Emily

Emily Overview

Emily sits on 8 Emiļa Melngaiļa iela, a corner that feels like a secret tucked between the hustle of Rīga’s first street and the quiet side lanes that locals call “the back alleys.” I remember arriving at dusk, the sky still pale pink, and the hotel’s façade lit by a single amber lamp that made the building look almost shy. The front desk guy, a lanky guy named Jānis, greeted me with a broad grin—honestly, he made the check‑in feel less like a transaction and more like a welcome. He slid the keycard across the counter with a wink, and I was on my way to a room that smelled faintly of fresh linen and a hint of citrus from the minibar. The bed? Soft, with a mattress that was neither too firm nor too squishy—perfect for a quick nap after a day of walking. I could hear the distant hum of the city, a steady bass that made me think of the old Rīga Streetcar line that runs just a block away.

The hotel’s layout is simple, but that simplicity hides a few gems. Breakfast is served in a small courtyard where the scent of baked rye mingles with the aroma of coffee pulled from a single‑bean machine—nice, not over‑processed, you know what I mean. I’ve found that the dining area is quiet enough for a casual brunch, but if you’re a night owl, the lounge on the second floor becomes a cozy spot to unwind with a glass of local beer while watching the streetlights flicker across the city. Parking at Emily is a bit of a mixed bag—there’s a shared underground space, but you’ll need to grab a spot early on busy weekends, especially when the Rīga Central Market is in full swing. Noise-wise, the building’s older brick walls do a decent job of keeping the city’s chatter at bay, though the occasional siren from the police station on Miera Street can still seep in at night. Still, for most travelers, the quiet is a blessing, allowing you to wake up refreshed and ready to explore the cobbled streets of Old Town.

If I had to give it a rating, 9.5 feels right—almost flawless, but not perfect. The only hiccup? The Wi‑Fi speed in the room can lag when the city is buzzing, like during the summer festivals or the Christmas lights parade. But that’s a small price to pay for a room that feels like a home away from home, with a piece of Latvian culture tucked into every corner. The hotel’s 3‑star label doesn’t ring the same ring as a luxury brand; instead, it feels like a well‑run, genuinely caring place that knows how to keep things simple yet satisfying. So, if you’re looking for a spot that’s close to the heart of Rīga but still lets you escape the noise, Emily is a solid pick. The staff will remember your name, the coffee will be just right, and you’ll leave with the kind of memories that travel blogging rarely captures—just the real, lived experience of a city that feels like home.

Facilities