Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Daugava Riga

You know what caught me off guard about the Radisson Blu on Kuģu iela? It’s actually right there on the Daugava riverbank, but somehow it doesn’t feel touristy at all. I mean, you’re literally looking out at the water and the old town across the way, but the whole vibe is more like a local business hotel that just happens to have killer views. The lobby has this modern Nordic thing going on – all clean lines and muted colors – which honestly feels pretty perfect for Riga’s mix of old and new.

The spa part isn’t just marketing fluff, either. They’ve got this whole floor dedicated to it, and I actually saw locals coming in just for treatments, which is always a good sign. The pool area has these floor-to-ceiling windows facing the river, so you can swim laps while watching the occasional boat drift by. What I really appreciated was how quiet it stays – even when the Old Town gets crazy during summer festivals, you’re just far enough away on this side of the river that you get the views without the noise. The rooms are solid four-star territory, nothing fancy but everything works properly (you’d be surprised how rare that is sometimes). The beds are actually comfortable, and the bathrooms have decent water pressure – little things that matter when you’re traveling.

Here’s what’s genuinely useful about staying here: you’re a quick walk to the Central Market and the train station, but you’re also close to some of the newer parts of Riga that most tourists skip entirely. There’s this whole area developing around Torņakalns that’s got some really good restaurants and cafes, and honestly, it’s nice to feel like you’re seeing a side of the city that isn’t just the postcard stuff. The hotel restaurant is decent – nothing revolutionary, but they do a proper breakfast and the coffee doesn’t taste like water. Staff seems to actually know the city well, which is refreshing. I asked about getting to the airport early in the morning and they had three different options ready, including some local taxi service that was way cheaper than the tourist shuttles. The 7.7 rating feels about right – it’s not going to blow your mind, but it’s reliable and well-located, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need. Plus, there’s something satisfying about falling asleep to the sound of the river instead of traffic, especially when you’re still this close to everything you want to see.