— The hotel
City Westa Hotel
First Impressions
Walking up to City Westa Hotel on Spīķeru Street, you’ll notice it’s not trying to be something it isn’t — and honestly, that’s refreshing. This two-star property sits right in the heart of Riga’s Old Town, tucked away on a quiet cobblestone street that feels worlds away from the tourist crowds just a few blocks over. The building has that authentic European charm without any pretense, and the entrance is understated but welcoming.
Location That Actually Matters
Here’s what I love about this spot — you’re literally steps from Daugava River views, but you won’t pay Old Town square prices. Spīķeru Street runs parallel to the main drag, which means you get all the medieval atmosphere without the constant tour groups walking past your window. The Central Market is maybe a three-minute walk, and trust me, that’s where you want to grab your morning coffee and pastries anyway. You can easily explore the entire historic center on foot from here.
The Room Experience
Don’t expect bells and whistles, but the room I stayed in was clean, comfortable, and had everything I actually needed. The beds are decent — not cloud-like, but I slept well enough after long days wandering around the city. What surprised me was how quiet it gets at night, considering you’re right in the center of everything. The windows are double-glazed, which makes a real difference when you’re this close to the action.
Getting Around and Practical Stuff
The front desk staff actually knows the neighborhood — they pointed me toward a little restaurant around the corner that I never would’ve found otherwise. Parking can be tricky in this part of town (like anywhere in Old Riga), but they’ll give you the honest scoop on where to find spots that won’t break the bank. The tram connections are solid if you need to get to other parts of the city, though honestly, most of what you’ll want to see is walkable from here.
Why Guests Love It
Look, this isn’t a place where you’ll spend a lot of time in your room, and that’s sort of the point. You’re paying for a clean, safe place to sleep in an unbeatable location, and City Westa Hotel delivers exactly that. The 7.9 rating makes sense — it’s not fancy, but it gets the fundamentals right without any surprises. For travelers who want to experience authentic Riga without paying premium prices for amenities they won’t use, this little spot hits the sweet spot between budget-friendly and actually comfortable.
