— The hotel
NB Hotel with Free Parking
NB Hotel with Free Parking sits at Slokas iela 49, right on the edge of Riga’s historic Old Town. I was pleasantly surprised that the building feels almost like a quiet, tucked‑away apartment block, not the usual hotel block you see in tourist brochures. The façade is a beige brick that blends with the surrounding 19th‑century architecture, and you can’t miss the little wrought‑iron sign that says “NB.” The street itself is a mix of cobblestones and modern sidewalks, and the smell of freshly baked rye bread wafts from the bakery on the corner of Pārdaugava a few steps away. I actually walked there two nights after check‑in and found the bread so good it was almost a betrayal of the city’s famous rye.
The room was a cozy, no‑frills space that feels more like a local’s home than a hotel suite. The bed was a bit on the firm side, which you can tell from the thin mattress, but the sheets were a comfy, soft cotton that made the early mornings of the summer season feel like a breeze. There’s a small kitchenette with a kettle and a few mugs – perfect if you want to brew a quick cup of Latvian tea without going to a café. The bathroom had a surprisingly clean shower and a wooden vanity that gave a rustic touch. I mean, it wasn’t luxurious, but it was practical, and honestly, that’s all you really need when you’re just staying in the city for a few days. The bathroom’s small window lets in a faint scent of the river – a subtle reminder that you’re not far from the Daugava.
The parking is literally free, which is a lifesaver for anyone who’s driving into Riga. I parked my car right outside the building and didn’t have to worry about hunting for a spot in the city center. The parking lot is a small, fenced area that’s open 24/7, so you can drop off your bags and head into the Old Town, and you’ll still have your car waiting in the morning. The only downside is that the parking area can get a bit noisy during the night because of the occasional delivery truck – but that’s a minor annoyance compared to the convenience. Check‑in was straightforward: the front desk guy greeted me with a quick “Sveiki” and handed me a key card in one hand while showing me the elevator in the other. No long lines or confusing questions – just a friendly, efficient service that made the whole process feel hassle‑free.
When it comes to noise, you’ll hear the usual hum of city life: cars, pedestrians, and the occasional jazz band playing in the square across the street. It’s not a constant roar, but if you’re a light sleeper, you might want to bring earplugs. At night, there’s a subtle hum from the city that feels like a lullaby compared to the quiet that surrounds the hotel in the early morning. The best time to explore is early afternoon when the Old Town is bustling but not at its peak, and the local cafés are still open. In the evenings, the street lights cast a warm glow on the cobblestones, making a walk along the river a pure joy.
All in all, NB Hotel with Free Parking is a solid choice for anyone looking to stay in the heart of Riga without the extra cost and hassle of city‑center parking. Its location is unbeatable – you can walk to the House of Blackheads, the Latvian National Museum of Art, and even the Riga Central Market in about fifteen minutes. The free parking is the real gem, especially for those who prefer not to rely on public transport. The hotel’s vibe is friendly and unpretentious, and while it doesn’t offer extravagant amenities, it has everything you need to enjoy a comfortable stay, from a good bed to a functional kitchen. So if you’re planning a quick trip or a longer visit, this place will keep you grounded in the city’s rhythm without breaking the bank.
Hotels near me in Riga offer convenient access to the city center, where guests can easily walk to Riga Cathedral, House of the Blackheads, and the famous Art Nouveau district.