Vitalija

Vitalija Overview

Vitalija sits tucked away on Strugu iela, a narrow street that feels like a secret alley in the heart of old Riga. I remember the moment I stepped out of the tram at Pilsātsala, the scent of fresh rye bread wafting from a bakery across the street, and I swear I could almost hear the hum of the city’s underground trains in the distance. The check‑in was quick, no long queues—just a friendly receptionist who handed me a keycard with a wink, and a map of the city that even had a little doodle of the local pub, Zvaigzne, where you can catch live folk music on Sunday nights. Parking is a bit of a hunt; you’ll need to scavenge for a spot on the side street behind the post office, but the staff will point you to a reasonable rate and even give you a free bottle of water when you drop your keys off.

The room itself is an honest, no‑frills space with a surprisingly cozy vibe. I was pleasantly surprised by the hardwood floor that creaks just a little when I walked, which immediately set the room apart from the more generic hotel rooms I’ve stayed in. The bed was the kind that makes you want to stay in for a full day, with a queen‑size mattress that’s firm enough to support my back but soft enough to feel like a cloud. The linens are crisp, and the curtains are heavy, so you can actually get a good night’s sleep even in the middle of the tourist season. I noticed a small, well‑placed plant on the nightstand that smells faintly of eucalyptus, and it’s the kind of detail that tells you the staff truly cares about the guest experience. The bathroom is fully stocked with hand soap made from local herbs, a small but functional shower, and a set of fluffy towels that just don’t feel cheap. I did have to wait a few minutes for the room to be ready, but the staff apologized and offered a complimentary coffee that was actually brewed by hand—not the instant kind you’ll find in most 3‑star hotels.

What really makes this place stand out is how connected it feels to the city itself. Walking out of the front door, you’re immediately greeted by the smell of coffee from a nearby café, the rhythmic clatter of the tram, and the distant chatter of locals at the market on Sēnes Street. Just a block away is the historic House of the Blackheads, where the stone facade looks like something out of a fairy tale—perfect for a quick photo op before you head back to the hotel. The hotel’s staff are genuinely interested in showing you the best spots: “You know what, the best pier in the city is on the Daugava River—just a short walk from the hotel,” one of the receptionists told me, and she was right. During the winter, the street lamps cast a warm glow that makes the whole area feel like a cozy winter wonderland. In terms of noise, the hotel’s location is surprisingly peaceful for a city center spot. I could hear the faint hum of the city, but not the kind of loud traffic noise you’d expect from a major avenue.

All in all, staying at Vitalija was a solid choice for anyone looking to experience Riga without paying for a luxury package. The hotel offers the essentials—clean rooms, friendly staff, and a location that’s close to the city’s cultural and culinary highlights—without the over‑polished feel of a high‑end establishment. If you’re planning a trip in the shoulder season, like late spring or early fall, you’ll find the city is bustling but not overcrowded, and the hotel’s staff will be especially helpful in pointing out the best times to visit popular sites to avoid crowds. I would recommend keeping an eye on parking, but with the staff’s guidance you’ll navigate that easily. For a 3‑star stay that feels like a home away from home, this place is a hidden gem worth checking out.

Vitalija Accommodations

Reviews of Vitalija

• Good – Jozef from Slovakia – 4 August 2024 (7/10)

  Check it and check out done thought the codes ( can check in anytime( 24h checkin)
  
  What could be improved: It gave very old fealing and was charged extra 8€ for towels and linen. Otherways everything was okay

• … till next time … – Winfried from Germany – 14 May 2023 (7/10)

  🧙 interesting host – tried his best – location very central and near local bus stop 🦅

• Good – Zahid from United Kingdom – 20 August 2023 (7/10)

  Location was close to town centre and main bus station 🚉 you pay only 2euro at the airport 🛫 bus number 22 which takes you Alltwen way 30min to main bus station 🚉 .
  Remember you can pay only by credit card no cash or debit card!
  
  What could be improved: What I didn't like at this point too many roads closure at the bus station and main railway station been built !! Or rebuild on one side
  Again people should check before Travelling to riga.
  It's not for family with kids atleast not the centre area.
  Shops close too early.
  Other than that it's alright 👍

• beautiful stay in Riga – Leon from United States – 13 June 2025 (9/10)

  Location is very good , near city center and bus/train stations. Good hot/cold eater system.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was good. Probably could add and additional pot for long stays.

• Central accommodation in Riga suitable for tourism explorers – Axlrosemary from Sweden – 19 October 2023 (5/10)

  The location and the aesthetic of the apartment were really beautiful.
  
  What could be improved: More attention should be given to cleaning and security.

• It was nice but I wouldn’t recommend this to someone who is not really a risk taker and someone who isnt used of a littl – Adrian from Belgium – 7 August 2023 (5/10)

  It was really cheap.
  
  What could be improved: The hidden charges, or perhaps i didn’t read the entire confirmation email but i was surprised that the towels and linen must be rented and there is a deposit of 100 euro. The place was a bit scary as well nevertheless, it was probably a trade off of for the price paid.

• Good location, but unpretentious accommodation. – Barsy from Hungary – 22 May 2023 (4/10)

  The place was not far from the center.
  
  What could be improved: First of all, I booked accommodation for 3 people, which was available here in 2 rooms. Upon arrival, we had to pay a double deposit, i.e. 200 euros, the quality of the furniture and equipment did not justify this. The reservation was charged with additional costs, 4 euros had to be paid for bed linen and another 4 euros for towels, but we did not ask for this (these costs are per person). With these extra costs, the price of the room is no longer so favorable compared to the standard. The biggest problem is that the host took a photo of our IDs despite our request, when in fact he only needed our data. In our opinion, this contradicts the protection of personality. There was a webcam installed in the hallway, we hope it's only there. There was no information about this anywhere, it's confusing. Overall, we stayed in a place that was in the middle of an ongoing construction, and everything was done by amateurs instead of professionals. In a word: primitive.

• Hidden Costs and Slumlord Host – Tracy from United States – 29 April 2025 (1/10)

  The rush of fear when they made me wait in the streets
  
  What could be improved: The Check in delay, the absolute refusal to confirm my deposit. The dump itself, and the creepy host. The lack of a working remote making the television inoperable. Deceptive photos and smelled heavily of urine everywhere. You will need to wash everything you bring in there from the heavy odor that infects everything. It's not the building, it is the Slumlords alley that smells.
  
  
  Every location in Riga is good, this location is no better or worse than any other. And that it looked cheap, but hidden costs and lack of communication wipe all that out. Get a real place, not this slum.

• Bad – Jaaanis from Latvia – 29 May 2024 (1/10)

  What could be improved: Moldy and dirty shower and toilet, all apartment was dusty and not clean. Owner didnt respond to my messages when I had questions. Be aware that you will need to send 100€ to owners bank account from which he will then send you back 99.64€ because you need to pay for his bank commission!!!

• Passable – Sviatlana from Belarus – 3 January 2024 (5/10)

  The location is good, 15 min walk from the bus or train station and about 20-30 mins to the heart of the old city.
  The room has all the basic facilities, the price was reasonable.
  
  What could be improved: The host was unfriendly. He was an hour late for check-in, I waited in the cold December rain, and instead of an apology I got sheer rudeness.
  The room smelled slightly of gas and sometimes of sewage. It is tiny, so sometimes it wasn't easy to find a place for my things. And the walls are paper-thin, I heard each tiny noise from the next room.

Surroundings

Facilities