Paulas room.

Paulas room. Overview

When I first stepped into Paulas room, the whole vibe felt like a quiet Sunday in a cozy café—only the city of Riga was brewing in the background. The building itself is a modest brick façade on 17 Cēsu iela, tucked right beside the little art gallery that’s actually the former textile factory on Ādams Street. You know what, the street’s name is a bit of a tongue‑twister for English speakers, but locals swear by it. The check‑in was quick; the front desk lady handed me a key with a smile that said, “You’re in the right place.” I mean, the whole process took less than five minutes, which is a relief after a long flight that felt like it could have taken an extra hour if I’d gotten lost in the maze of narrow lanes leading to the hotel.

Inside, the room was a surprisingly spacious oasis for a 3‑star spot. The bed was a king‑size with a mattress that remembered the exact pressure points from my first night’s sleep—well, at least the first night, because by the fourth I was already dreaming of the sea. The décor was a tasteful mix of Latvian folk prints and industrial chic; the wallpaper was a subtle pattern of birch bark that reminded me of the Lielupe River breezes. The bathroom had that classic “old‑world” feel with a deep claw‑foot tub that smelled faintly of eucalyptus from the shower. The Wi‑Fi was decent, but honestly, it did lag a bit after 8 pm, so if you’re a serial blogger, maybe plan your uploads for earlier in the evening. The kitchenette had a kettle that boiled in under a minute, which was handy for those who still enjoy a cup of black coffee before bed.

Parking is a bit of a challenge because the street is narrow and the city’s parking spots are more like a game of hide‑and‑seek. I parked in the small lot behind the building, but it was tight and a bit noisy with cars turning in and out. The next day, I walked to the nearby Freedom Square—only a ten‑minute stroll—and the noise level dropped dramatically. The hotel’s location is great for exploring the Old Town; you can hop on a tram to the Riga Cathedral or just wander down to the old market hall, where the smell of fresh rye bread and smoked fish fills the air. For late‑night travelers, the hotel is surprisingly quiet; the only sounds are the distant hum of traffic and the occasional siren that’s oddly comforting. The only downside is that the elevator is a bit slow, and the lobby has a faint scent of cleaning chemicals that linger after the daily sweep.

If you’re planning to visit during the spring or late summer, the hotel’s proximity to the river promenade is a plus—you’ll get to watch the sunset over the Lielupe. In winter, though, the streets can get a bit slick; just wear good boots. And if you’re looking for a place that feels like a home base rather than a hotel, this is where you’ll find it. The staff are friendly but not overbearing, and the room’s layout is practical—there’s a small desk that actually fits a laptop, which is a lifesaver if you’re trying to catch up on emails before a meeting. All in all, I’d say Paulas room is a solid, understated spot that knows how to keep it real for travelers who want a touch of local flavor without the fuss of a luxury property.

Exploring Riga offers visitors an unforgettable journey through Latvia’s cultural heart, from its UNESCO-listed medieval old town to its world-famous Art Nouveau buildings and dynamic Baltic atmosphere.

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