— The hotel
SPA Cottage with Sauna & Hot Tub
First Impressions
The SPA Cottage with Sauna & Hot Tub isn’t your typical hotel — it’s actually more like having your own private wellness retreat tucked away in Riga’s quieter residential area. When I first pulled up to this four-star property on Čiekurkalna, I’ll admit I wasn’t sure what to expect from the unassuming exterior. But honestly, that’s part of its charm — it feels like discovering a hidden gem that most tourists never stumble upon.
The Cottage Experience
What you’re getting here is essentially a self-contained wellness sanctuary. The main room flows seamlessly into a compact kitchenette area, which I found surprisingly well-equipped for a property this size. You know what really sets this place apart though? The private sauna and hot tub setup — and I mean truly private, not shared with dozens of other guests like you’d find at bigger hotels.
Wellness Features That Actually Work
The sauna heats up properly (trust me, I’ve been to plenty that don’t), and the hot tub maintains its temperature even during Riga’s chilly evenings. I spent most of my second night alternating between the two, which sounds indulgent but felt absolutely necessary after walking around the city all day. The cottage design means you can literally step from the sauna to your bed in about ten steps — no trudging through hotel corridors in your robe.
Location & Getting Around
Čiekurkalna isn’t exactly downtown, but that’s actually a good thing if you want to experience how locals live. There’s a decent grocery store within walking distance, and the tram connections into central Riga are pretty reliable — about 15 minutes to reach Old Town. The neighborhood has this authentic residential vibe that you miss when staying in the tourist zones, plus parking is never an issue here.
Why Guests Love It
Look, if you’re expecting a traditional hotel with a front desk and daily housekeeping, this isn’t it. But if you want something that feels like your own private spa retreat where you can actually relax without crowds, the SPA Cottage delivers. The 8.9 rating makes sense when you consider what you’re getting — it’s not trying to be everything to everyone, just really good at what it does. I left feeling more rested than I have after most hotel stays, and honestly, isn’t that the whole point?
Locals suggest to book apartments in Riga around the Old Town for riverside dining, market stops, and easy tram rides to Mežaparks.
