— The hotel
Delux Penthouse & SPA
First Impressions
Walking into Delux Penthouse & SPA, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from the name — but honestly, it delivers on both fronts. This four-star property sits on a quiet residential street in Riga, and while the building itself looks pretty standard from the outside, there’s something refreshingly unpretentious about the whole setup. The staff greeted me like I was an old friend, which immediately set the tone for what turned out to be a really solid stay.
Location & Getting Around
Anniņmuižas iela isn’t exactly in the thick of Old Town, but that’s actually a good thing if you ask me. You’re about a 15-minute tram ride from the historic center, which means you get to see how locals actually live while still having easy access to all the tourist spots. There’s a decent grocery store within walking distance, and I noticed quite a few cafes where you’ll hear more Latvian than English — always a good sign. The parking situation is straightforward too, which can’t be said for most places in the city center.
The Room Experience
My room was larger than I expected, with floor-to-ceiling windows that made the space feel even more open. The “penthouse” part isn’t just marketing fluff — some units really do have that elevated feel, though I mean, we’re not talking Manhattan penthouses here. What impressed me most was the attention to practical details: good water pressure, blackout curtains that actually work, and a kitchenette that’s genuinely useful if you want to grab breakfast ingredients from that nearby store I mentioned.
The SPA Element
The spa facilities are compact but well-maintained, and here’s the thing — they’re never crowded because most tourists don’t venture out to this area. I spent a good hour in the sauna after a long day exploring Riga’s Art Nouveau district, and it felt like having a private wellness center. The treatment menu isn’t extensive, but what they do offer is done properly, and the prices are refreshingly reasonable compared to what you’d pay at the Grand Palace Hotel downtown.
Why Guests Love It
Look, this isn’t the flashiest place in Riga, but that 9.1 rating isn’t an accident. It’s the kind of hotel where everything just works — the WiFi is fast, the restaurant serves solid food without trying too hard, and you never feel like you’re being nickel-and-dimed. The neighborhood gives you a real sense of what residential Riga feels like, while still keeping you connected to the main attractions. For travelers who want comfort and authenticity without the tourist-trap pricing, Delux Penthouse & SPA hits that sweet spot perfectly.