Heart of Natural Park, Sea and River

Hotel Description

You know what? When I first saw the name “Heart of Natural Park, Sea and River,” I honestly thought it was one of those overly dramatic hotel names that promise the world and deliver a parking lot view. But this little 3-star spot on Mangaļsalas iela actually lives up to its billing – and that 9.1 rating isn’t just wishful thinking.

The thing about this location is it’s tucked away in what feels like Riga’s best-kept secret. I mean, most tourists never make it out to Mangaļsala because they’re too busy wandering around Old Town (which, fair enough, is gorgeous). But here’s what they’re missing – you’re literally sitting between the Daugava River and the Gulf of Riga, with Daugavgrīva Nature Park right there. I spent my first morning just walking along the shoreline, watching cargo ships head out to sea while herons picked through the marsh grass. It’s this weird, wonderful mix of industrial and pristine that somehow works perfectly.

The hotel itself feels more like a well-run guesthouse than anything corporate, which I actually prefer. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward – no upselling, no complicated key cards that stop working every twelve hours. The rooms are clean and comfortable without trying too hard to be fancy. What really got me was stepping out onto the little balcony (request a river-facing room if you can) and realizing how quiet it gets once the day-trippers head home. You can actually hear the water lapping against the shore, which sounds cheesy but honestly made such a difference after months of city noise. The staff clearly know their regulars – I watched them chatting with a couple who’d been coming every summer for years, getting updates on their grandkids and whatnot.

Here’s the practical stuff that matters: parking is easy and free, which is basically unheard of anywhere else in Riga. The 15-minute bus ride into the city center runs regularly, though I’d recommend renting bikes if the weather’s decent – the ride along the river is half the experience. Summers get busy with locals escaping the heat, so book ahead if you’re coming between June and August. The restaurant downstairs serves solid, unpretentious food, and they know how to prepare fish properly, which tells you something about a place this close to the water. Just don’t expect room service or a 24-hour concierge – this isn’t that kind of hotel, and it’s better for it.

Look, if you want marble lobbies and turndown service, stay in the city center and pay triple. But if you want to wake up to the sound of water instead of traffic, watch the sunrise over the Baltic, and still be close enough to hit up Riga’s markets and museums, this place gets it right. It’s one of those finds that makes you feel like you’re seeing a side of a city that most people miss completely.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $86. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 single beds, 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Weekend rest – Judita from Lithuania – 2 September 2024 (10/10)

  Tidy, cozy and spacious apartment. Very helpful and kind host. Apartment is in a good location, close to the beach.
  
  What could be improved: The water flow in the shower was very weak.

• Exceptional – Justina from Lithuania – 23 July 2024 (10/10)

  Beautiful, serene and quiet surroundings, seaside nearby (not crowded!), the apartment was perfectly clean and had all most important things for a stay. The hosts are very kind and helpful, thank you🤗we will be back

• Superb – Veronika from Czech Republic – 9 July 2024 (9/10)

  Nice place on a good location

• Relaxing stay with the kids – Sophia from Germany – 2 July 2024 (10/10)

  There were everything that we needed. The garden was amazing and totally fitted for the children
  
  What could be improved: Mosquitoes everywhere! 😁

• Superb – Gary from United States – 25 June 2024 (9/10)

  Beautiful spot of Latvia to explore, quiet, and comfortable, thankful for the screens on the windows!
  
  What could be improved: Perhaps another comfortable place to sit, with 5 people it was a challenge.

• Exceptional – Bistere from Latvia – 24 June 2024 (10/10)

  We really enjoyed the quiet surroundings and privacy. The rooms were equipped with everything necessary. Also, the barbecue option was excellent. We were 13 people, and everyone was satisfied. And the houst was very helpful, so lots and lots of thanks!

• Exceptional – Liepajniece from United Kingdom – 10 November 2023 (10/10)

  That it was in such nice and quiet place.
  
  What could be improved: Kids loved the toys that where available to use thorough the stay

• Superb – Eligija from Lithuania – 20 August 2023 (9/10)

  The apartment is very cosy and spacious and has everything that might be needed during the stay. The area is very quiet and the beach 12 min walk away – I think this apartment is a good option for families.
  
  What could be improved: There are no stores, cafes or restaurants around, so you have to bring food in advance or drive at least 15 min to the nearest store.

• Exceptional – Kairi from Estonia – 11 August 2023 (10/10)

  We enjoyed the green, clean, and rather quiet environment. The apartment was stylish and clean, equipped as it was promised. Communication with the host was quick, fluent, and good-natured. The sea and the beach and also the river are near, easy to approach as there are hiking trails. Recommend highly!

• Everything as was described – Katarzyna from Poland – 29 July 2023 (10/10)

  Everything as was described
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities