Aston Hotel Riga

I was staying at Aston Hotel Riga last month, and let me tell you, it’s one of those places that feel like a secret corner of the city only locals know about. The building’s façade is this sleek, almost brutalist block on Brīvības iela, but as soon as you step inside, you’re hit with the warm scent of freshly brewed coffee from the lobby bar—think a little bit of the city’s espresso culture mixed with a hint of toasted rye, which, by the way, is the bread you’ll find on the counter at the nearby bakery, just a block away. The check‑in was surprisingly quick; the front desk staff were friendly but efficient, giving you a quick tour of the elevator options—there are two, one on the left with a glass wall that lets you peek at the city skyline, and one on the right which is a bit quieter because it’s closer to the service elevator. The wall clock in the lobby is a quirky little thing that reads the time in both Latvian and English, and that’s something I love about the place—the little touches that make it feel local.

The rooms are a blend of modern minimalism and cozy, almost nostalgic touches. I booked a room on the 12th floor, which has this big window that frames the Old Town like a postcard. The bed is huge, the sheets are cotton, and the mattress is the kind that’s firm enough to feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud but not too fluffy that you sink into it all night. Honestly, the only downside is that the air-conditioning can be a bit loud at night—there’s a fan that whirs, and sometimes you can hear the city’s traffic from the street, but it’s so subtle you’ll probably think it’s just the building settling. The bathroom has a deep, free‑standing tub that’s perfect for a long soak after a day of exploring the city. The shower head is a bit low, so if you’re tall, you’ll need to lean forward a bit. And the tiles? They’re a muted beige that gives a sense of calm, but you’ll see that little crack on the corner of the tile—like a relic of the old building. It’s small, but it tells a story.

What I really love, though, is how close it is to the city’s hidden gems. Just a five‑minute walk down Brīvības iela, you’ll hit the hidden courtyard of the Pils Street Museum, where the locals love to gather in summer for open‑air concerts. If you’re craving something more upscale, the 3‑star “Rīgas Kafija” on the corner of Brīvības and Vērmanes is a must‑visit for their caramelized pancakes—just ask me for directions. And parking? There’s a paid underground lot right next to the hotel, but the best part is the small, free “Carpool” spot on the street that locals use—just don’t bring your own car if you’re planning to walk around the city centre. The noise level at night is pretty decent; you can hear the faint hum of traffic, but it’s not too intrusive. The only critique I have is that the hotel’s Wi‑Fi is a tad slow during peak hours, so if you’re a heavy downloader, you might need to plan around that. But overall, staying at Aston felt like having a quiet hideaway that still keeps you steps away from the pulse of Riga. If you’re looking for a place that feels like a home base but also lets you walk into the heart of the city, this is the spot.