Ernests’ unique townhouse with sauna, hot tub and free parking

First Impressions

Walking up to Ernests’ unique townhouse with sauna, hot tub and free parking, you immediately get the sense this isn’t your typical four-star hotel experience. It’s tucked away on Ernesta Birznieka-Upīša iela, which honestly took me a moment to pronounce correctly, but the locals were patient with my attempts. The building has this charming residential feel that makes you feel like you’re staying at a well-connected friend’s place rather than checking into another anonymous hotel room. There’s something refreshing about pulling right up to the property and not having to worry about parking — which, if you’ve ever driven in Riga’s Old Town, you’ll know is basically a small miracle.

Location & Neighborhood

The location score of 9.7 isn’t just marketing fluff — this place really is positioned perfectly. You’re close enough to the medieval charm of Vecrīga that you can easily walk there, but far enough away that you’re not dealing with the tourist crowds every time you step outside. I found myself wandering through the nearby streets in the evenings, discovering little cafes and shops that most visitors never stumble upon. The area has this authentic Riga residential vibe where you’ll see locals going about their daily routines, which I actually preferred to being right in the thick of the tourist zone.

The Townhouse Experience

What sets this place apart is how it feels more like renting a private home than staying in a hotel. The space has character — you know, those little architectural details and quirks that give a place personality. The rooms are thoughtfully arranged, and there’s this sense of privacy that couples especially seem to appreciate. I mean, when you’re traveling with someone special, the last thing you want is paper-thin walls and the feeling that you’re just another room number in a massive hotel complex.

Sauna & Hot Tub

Now, let’s talk about the real stars of this show — the sauna and hot tub. After spending a day exploring Riga (especially during the cooler months), sinking into that hot tub feels absolutely perfect. The sauna is properly done too, not some afterthought tucked into a corner. It’s clear that Ernest, whoever he is, understood that these amenities needed to be more than just checkboxes on a features list. There’s something deeply satisfying about having these facilities essentially to yourself, rather than sharing them with dozens of other guests like you would at a larger hotel.

Why Guests Love It

The perfect rating of 10 starts to make sense once you’ve spent a night or two here. It’s the combination of things that individually might seem small but together create something special — the free parking that actually works, the location that puts you in the heart of things without the chaos, and those wellness amenities that turn a simple city break into something more restorative. Couples keep coming back because it strikes that sweet spot between independence and comfort. You get the privacy and space of a rental property with the reliability and service standards of a four-star establishment.