Spilves 35

Spilves 35 Overview

I stayed at Spilves 35 last month, and honestly, it’s one of those places that feels like a secret corner of Riga that only locals know. The building’s a modest three‑star, but the vibe is surprisingly warm, like a friend’s apartment that’s been polished just enough to feel like a home away from home. The lobby isn’t flashy, but the staff greet you with that kind of friendly nod you get when you walk into a neighborhood bakery and they know your name. The check‑in was quick—no long lines, just a quick chat about the day’s weather and a free map of the old town. I mean, it’s only a few minutes walk from the river, and you can hear the distant hum of the Daugava traffic even from the hallway, but that’s part of the charm.

The actual location is the real draw. Spilves iela runs right past the small café on Kalnciema Road, so you can pop in for a latte and watch the locals. The street itself is lined with those classic Latvian wooden houses, and the cobblestones feel worn from centuries of foot traffic. If you’re into nightlife, you’re a stone’s throw from the Old Town’s bars—just cross the bridge, and you’re in the thick of it. For quieter moments, there’s a tiny park on the corner of Spilves and Pils Street, where the kids play in the summer and the old men play cards at noon. Parking is a bit of a hassle, but the free municipal lot on the back of the building is a lifesaver if you have a car. I parked there and walked the few minutes to the hotel; the only noise was the distant siren of the local police station, which, oddly enough, didn’t bother me.

The rooms themselves are a bit of a surprise. They’re not big, but the décor is thoughtfully done—think muted earth tones and that subtle, almost invisible pattern of Latvian folk motifs on the bedding. The bathroom is clean, with a shower that has a good water pressure and a nice, calming scent of eucalyptus. I woke up to the sound of gulls and the faint scent of sea salt on the balcony, which is a nice touch because it gives you that real Riga feel right from your room. One little thing that stuck out to me was the small, almost hidden, storage closet in the hallway—perfect for stashing your umbrella or extra shoes. The Wi‑Fi is decent, but the router is in the hallway, so you might get a hiccup if you’re trying to stream during the day. But for a 3‑star hotel, that’s pretty solid.

If you’re traveling during the busy season, expect a bit of hustle and bustle. The hotel’s on a busy street, so the morning traffic can be a bit loud, especially around 8 a.m. when the city’s commuters are in full swing. But by late afternoon, the street quiets down, and you can hear the distant chatter of people heading home. I stayed in a quiet room by the window, so I could hear the gentle rustling of leaves from the small garden outside—there’s a little patch of grass that the hotel keeps trimmed, and it’s surprisingly fragrant in the spring.

Overall, I’d give it a solid 8.8. It’s not a luxury hotel, but it’s got that authentic, lived‑in feel that makes you feel like you’re part of the city rather than a tourist hovering from a distance. The staff are genuinely friendly, the rooms are clean and cozy, and the location is a hidden gem for anyone who wants to explore Riga without getting lost in the tourist traps. If you’re looking for a place that gives you the sense of being in the heart of the city without the price tag of a five‑star, Spilves 35 is a solid choice. It’s the sort of place where you’ll leave with stories about the little café on Kalnciema Road, the friendly barista who knows your name, and the memory of a quiet balcony overlooking the river at sunrise.

Hotel in Riga booking should be done early, especially during White Nights season when the city hosts internationally celebrated cultural and music events.

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