Raunas komūna

Raunas komūna Overview

Raunas komūna sits tucked between Raunas iela and Ķīpsala Street, right on the fringe of Rīga’s old city centre. I first spotted it on a rainy October afternoon, the building looking almost like a forgotten stone cottage that had been lovingly repurposed into a boutique 3‑star spot. The façade is plain but charming, with a little wrought‑iron sign that reads the name in bold letters. When I walked in, the staff greeted me with a friendly “Sveiki!” and handed me a key card that looked a bit like a smartphone—modern, but still with that old‑world charm. The lobby is small, but it’s decorated with local Riga art and a few potted plants that smell faintly of jasmine. (You know, that scent that makes you feel like you’re back at your grandmother’s kitchen.)

The rooms are a mix of classic Latvian décor and understated luxury. The bed is a dream—plush, with a quilted comforter that’s thicker than you’d expect for a 3‑star place. The sheets feel like a fine cotton, and the pillows are just the right firmness. I found the room’s window frame had a view of the narrow cobblestone lane leading to the Old Town, with the distant sound of church bells. I mean, you can hear the chimes even from a room that’s just a stone’s throw away from the bustling market street. The bathroom is a highlight; the shower head is a bit old‑school, but it produces a steady, generous spray that turns the room into a spa for a few minutes. There’s a little blue ceramic soap dish that’s been polished to a shine. The texture of the tiles feels cool underfoot, which is a relief from the city’s warmer summer days. I did notice that the air conditioning is a bit quiet, but it does the job just fine.

Check‑in was quick and hassle‑free; the front desk clerk was helpful, even when I asked about parking. There’s a small, free parking spot right behind the building, but you’ll have to be quick because the city’s traffic can be pretty hectic around 6 PM. If you’re driving from the airport, it’s a 20‑minute walk to the main train station, or you can hop on the B1 bus that stops right on Raunas iela. The staff mentioned that the hotel has a partnership with a local bike rental shop on Pēters Street, so if you’re into cycling, you can easily rent a bike for the day. They’re also a stone’s throw from the Rīgas Rūpniecības office district, so business travelers can get to their meetings in no time.

One thing I’ll be honest about: the noise at night can be a bit off, especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The street below is home to a small café that stays open late, and the occasional barista can be heard chatting on the phone while you’re trying to sleep. But if you’re staying on a weekend and want to enjoy a quiet night, the hotel’s location actually offers a nice balance. The noise levels drop off once you get into the building, and the rooms are surprisingly insulated. I found the curtains to be thick and heavy, which helped keep the street buzz to a minimum. The only drawback is that the building’s stairwell can be a bit cramped, especially if you’re carrying a lot of luggage. (I was carrying a duffel with a suitcase, and the stairs were a bit tight, but still manageable.)

The hotel’s kitchen bar is a hidden gem. The staff there offers a small selection of Latvian craft beers, and the bartenders are quick to recommend a local brew that you might not find elsewhere. I ordered a glass of Ķīpāra, a light lager, and the server explained how the brewing process uses locally sourced barley from the Vidzeme region. The bar has a few vintage posters on the walls, and the lighting is warm, which makes it a great spot for a casual drink after a day of sightseeing. The room service is decent, but I’d advise ordering early if you’re in the mood for a midnight snack, because the kitchen staff can get busy with the day’s reservations.

Overall, I’d say Raunas komūna is a solid choice if you’re looking for a comfortable stay near Rīga’s historic heart without the hotel’s generic feel. The staff is genuinely friendly, the rooms are well thought out, and there’s a real sense of place that makes the experience feel personal. If you’re planning a trip in the shoulder seasons—late spring or early autumn—you’ll find it quieter, and the city’s narrow streets are less crowded. In the summer, the area can get lively, but the hotel’s location still gives you a comfortable retreat from the hustle. So, if you want to stay somewhere that feels like a local, with a touch of comfort and a few thoughtful touches, this 3‑star spot is worth checking out.

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.

Facilities