After 10 years of independence from the Soviet Union, it has finally developed into a thriving city that rival other cities in Europe. As Latvia’s capital, it’s considered as the cultural center and houses many museums. This city is widely known for its wooden buildings, art nouveau architecture, and the medieval Old Town. Speaking of the Old Town, this pedestrian-only area is also famous for having many popular shops and big restaurants, along with some bars and nightclubs. With sights that seem to combine the city’s ancient character and its modern flavor, Riga has become one of Europe’s most popular traveling destinations. When you’re here, you’ll 100% have an unforgettable experience. In a while, get to know the best hotels in Riga, Latvia that are waiting to be enjoyed by you!
Where To Stay in Riga, Latvia
As the sister city of Dallas and Amsterdam, Riga has so many things to offer, especially if you stay in one of the best hotels in Riga, Latvia that’s located in the city center. In fact, most hotels are scattered around the area. Many top things to do in Riga can be done here. This central district allows you to visit the Old Town, House of Black Heads, Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, and more. It makes sightseeing, finding restaurants, and visiting famous landmarks much easier.
Those who want to escape the crowd but still be within reach to the main attractions can stay in Kipsala. This area is best enjoyed during a warm sunny day, so you can relax on the beach. Separated from the city center by the Daugava River, you can also have a nice picnic while enjoying the view of Old Town across the river. Quiet far away from the city center is Šampēteris. It’s a very old Riga neighborhood with many houses built in the first path of the 20th century still standing. Compared to other neighborhoods, Šampēteris is much closer to the airport, making it the perfect place for business travelers.
Rixwell Elefant Hotel with FREE Parking
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This four-star superior hotel is conveniently situated in Šampēteris, between the city center and Riga International Airport. Rixwell Elefant Hotel is the perfect accommodation for families who are trying to escape the crowd and have great family time. The Spice shopping center is only within walking distance from the hotel, and Livu Aqua Park can be reached around 20 minutes by car.
Each room in this property is bright and modern. Like other best hotels in Riga, Latvia, you’ll be able to find a flat-screen TV, a minibar, coffee making facilities, and ironing facilities in the room. Every room will also give you free access to the fitness center. If you’re here during the new year celebration, then you’re in luck! That’s because you’ll also be invited to join the special new year dinner.
Buffet breakfast is always available in the morning and you’re always welcomed to have your dinner in the on-site restaurant, Rixwell Elefant Restaurant. Knowing families usually bring their children along with them, the kid’s menu is also made available.
Riga Islande Hotel
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Unlike other best hotels in Riga, Latvia, Riga Islande Hotel isn’t located in the city center. This property is set in Kipsala on the Daugava River. Although not in the downtown area, the Old Town and Riga Dome Cathedral can still be reached in less than a 1mi (1.6km) radius.
The beautiful classical interior can be found in the room, along with carpeted floors and wooden furniture. It’s a really cozy place for you to have a rest and unwind before exploring the city for another round. The minibar and flat-screen TV will also make you feel even more comfortable and homey.
While staying here, you’ll have free access to the gym. However, if you’re more of an outdoor person, you might enjoy going to the public beach that’s near the hotel better. To make sure there’s never a dull moment, a bowling alley is also available at a surcharge. Since it’s quite crowded, we recommend you to book your spot in advance.
Pullman Riga Old Town
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Set in a building that dates back to 1789, Pullman Riga Old Town successfully mixes the old and the new to provide you a comfortable stay. With this hotel lying in the center of the historic area, you’ll have the privilege to easily visit the Art Nouveau and the Old Town.
While the building has remained true to its origins, you’ll still be treated to many modern conveniences in the room, like the en suite bathroom that comes with a tranquil rain shower and a bathtub. For your entertainment, you can make use of the free Wi-Fi, the LED smart TV, and the iPod dock. Whenever your stomach is grumbling, just take some snacks from the minibar and make a cup of tea using the tea maker.
Of course, as one of the best hotels in Riga, Latvia, this hotel has to make sure that you’ll enjoy every second of your stay. Thus, it offers Pullman Fit & Spa Lounge, where you can enjoy various types of massages and beauty treatments. While you’re in the swimming corridor, you’ll also be offered the picturesque views of Bastej Park. To top it all off, there’s a 24-hour fitness center and sauna too, giving you a chance to work out and detox whenever you want.
Neiburgs Hotel
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On a narrow and cobbled street in the center of Old Town, you’ll find Neiburgs Hotel that overlooks the Dome Square. It’s just a two-minute walk away from the Cathedral and less than five minutes on foot from the House of the Black Heads. Speaking of which, you must purchase an entrance ticket to House of the Black Heads. Enter one of the most beautiful buildings in Riga, feel the charm of aristocracy in the luxurious halls, and get to know the legends of the Black Heads!
Here, you’ll be able to enjoy the elegant furniture that decorates each apartment room. Make sure to bring your precious DVDs with you so you can play them using the DVD player when you can’t sleep at night. Although the nearby restaurants are quite tempting, we recommend cooking in the kitchen instead. It has everything you need, from a minibar, an electric kettle, to complete kitchenware. Besides, it’ll help you save some money too!
If you’re the type to relax in the morning with a cup of coffee, you can visit the library area next to the lobby. It has plenty of natural light from the windows, which is the nicest spot for quiet coffee time. When you’re looking for some spa treatments, you can visit the small wellness area and spend some time in either the sauna or the steam bath.
Hotel Bergs – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
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The five-star Hotel Bergs near Art Nouveau cleverly hides its contemporary art and spacious suites behind the 19th-century brick façade. When you’re inside this lovely property, you’ll find elegantly furnished interior with coffee-like tones, fireplaces, and wood carvings.
There are plenty of suites to choose from, but all of them boast the same minimalist design and dark wooden furniture. You’re also able to enjoy many amenities, including a flat-screen LCD TV, a DVD player, and a well-stocked kitchen, making the entire place a lot cozier than other hotels in Riga, Latvia.
Another facility this hotel proudly presents to you is its award-winning restaurant. It offers tasty international and Latvian dishes that will surely make you full. When you’re here during the summer, don’t miss the Berga Bazaar Festival. It holds open-air concerts every Wednesday in the hotel’s courtyard.
Grand Poet Hotel and SPA by Semarah
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Across the street from Bastion Hill, you’ll find yourself spending your trip in one of the most romantic and best hotels in Riga, Latvia. Grand Poet Hotel and SPA by Semarah is perfect for couples that are looking to spend some romantic time in a lovely poet-themed hotel.
Like what its name says, you and your partner can have free unlimited access to the spa zone and fitness center throughout your stay. There’s also a pool, a sauna, a hot tub, and a hammam. There’s nothing to fancy, but everything is lovely and quiet. In addition to all of those, various types of massages are also available at a surcharge.
In the guestroom, you’ll find yourself wearing the cozy bathrobes and slippers while chilling in the relaxing area. A flat-screen TV with cable channels and free Wi-Fi are both available for your entertainment. Of course, you won’t want to go on a romantic dinner with wrinkled clothes. Thus, don’t forget to use the ironing facilities to make your clothes perfect before heading out!
Riga Lux Apartments – Skolas, free parking
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Those traveling in a group might want to consider staying in Riga Lux Apartments. Besides offering a free parking facility, you’re also set in the city center. It makes visiting the city’s main points of interest much easier. Best of all, pets are allowed inside the property!
In each modern apartment room, you’ll have the chance to release your inner chef and cook whatever you want in the fully-equipped kitchen. A dishwasher, a toaster, and a dining table are also present. If there’s any leftover, you can store your food in the fridge before heating it up using the microwave.
Another thing you should note is the bathroom. Inside, you’ll find a huge bathtub. So, remember to pack some foam bath with you to have a relaxing bubble bath! We also love having a leisure morning coffee on the rooftop terrace to start our day. If there are any hotels in Riga, Latvia that can make you feel at home, this is definitely one of them.
Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, Riga
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Conveniently located near the Esplanade Park in the city center and under 10 minutes on foot from the Art Nouveau quarter is Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel. If you decide to spend your nights in this hotel, the rooms on the upper floors facing the park are the ones to go for. From there, you can admire the best view of the Old Town that no other hotels in Riga, Latvia can offer.
In this huge property, there are more than 500 rooms and suites in total. Each of them is super spacious, bright, and boasts a large sofa along with a very comfortable bed. You can also use the Nespresso machine to make yourself a nice cup of coffee.
As expected from a Radisson Blu hotel, the facilities here are unquestionably great. The on-site ESPA Spa is the largest spa on the Baltic. There, you’ll have the chance to unstress yourself in the private hot sauna or swim a few laps in the rooftop swimming pool. A fitness room is also available in case you want to spend an hour or two lifting weights.
Grand Palace Hotel – The Leading Hotels of the World
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Did you know that among the best hotels in Riga, Latvia, Grand Palace Hotel is the only one to be a member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World collection? That alone should be enough to convince you to book a room in this property. Even better, it’s set in the city center, allowing you to easily visit many lively bars, cafés, museums, and galleries.
This impeccable accommodation houses a modern fitness room, a sauna, and a steam bath. Business travelers and other large groups can also hold a meeting in the glass-roofed conference room. Food lovers mustn’t miss the Pils Bar & Restaurant, where European and Asian cuisines are served. But you should note that the bar is a smoking bar, so if you can’t tolerate the smoke, you should skip this.
There aren’t many rooms in this property, which means each of them is carefully taken care of and well-maintained. It boasts a simple yet cozy design, complete with carpeted floors that feel warm to your feet. Besides the complete amenities, there’s also a generously sized bathroom with a bathtub or walk-in shower and luxurious bathrobes.
Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga
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Situated just a few steps away from the center of Riga, Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga is just a song away from the Latvian National Opera. With its imposing style and sophistication, this enchanting high-end hotel is sure to impress you.
Guests who spend the night here will be treated to full access to the hotels’ prestigious spa facilities. There, you’ll be able to spoil yourself with a massage, relax in the steam room, or sweat it out in the traditional sauna. Those who are not keen on excessive humidity in the steamy sauna can try the bio sauna instead. For something more active, you can also swim in the pool or pump some muscles in the fitness center.
Proving itself as one of the best hotels in Riga, Latvia, the guestrooms in this property are amazing as well. In each room, you’ll find a flat-screen TV and a huge plush bed. Since you’re already in this world-class hotel, why not go all out? Book the suite, and you’ll find yourself chilling in the seating area and having a well-deserved bubble bath inside the soaking bathtub.
Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel, Riga
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With slick architecture, luxurious guestrooms, and impeccable service, Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel has easily landed a spot as one of the best hotels in Riga, Latvia. This accommodation is a chic and relaxing base to stay in, especially if visiting the Freedom Monument is on the top of your itinerary, as it’s just a stone’s throw away from the hotel.
You’re promised nothing but unrivaled comfort when staying in one of the 228 rooms. In the standard room, you’ll be able to have a well-deserved rest in the king-size bed with big fluffy pillows. After making a cup of coffee using the Nespresso machine, you can unwind on the red armchair while admiring the outside view. If you’re okay with spending more, we highly recommend booking one of the suites. It has a separate lounge area with a dining table. Best of all, it also boasts its own in-room sauna.
When it comes to making your tummy happy, this hotel doesn’t disappoint. In the on-site C.U.T. restaurant, you’ll have the chance to taste some organic food, grilled dishes, and South American cuisines. Of course, your meal won’t be complete without a glass of wine, and this restaurant provides some of the finest ones.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Riga, Latvia:
- Riga: Food Tasting Tour of Central Market – Ready yourself to learn about the city’s culture and cuisine. You’ll also sample some authentic Latvia food like rye bread, smoked meat, and hemp butter.
- Riga: Food and Beer Evening Walking Tour – Discover why Riga is considered as one of the best gourmet destinations in Europe! Taste some food and sip some wines in a restaurant owned by your guide!
- Vincents – This restaurant is so incredibly good and famous that the likes of Elton John and Prince Charles have savored the restaurant’s Haute cuisines. The scallops and steak are worth your two thumbs!
Recommended Activities In Riga, Latvia:
- Riga Sightseeing Tour by Canal Boat – Spend one hour cruising the Daugava River and Riga City Canal on an eco-friendly board. You’ll be able to see the city’s most popular sights of the historic city center, including the Freedom Monument and Latvian National Theatre.
- Riga: The Darkest 50 Years Private Tour – Ever wondered how it was like to be under Soviet or Nazi occupation? Through this tour, you’ll have a taste of the Latvia Occupation era and learn about the past life of Riga by visiting sites that will transfer you into the past.
- Riga Central Market – When in Riga, going to Europe’s largest market and bazaar is a must! This market is even included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list back in 1998, so make sure to spend some time here and buy whatever you want while you’re there.
