— The hotel
Luxury Renovated – 600 Mbit – 64 M2 – 65 inch TV
Luxury Renovated – 600 Mbit – 64 M2 – 65 inch TV sits right on Vienības gatve 42, and you can’t miss it once you step off the tram stop at Riga Central Station. The lobby feels more like a cozy living room than a hotel front desk – the green sofa and the tablet that lets you check in yourself made the whole thing feel almost futuristic, honestly. When I first slid into the room, the 65‑inch TV was already on a bit of a loop of local news, which is great if you want to catch up on Latvian politics or just watch some old Soviet cartoons for nostalgia. The Wi‑Fi was a solid 600 Mbit, so streaming 4K was actually smooth, but the router was a bit out of place – it sat on a stack of old posters that probably belonged to the previous owner. I mean, the room itself is 64 m², which is surprisingly generous for a 4‑star spot in the city center; there’s even a small balcony that opens onto a quiet street where you can hear the distant hum of a tram.
Parking is a mixed bag. There’s a small street parking space right outside, but the meter spots are often full during the summer. I ended up using the hotel’s underground garage, which is a bit of a walk down a narrow stairwell, but the attendants were friendly and offered a free key for the next day, which was a nice touch. The noise level is moderate; the street can get lively at night, especially on weekends when the cafés spill their lights onto the sidewalks, but the double‑glazed windows keep the city buzz from turning into a full‑on concert. I found the mattress to be a bit on the firm side – the pillow selection was a bit limited, but you can always ask for an extra one. The bathroom had a surprisingly deep, warm shower that left the tiles feeling cool and crisp afterward – a nice contrast to the humid air outside.
Just a few steps away, you’ll find the historic “Rīgas Doma laukums” with its gothic spires, and if you’re after a bite, there’s the tiny bistro “Kafija” on Lielā Strādnieku street, where the espresso is strong and the rye bread is a must-try. I also walked past an art gallery on Pils Street that showcases contemporary Latvian artists – the space is open and airy, and the staff always has great recommendations. For a quieter evening, you can take a short walk to “Rīgas Balti” and catch the sunset over the Daugava river, which is a perfect way to end the day. The hotel tends to be busier in July and August, but if you’re visiting in late September or early October, the streets are less crowded and the air has that crisp, early‑autumn feel, making it easier to explore on foot.
All in all, staying here felt like having a local’s apartment in the heart of Riga, with the convenience of a hotel’s amenities but the personal touches you only find in a place you know well. If you’re planning a trip, I’d say book early for the best rates, especially if you want to avoid the summer rush. The staff are friendly, the room is spacious, and the Wi‑Fi and TV setup is solid – so you can relax, catch up on your favorite shows, and let the city’s rhythms seep into your stay.
Hotel in Riga booking should be done early, especially during White Nights season when the city hosts internationally celebrated cultural and music events.