Home In Riga

Home In Riga sits on Ģertrūdes iela, right in the thick of the old town, but not in the usual tourist crunch. I first walked in on a rainy Tuesday in late September, and the smell of fresh coffee beans from the tiny café on the corner of Strēlnieku Street was the first thing that hit me. The lobby is surprisingly cozy—think warm wood panels, a low ceiling, and a mural of Riga’s skyline that feels like a secret handshake among locals. The staff were friendly but not overbearing; the check‑in was quick, a little too quick, but they did offer a small bag of local rye bread in a paper bag with a handwritten note that said, “Enjoy the city!” – a little something that made the place feel less like a hotel and more like a home.

I stayed in a standard room with a balcony that looks out over the old town’s cobblestones. The room itself is tastefully decorated in a mix of modern and classic Baltic design, with a soft green accent that goes well with the city’s summer vibe. The bed is a real find—plush, with a deep mattress and a set of four different pillow types that you can choose from. The bathroom is surprisingly spacious; the shower has a glass door that lets in a bit of the outside light, and the tiles are a nice ceramic that feels cool underfoot in the winter. The only thing that could use a tweak is the noise level; at 2 a.m., the street below can feel a bit too close, but honestly, it’s still manageable if you’re a light sleeper.

Walking out of the hotel, I found myself heading straight to the nearby Laurinciepi, where the local coffee shop on Krišjāņa Valdemāra Street offers a brew that pairs perfectly with a slice of rye cake. If you’re looking to explore the city, the hotel’s location means you can stroll to the Art Nouveau district in about fifteen minutes, or hop on a tram to the Old Town’s main square where the Pasts market sells everything from handmade jewelry to fresh fish. Parking is a bit of a hassle—there’s a small lot in front of the building, but it fills up fast during the summer, so I recommend renting a bike or taking a taxi if you’re not up for a walk. The overall vibe of Home In Riga is one of understated luxury, with a personal touch that makes you feel like you’ve found a secret spot that locals keep to themselves. It’s a place where the city’s history meets modern comfort, and if you’re planning a trip to Latvia, this is the spot that’ll give you a real taste of Riga’s soul.