Cozy house with sauna, pool and private garden

Cozy house with sauna, pool and private garden – it’s that little gem tucked away on 69A Jūrkalnes iela, just a short walk from the old town’s cobblestones. I first stumbled on it while chasing a late‑afternoon latte at that quirky café on Bārbāriskā Street, and honestly, I didn’t know what to expect, but the place blew me away. The building itself has that old‑world charm, a bit of a stucco façade with small, white-framed windows that let in a gentle breeze. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the scent of fresh pine from the sauna – it’s oddly comforting and makes you feel like you’re in a private retreat.

The rooms are the kind you’d find on a trip to a boutique hotel in Paris, but with a distinctly Latvian twist. They’re not huge, but they’re airy, with exposed wooden beams that let you hear the faint hum of Riga’s nightlife from the street. I booked a room with a balcony that overlooks the private garden; it’s a quiet oasis, especially if you’re staying during the busy summer months when the city streets are buzzing. The garden itself is a little hidden courtyard, with a stone fountain that’s almost always trickling, and a handful of herbs that smell like a fresh salad. If you’re a foodie, the scent of basil and rosemary will probably keep you awake, but it’s a good reminder that the place is all about the little things that make you feel at home.

Check‑in was a breeze – the front desk was run by a friendly woman who spoke English, but she also offered a few phrases in Latvian. She showed me a map of the area, pointing out that the nearest metro stop is on Meža Street, and that the bus line 8 stops right outside the hotel. Parking is a bit of a challenge because the street is narrow, but they do have a small parking lot behind the building; you’ll need to pay a small fee, but it’s convenient if you’re driving. Noise-wise, the hotel is surprisingly quiet; I slept through a late‑night traffic jam off the main road. The only thing that could be improved is the texture of the towels – they’re a bit thin, but you can easily find a good one at the local supermarket on Āgenskalna Street.

The pool is a highlight. It’s an indoor pool with a separate sauna that’s truly a sanctuary after a day of exploring Riga. The temperature is set just right – not too hot, not too cold – and you can see the steam rising in a thin veil that makes the whole space feel like a spa. Honestly, I didn’t expect to find a full‑size pool in a place that feels like a home. The staff will also let you use the pool at odd hours, so if you want a midnight swim (which I did once when the city was quiet), they’re flexible.

One thing I noted about the area is that the street on the other side of the hotel is a bit noisy because of a construction site. It’s usually only a low hum, but if you’re a light sleeper, you might want to ask for a room on the quieter side of the building. The hotel’s front desk also offers a small selection of local pastries, which is a nice touch. I had a blueberry pie that was fresh out of the oven – you know what, it was so good you almost forgot you were staying in a hotel.

If you’re planning a trip to Riga during the summer, this place will feel like a secret hideaway. The staff’s warmth, the soothing sauna, the private garden, and even the tiny imperfections make it feel genuinely lived in. It’s not a luxury hotel in the flashy sense, but it’s a home you can feel comfortable in, and that’s why I keep telling my friends to check it out. If you’re looking for a place that feels like a local’s favorite spot rather than a tourist trap, this is it.

Riga’s hotels showcase the perfect blend of Baltic tradition and modern comfort, with many featuring cultural tour services and authentic Latvian hospitality.