Kolonna Hotel Brigita

I’ve been hopping around Riga for a few weeks now, and I finally checked into Kolonna Hotel Brigita after a long day of wandering through the cobbled streets of the Old Town. The building itself is a charming two‑storey brick thing that looks like it might have been a bakery in the 1930s, but the lobby is surprisingly modern with a wooden bar that feels like a coffee shop you’d find in a Parisian café. The front desk staff were friendly, but honestly, the check‑in was a bit slow—there were a couple of guests in a hurry who got a bit annoyed, but the staff apologized and offered a free coffee while you wait. I was lucky to snag a room on the second floor, which means a bit of city noise but still far enough up to catch the sunset over the Daugava.

The room itself is a 20‑square‑meter space that feels like a cozy apartment. The bed is a generous queen with linens that are softer than I’d expected for a three‑star hotel. There’s a small desk with a bright LED lamp, a tiny kitchenette with a kettle, and a decent-sized bathroom that has a shower with a good water pressure—no cheap plastic showerheads here. The décor is minimal but tasteful, with a few local art prints that hint at Riga’s artistic vibe. I did have to deal with a tiny leak from the faucet, but the front desk was on top of it and replaced the shower head within an hour. Parking is a major plus: there’s a paid lot right next to the building, and if you’re staying a couple of nights, you can get a discount. The only downside is that the parking fee is a bit steep for the size of the lot, though it’s still cheaper than the ones on the main avenue.

The real magic, though, is the neighborhood. You can walk to Saulkalnes iela, which is a short stroll from the hotel, and find a bunch of cafés that spill out onto the sidewalks. One of my favorite spots is a tiny espresso bar called “Kafējs” that serves a latte that’s basically the best in Riga. Just a block away, the Central Market on Kalnciema street is a food lover’s dream—fresh fish, local cheese, and the smell of pickles that makes you feel like you’re at a family gathering. If you’re into nightlife, there’s a bar called “Bunkas” on Līgo Street that’s a local favorite, and the vibe there is always lively but not too loud. For a quieter night, you can head to the small park behind the hotel and listen to the distant hum of traffic while you read a book under a tree. I found that the noise level in the hotel itself is pretty good after 10 p.m., though the street can get a bit noisy on weekends because of the nightlife scene just a few blocks away. The hotel’s location is perfect for both exploring the Old Town on foot and hopping back to a comfortable, well‑maintained room. Overall, I’d say it’s a solid choice if you want a balance between city life and a decent place to crash.