Suites by Riga Old Town

Suites by Riga Old Town Overview

Suites by Riga Old Town sits on the 6th floor of a tidy brick building on Alfreda Kalnina Street, a stone’s throw from the Old Town’s cobblestone maze. I first spotted it when I was strolling past the old market square, the building’s glass façade reflecting the late‑afternoon sun—an unexpected splash of modernity amid the medieval walls. The elevator ride up is short, but the wind from the open windows at the top of the stairwell gives you a taste of the city’s breezy, slightly salty air that you can almost taste on your lips.

When you check in, the staff is quick and friendly, but there’s that one small hiccup: the keycard system has a lag that sometimes makes you wait a minute before the doors give a satisfying click. It’s a minor annoyance, but it does set a relaxed tone for the rest of your stay—you know, you’re already on a “take it easy” vibe. The lobby is bright, with a few local art pieces on the walls that feel like they belong in a gallery, yet they’re very much a part of the city’s contemporary scene. The concierge, a young woman with a knack for street‑wise recommendations, points you toward the best coffee spots in the neighborhood. She mentions Līga, the café under the pier that serves the best flat‑bread, and the “Župnieka” bar, which is great for a quiet evening with a glass of Latvian wine.

Your room is a surprisingly spacious suite, especially for a three‑star rating. The décor is minimal but functional, with a neutral palette that lets the natural light speak for itself. The bed is comfortable—plush but not too soft, so you wake up feeling rested, not like you’ve been sleeping on a cloud. The bathroom is a highlight: a glass shower, a small but efficient bathtub, and a set of locally made soaps that give off a subtle citrus scent. The hotel’s kitchen area is small but well-equipped; I used it to make a quick breakfast of rye bread, cheese, and ham from the local market. The windows offer a view of the slightly misted city skyline, and the sound of distant bells from St. Peter’s Church floats through the air—soft, almost like a lullaby.

Parking is a bit of a puzzle. The building itself doesn’t have its own lot; you need to scavenge for street parking, which can be a tight squeeze around the corner of Pasts Street. In summer, you’ll find the streets bustling with cyclists and scooters, so a parking spot might disappear faster than you can say “parking”. But that’s part of the charm—getting out of the car and walking into the cobblestones of the Old Town feels like a small adventure each day. The noise level is reasonable, given the location. On weekdays, the city hums with the usual traffic and chatter, but by 10 p.m., the streets quiet down, and you can hear the distant music from a jazz club on Lāčplēsis Street, just a block over.

The best part of staying here is the sense of being truly in the heart of Riga, yet not overwhelmed by the tourist crowds. I found myself wandering to the Ark, a contemporary art museum that’s only a five‑minute walk away, then heading to the old city’s bakery to try the rye bread. The locals speak of the nearby “Rīgas Rūts” for their fresh fish, and I made a point to visit that spot. The hotel’s location lets you feel the pulse of the city—street performers in front of the cathedral, the scent of fresh pastries, the sound of a violinist on the square. You can also catch a tram after a long day, and the routes from here are straightforward, making it easy to explore the outskirts or even hop over to the seaside town of Ādaži for a sunrise walk.

In short, the hotel is a solid choice for travelers who want a mix of comfort and authenticity. It’s not flashy, but it’s honest, with a vibe that feels like a local’s recommendation rather than a marketing pitch. Between the practical amenities, the friendly staff, and the unbeatable location, you’ll find yourself falling into the rhythm of Riga, one cobblestone at a time.

To book hotel in Riga during the famous Riga Opera Festival season, visitors should make reservations well in advance as the city attracts Art Nouveau enthusiasts and Baltic culture lovers from around the world.

Facilities