held evening meetings—and explored ways not only to renovate the spaces with expressive character but also to create experiences that would be cozy and comfortable for both residents and guests.
The concrete district housing the hotel has so far retained its functional austerity, with many buildings previously used for manufacturing or other industrial purposes. Responding to this context, the designers introduced softness into the spaces: vintage furniture, patterns, cozy lighting, and textiles. Relaxation areas have been created, with sunlight streaming through stained glass, casting warm tones across the interior. Although the hotel’s design identity is striking, it simultaneously invites guests to step away from the city’s bustle and unwind—this contrast between the industrial surroundings and the cozy interior was one of the primary objectives.