If you’re looking for accommodation in Riga and planning to explore the beauty of the Baltics, this city will likely captivate you with its architecture and atmosphere. Choosing the right place to stay can be a bit tricky, though, because Riga has its quirks and hidden pitfalls that typical guidebooks often don’t mention. It’s a stunning city full of history, but from an accommodation perspective, it requires some strategic planning.
Latvia’s capital is the most affordable of the three Baltic capitals, which is great news for your wallet. For the price you’d pay elsewhere for a standard three-star room, you’ll often get a gorgeous Art Nouveau building with excellent service here. Plus, it’s common practice that nearly every other hotel has its own spa, so after a full day of walking, you can treat yourself to proper relaxation.
At the same time, you need to know that the historic core hides one major threat to your peaceful sleep. Riga is a popular destination for British stag parties, and bars in the Old Town stay loud until two or three in the morning.

Summary for Those Short on Time
- Best overall choice: Definitely TRIBE Riga City Centre Hotel, which underwent a complete renovation in 2026 and includes both breakfast and dinner in the price.
- Best for luxury lovers: The legendary GRAND POET by Semarah hotels or Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga, representing the top of the rating scale.
- Quality in the Old Town: If you want to stay right in the heart of things, Neiburgs Hotel & Restaurant offers excellent soundproofing and beautiful apartments.
- For spa and seaside lovers: Take the train just outside the city to Baltic Beach Hotel & SPA in the resort town of Jūrmala, where you’ll find multiple pools.
- Best value for money: The reliable Bellevue Park Hotel Riga offers excellent standards at very reasonable prices, including spa facilities and good access to the center.
💡 On this map you can compare what’s currently available — you’ll also see how much cheaper accommodation gets just a few stops from the center.
The full destination guide: Europe — guide and what to see
Where to Stay: Choosing the Right Neighborhood
Before you start picking a specific hotel, it’s crucial to choose the right neighborhood. Each part of the city offers a different experience, and what suits a group of friends on a weekend trip might not be ideal for a romantic getaway for two. Let’s break down the best locations in detail so you know exactly what you’re getting into.
The Old Town, known as Vecrīga, seems like a logical choice at first glance because all the main sights are right on your doorstep. You’ll find romantic cat houses, the famous House of the Blackheads, dozens of churches, and endless restaurants. But there’s one huge warning that many travelers complain about. On Friday and Saturday, expect noise until 2 or 3 in the morning, as the historic core is packed with nightclubs and stag parties. If you’re visiting for a weekend and you’re a light sleeper, only choose hotels with proven soundproofing, or you won’t get much rest.
A smart choice for most travelers is the so-called Klusais centrs or Quiet Centre. It’s located just about ten minutes’ walk north of the core and offers noticeably quieter streets and often considerably better prices. A huge bonus is the entire Art Nouveau district right outside your window, because this is where the most beautiful ornate houses stand on Alberta and Elizabetes streets. Nearby you’ll also find Miera iela street, which is where locals actually spend their evenings. You’ll discover great folk cellars, cafés, craft beers, natural wines, and very few tourist traps.
The area called Centrs, which stretches between the historic core and the main train station, is ideal for budget-conscious travelers or those planning train trips. Around the Freedom Monument and the huge Central Market, you’ll find the most mid-range hotels and perfect transport connections anywhere around the area. If you’re after romance instead, hotels along the Daugava Embankment will delight you with beautiful views of the Old Town panorama. And for families with children or spa enthusiasts, the resort town of Jūrmala is accessible by train in just thirty minutes and offers endless sandy beaches lined with historic wooden villas.
When to Go and When to Book
Latvia has a fairly specific Nordic climate that will significantly affect your overall city experience and the atmosphere on the streets. The best time to visit is from June to August, when you’ll enjoy beautiful long days. In June, thanks to the northern location, it’s light almost all night, all the outdoor terraces open, and plenty of summer festivals take place. You do have to expect, of course, that accommodation prices are at their peak during this period and the best hotels sell out easily three months in advance.
If you want to avoid the biggest crowds and save a bit, May and September are very pleasant months. The weather is still favorable for long walks, but the city is noticeably emptier and prices drop. Winter here is objectively long, freezing, and dark, but it has its own unmistakable romantic charm. You’ll find beautiful Christmas markets scented with the herbal liqueur Rīgas Melnais Balzams and, most importantly, the year’s lowest hotel prices. Combined with the ubiquitous hotel spa centers, this guarantees a perfect relaxing weekend where you can escape from the frosty street straight into a heated sauna.
As for bookings themselves, Riga fortunately doesn’t usually require frantic planning six months ahead. Outside the main summer season, booking accommodation 2 to 4 weeks in advance will be more than enough. Always check the exact location on the map in detail, though. If you’re traveling for a weekend stay, pay extra careful attention to which street your chosen hotel is on, so you don’t end up right above a loud nightclub in the Old Town center and only discover it when you’re trying to fall asleep.
18 Best Hotels in Riga Worth Your Attention
I’ve prepared a detailed selection of the most interesting hotels, divided by category and location. You’ll find everything from luxury to excellent budget options where you’ll appreciate the high standards at very pleasant prices.

1. GRAND POET by Semarah hotels
If you’re looking for something truly luxurious in Riga, GRAND POET by Semarah hotels ranks among the city’s best-rated hotels and boldly competes even with the famous Kempinski, just at a somewhat friendlier price. It’s located on the edge of the Quiet Centre right by the beautiful Art Nouveau district, so you have wonderful peace at night, but you can walk to the historic core monuments in just a few minutes. People leave here thrilled mainly because of the incredibly welcoming staff and magnificent breakfasts, where you won’t know what to taste first. The huge wellness center also works brilliantly, and guests have free access, which you’ll definitely appreciate after a full day of wandering around cat houses.
Keep in mind that standard double rooms might be a bit smaller and occasionally look into the windows of opposite rooms, but the huge bathroom and beautiful design full of elegant details will make up for everything. For evening relaxation, the local stylish restaurant and bar beckon, where you can have a glass of wine without squeezing through crowds of tourists. It strikes me as simply a beautiful place for a romantic weekend where they’ll take perfect care of you from the first moment.
💡 Tip: Because there’s huge interest in this place, I definitely recommend booking rooms well in advance. This goes double if you’re heading to Riga during the warm summer months or the magical Advent season, when available rooms disappear at lightning speed.

2. Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga
Right on the edge of the Old Town, a short walk from the historic National Opera building, you’ll find the Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga. It’s one of the best-rated hotels in the city, where classic elegance meets modern five-star comfort. In reviews, people most often mention the absolutely top-notch staff who welcome you in the elegant lobby with hot towels and a glass of champagne. There’s no shortage of praise either for the huge and varied breakfast, where you absolutely must try the local pudding cakes, or for the spacious clean rooms with large beds. A major draw is also the extensive spa center with its own pool and a luxurious cigar lounge for evening relaxation.
It’s especially suitable for romantic getaways when you want to take your partner’s breath away and enjoy real luxury. Keep in mind though that the final bill will fully reflect this top-notch service. From the hotel, all the sights are beautifully within walking distance, so it’s absolutely perfect for wandering the streets of Riga. And if you happen to arrive by long-distance bus from neighboring Estonia or Lithuania, you can walk here from the bus station at a leisurely pace in about eight minutes.
💡 Tip: Definitely don’t miss the romantic sunset from the hotel’s rooftop restaurant with terrace. The view of the adjacent green park and surrounding historic buildings is truly stunning and unique from up here.

3. Neiburgs Hotel & Restaurant
Neiburgs Hotel & Restaurant is located in the very historic heart of the Old Town, in the Vecrīga district, and occupies a beautifully restored Art Nouveau building. Guests are usually thrilled because you’re staying just steps from the main sights, yet you’ll sleep peacefully at night. People love the unusually spacious apartments with their own small kitchenette, stylish furniture, and sometimes even a beautiful view toward Riga Cathedral. What works perfectly here is the very friendly staff. After wandering the streets, the cozy hotel library or the small private spa with sauna will serve you well for relaxation.
Definitely don’t skip the ground-floor restaurant, which earned a mention in the Michelin guide. Local foodies regularly come here and breakfast is simply an experience. Keep in mind though that the bathrooms sometimes have one small drawback. In some rooms you’ll find a bathtub with quite high edges that’s harder to climb into, and the shower is awkwardly positioned on the side, so you’ll probably easily splash water all over the floor. Otherwise, it’s a wonderful place for anyone who wants to soak up the atmosphere of old Riga and appreciates plenty of space.
💡 Tip: Although the building has really quality windows and soundproofing, summer weekends in the center can sometimes be quite wild. To be absolutely sure, ask during booking for a room facing the quiet inner courtyard.

4. Grand Palace Hotel
Grand Palace Hotel is housed in a beautiful former 19th-century bank building, and as soon as you enter, you’ll feel classic old-world luxury. You’ll find it on one of the quieter streets in Riga’s historic center, which is a great combination because the sights are just steps away, but you’ll sleep peacefully at night. People here love the spacious rooms and the incredibly helpful staff who will cheerfully check timetables for you or plan full-day trips around the area. In the morning, definitely look forward to the rich breakfast in the grand dining room paneled in dark wood, where the local parrot Míša sometimes keeps you company.
I feel this place has perhaps the most distinctive historic soul in the city, enhanced by nice touches like evening chocolates and water in your room. During warm summer evenings, it’s a real pleasure to sit outside at the elegant bar. Inside the hotel, though, watch out for one thing that not many people know about. Smoking is actually allowed in the indoor bar, so if you can’t stand cigarette or cigar smoke, plan for that in advance and head somewhere else for an evening drink.
💡 Tip: If you stay at Grand Palace hotel, definitely try their special egg breakfast. If the smoking environment doesn’t bother you, the evening intimate atmosphere of the indoor elegant bar is otherwise absolutely ideal for unwinding after a long day.

5. Pullman Riga Old Town
Pullman Riga Old Town is right on the edge of the historic core, and from outside you’ll probably be struck by the beautiful facade, beneath which hides a surprisingly fresh and modern interior full of rich colors. What gets the most praise here is the extensive spa with an excellent indoor pool, where you’ll happily dive in after a full day of wandering Riga’s cobblestone streets. The breakfasts here are a chapter in themselves. You’ll find a wide selection including traditional Latvian specialties, and you can even order additional items from the kitchen beyond the buffet. Guests also highlight the very comfortable beds and friendly staff.
Keep in mind though that although the hotel has five stars, some people feel it’s more like a solid four-star. With the basic rooms, be aware that you might occasionally encounter oddly arranged space with a sink in the middle of the room or a small window facing a not particularly attractive inner courtyard. If you arrive by car, the lack of parking right at the building will cause you a bit of trouble. In the evening, though, you can definitely lift your spirits at the innovative fusion restaurant here or at the modern bar with a good drink in hand.
💡 Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask at reception during check-in for a room on one of the upper floors. From there you’ll have a really nice and somewhat unusual view of the old roofs of the surrounding historic buildings.

6. Hotel Gutenbergs
Hotel Gutenbergs in the very center of old Riga, just around the corner from Riga Cathedral, is a charming place full of antiques, old prints, and books. It feels like the cozy home of your grandmother who has incredibly great taste. People return here mainly for the warm atmosphere that you won’t experience in glass-and-chrome chains. The rooms are clean, have comfortable beds, and in the hallway you’ll always appreciate free bottled water. The biggest draw is without a doubt the rooftop restaurant on the fifth floor. From here a fantastic view of the Old Town opens up, including the dominant St. Peter’s Church, so definitely come here for a drink at sunset.
Keep in mind this is a historic building, so you’ll encounter slightly sloping floors and some rooms may be a bit darker. Occasionally the shower doors that don’t close properly cause problems, with water leaking out, and you won’t find English news on the TV. Some guests also point out that afternoon check-in sometimes takes longer when cleaning doesn’t keep up. These drawbacks, however, will be reliably made up for by the incredibly friendly staff and especially the excellent breakfast with great coffee, where everyone will find something they like.
💡 Tip: During warmer spring and summer months, the rich breakfast is served right on the rooftop terrace. This morning experience with coffee and a view of the historic spires of the Old Town is absolutely unbeatable.

7. Konventa Seta Hotel
Konventa Seta Hotel will charm you right upon arrival with its atmosphere, as it consists of several carefully connected historic houses with romantic inner courtyards right in the heart of the Vecrīga district. I feel it’s a great place for history lovers who want to stay in the heart of the action without spending a fortune on a prestigious address. People here praise not only the excellent location from which you can walk to all the sights, but also the rich breakfast that’s already included in the base price. In the basement you’ll also find a restored part of the original city wall, which feels like a small private museum.
Be prepared that with the winding corridors and unexpected staircases, you’ll sometimes feel like you’re in a charming medieval labyrinth. The rooms are rather small in size, but always perfectly clean, and the summer courtyard terraces invite you to very pleasant evening relaxation outside. In reviews, guests sometimes point out noise from busy streets, which kind of comes with the territory when staying in the Old Town. In some rooms you’ll encounter deliberately period furnishings or very high bathtubs that are harder to get out of, and inside it can sometimes be quite hot.
💡 Tip: I highly recommend staying here to anyone who wants to be close to everything and doesn’t mind the occasional small historical inconvenience. For a similar location, you could easily pay double elsewhere in the city.

8. MONIKA Centrum Hotels
The renovated nineteenth-century building that houses MONIKA Centrum Hotels sits in what’s called the Quiet Centre, and it strikes me as a perfect spot for history lovers. The moment you step out the door in the morning, you find yourself in the heart of the famous Art Nouveau district where you can admire stunning facades in much more peace and quiet than you’ll sometimes encounter in the bustling old town. Guests rave not only about the clean rooms but also the friendly staff and generous breakfast that’s already included in your stay. Vegetarians are well catered for, and right next to the hotel stretches a spacious park that’s perfect for morning strolls.
Keep in mind, though, that the classically styled interior has seen better days and could probably use a bit of renovation. During summer months the air conditioning can be somewhat noisy, and the building entrance features a steep ramp that’ll make you work up a bit of a sweat with heavier luggage. From a practical standpoint, you’ll find an elegant restaurant here, and if you want to truly unwind after a full day of exploring the city, you can book the hotel sauna in advance.
💡 Tip: Make time right after breakfast and head to nearby Alberta Street. It’s world-famous for its unique Art Nouveau architecture, and you’ll find incredibly ornate and photogenic details at practically every turn.

9. Hestia Hotel Jugend
Hestia Hotel Jugend already hints in its name that it’s located in a beautiful Art Nouveau building, fitting perfectly into the quieter neighborhood called the Quiet Centre. People really appreciate the contrast between the historic facade and the modern, beautifully lit interior. This is probably the right place for anyone who loves architecture and enjoys strolling through elegant streets. What works brilliantly here is the generous breakfast that’s included in your stay. You can look forward to hot and cold dishes, pancakes, and excellent coffee, which makes for a perfect start to your day.
It takes about ten minutes on foot to reach Riga’s historic core through some lovely city parks, though some guests prefer to use the Bolt app to get around and save their steps. Rooms are usually spacious and clean, but keep in mind that occasional complaints pop up about weak water pressure in the shower or cooler air in the room when heating is switched off across the board after winter season. On the other hand, you’ll be delighted by the extremely helpful staff who are happy to give you tips on getting around the city. If you arrive by car, parking at the hotel costs twenty euros per night.
💡 Tip: Just a short walk from the hotel you’ll find plenty of local cafés and fragrant bakeries. Stop in and try the traditional Latvian dessert rupjmaizes kārtojums, which is made from sour cream and crushed dark bread.

10. TRIBE Riga City Centre Hotel
TRIBE Riga City Centre Hotel occupies a beautiful Art Nouveau building that was completely renovated in 2026, so everything inside smells brand new and you’ll be impressed by the very modern, fresh design. People love the meticulously thought-out rooms and the very friendly staff, but the biggest trump card is without question the dining. Your stay includes not only breakfast but dinner as well. On top of that, after a full day of walking around the city you can freely dive into the excellent relaxation zone with hammam, hot tub, and sauna, or work out in the superbly equipped gym.
Before you excitedly click to book, though, you should probably count on the fact that some street-facing rooms suffer from noise from nighttime traffic. I definitely recommend asking for a room overlooking the quieter inner courtyard. Occasionally, according to some visitors, the technology acts up, the hotel is reluctant to turn on air conditioning in spring, and the mattresses on the beds are on the very firm side. Nevertheless, this place is hugely popular, and if you get hungry during the day, try the famous club sandwich in the hotel restaurant, which is said to taste absolutely fantastic.
💡 Tip: The included half-board will ultimately save you considerable money on food around the city. It makes the hotel an incredibly smart and worthwhile option, especially when you’re heading to Riga for a slightly longer stay.

11. Rixwell Elefant Hotel
Rixwell Elefant Hotel is admittedly farther from Riga’s historic center, but because of that you’ll get a room for a price you could only dream of in the city core. People appreciate the spacious modern rooms, which often have nice open views from the higher floors. The biggest asset is breakfast with a generous selection and plenty of seating space, so you won’t be squeezing around the buffet. It strikes me as a perfect haven for practically minded travelers who don’t mind taking the tram or calling a Bolt into the center, which will get you to the sights in a few minutes for about four euros.
Keep in mind that parking at the hotel costs extra, although guests sometimes find cheaper parking options in the area. I also came across occasional complaints about confusion when billing the minibar, so make sure to check your charges when you leave. Otherwise it’s quiet here, and after a full day of walking you don’t have to drag yourself anywhere because there’s a very solid and peaceful restaurant right downstairs. You can then punish your tired body in the hotel fitness center, or better yet go relax in the on-site spa.
💡 Tip: If you’re coming to Riga as part of a longer road trip by car, this place will be much more practical for you. Despite the mentioned fee, you’ll park here considerably more easily and cheaply than somewhere in the narrow streets of the historic center.

12. Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel
Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel is a massive landmark in the Centrs district and you definitely won’t miss it when walking around the city. It sits just a short distance from the Freedom Monument, and from the modern glass building it’s an easy walk to both the historic center and the beautiful streets of the Art Nouveau district. People really appreciate the enormous luxury spa center and that comfortable feeling of finding everything from excellent food to proper rest under one roof. I think it’s great that the restaurant staff reliably understands gluten-free diets, which makes holidays much easier for many travelers.
Keep in mind that this is a truly large complex, so the entrance hall can be a bit busier at times. Regular tourists mix here with conference attendees. Despite its size, though, the place maintains consistent and very high service standards. The absolute biggest trump card is the iconic bar on the twenty-sixth floor, which offers views across all of Riga out toward the Baltic Sea. Trust me, with a good cocktail up there you’ll easily lose track of time.
💡 Tip: Definitely plan at least one evening visit to the Skyline rooftop bar. The amazing panoramic view of illuminated Riga is worth it even if you’re not staying at the hotel at all. Try to arrive before sunset and taste their famous espresso martini.

13. Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel
Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel is located on the prestigious Elizabetes street, right on the edge of the beautiful Art Nouveau district, and although it belongs to a large chain, it creates a surprisingly intimate and design-focused impression. People really appreciate that it doesn’t look like a giant corporate complex but maintains a cozy atmosphere. From here you have the old town nearby, and you can reach all the main sights and the market with a leisurely walk in about fifteen minutes. Your mornings are brightened by a generous breakfast with hot dishes and plenty of fresh fruit, which guests love just as much as the incredibly friendly and attentive staff. After running around all day, you can work out in the well-equipped gym or relax in the stylish bar.
You’ll probably be delighted with the rooms because they’re beautifully bright, quiet, and sufficiently spacious. Keep in mind one architectural quirk that some people occasionally point out, though. The bathrooms are separated from the bedroom in such an unfortunate way that when you turn on the light at night, you illuminate the entire room, and when showering the water likes to spread across the floor as well. If this minor fly in the ointment doesn’t bother you, you’ll enjoy really excellent facilities with an outstanding restaurant whose outdoor terrace is full of life especially in summer. Anyone arriving by car will definitely appreciate the secure underground parking right next to the building.
💡 Tip: Right across from the hotel entrance begin the very most beautiful and greenest parks in all of Riga. If you like to start your day with a run, definitely pack your sneakers, or head here at least for a peaceful evening stroll under mature trees.

14. Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel
Right on the banks of the Daugava River stands Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel, which you’ll especially appreciate if you want to properly unwind after a full day of sightseeing. It’s a short walk from the old town, easily reachable on foot, and only about five minutes from the bus station, so you won’t need public transport around the city at all. People love the incredibly generous breakfasts with a huge selection and the friendly staff. The main draw is the modern wellness area with an indoor pool and saunas. In the evening, you can also head to the Asian restaurant right in the building for dinner.
Keep in mind that spa center access isn’t usually included in the standard room rate. Previous guests’ experiences also show that check-in at the small reception can sometimes take a while, and standard rooms tend to be a bit darker, with not much free space left around the large bed. The road in front of the building is also quite busy even at night, so I recommend keeping the windows closed and relying on the well-functioning air conditioning instead. If you’re traveling with children, though, you’ll appreciate the practical connecting rooms.
💡 Tip: I definitely recommend paying extra for a room with a direct river view. Watching boats pass by from the warmth of your bed is incredibly relaxing and adds the perfect romantic touch to your stay.

15. Tallink Hotel Riga
Tallink Hotel Riga is a large, modern hotel in the Centrs district right by the main railway station, where you know exactly what you’re getting. It’s that honest mid-range option with no unnecessary frills, but everything works well. People praise the generous breakfast buffet with a huge selection, though the buffet layout is apparently sometimes a bit confusing. The rooms are nicely clean and functional, and at reception you’ll meet really friendly staff who are a pleasure to chat with. You can visit the hotel restaurant, work out in the fitness center, or warm up in the sauna.
Keep in mind that the room furnishings might feel a bit dated from the previous decade, and the air conditioning can be a little weak at times. The biggest issue here is honestly the soundproofing. If you’re a light sleeper, you might hear your neighbors’ morning shower or the slam of heavy corridor doors. Even so, it’s an extremely practical base for shorter weekend stays, from which you can easily reach the city center streets or the bus on foot.
💡 Tip: The proximity of the railway station really invites day trips. Head out from here for a day trip to the popular spa resort of Jūrmala, for example—the journey takes just a moment and you can relax beautifully there.

16. Bellevue Park Hotel Riga
Bellevue Park Hotel Riga is probably right for you if you’re looking for great value for money and don’t mind commuting a bit. The atmosphere here is calmer, and people especially praise the incredibly helpful reception staff who patiently help solve any problem. Major advantages include free parking in a guarded courtyard and a good breakfast with plenty of pastries. The rooms are furnished rather simply but are spacious, and some even have a small fridge or a balcony with nice evening views. Surprisingly, you’ll also find a spa of your own here and a nice lobby bar for evening relaxation.
It’s about two kilometers across the river to the historic center, which you can easily manage by reliable tram, bus, or even a rented scooter. The journey takes just a few minutes and you’ll enjoy views of the bridges along the way. I must honestly warn you about one downside that has appeared in recent guest experiences, though. Some travelers have unfortunately complained about an unpleasant experience with bed bugs, so I recommend thoroughly checking your bed and the area around the bathroom ventilation as soon as you arrive. If you’re willing to take this risk, you’ll get decent accommodation for a very affordable price.
💡 Tip: The hotel is located right next to the huge, green Uzvaras park. I definitely recommend heading here for a long afternoon walk—it’s a very pleasant escape far from the ever-present city bustle and noise of crowded streets.

17. ibis Riga Centre
ibis Riga Centre will especially please those of you looking for cheap, clean, and reliable accommodation in the wider city center. From the outside you’ll see a historic building, but inside the hotel has been modernized and looks exactly as you’d expect from this chain, so don’t expect any big surprises. People really highlight the location a short walk from the railway station, shopping center, and buses. You can easily get here from the airport by regular public transport, and you can walk to the old town in about ten minutes. What works perfectly here is the incredibly helpful staff and a sufficiently varied breakfast.
Keep in mind that the rooms are very compact and the beds might be a bit small for taller builds. On the other hand, people say they sleep great on them. Also be prepared for the interior showing its age a bit, so you might occasionally come across a creaky floor, peeling paint, or more worn towels. Some windows also look straight onto a white wall. But all this is made up for by the charming inner courtyard with outdoor chess and a nice reading room where you can relax in the evening away from the bustle of the busy street, even with a glass from the small local bar.
💡 Tip: This is a very practical choice for those of you who need a room primarily just for sleeping and plan to spend most of the day outside anyway, discovering sights or wandering through Riga’s streets.

18. Baltic Beach Hotel & SPA
Baltic Beach Hotel & SPA doesn’t actually sit in Riga itself, but in the popular seaside resort of Jūrmala, which you can comfortably reach by train in about thirty minutes. This is a really huge resort surrounded by pine trees, where you can enjoy fresh sea air and an endless sandy beach right outside your door. The biggest pride here is the massive spa center with a heated saltwater whirlpool, a pool with massage jets, saunas, and a proper hammam. People also highly praise the spacious family rooms, excellent mattresses, and balconies from which you look straight out at the sea.
You’ll find four different restaurants right on the property, plus two more pools. The morning breakfasts are generous and you’ll even enjoy a glass of prosecco, just watch out for their special brunches. Some guests complained that the hot food containers don’t actually heat, so dishes cool quickly, and the egg omelets apparently sometimes don’t turn out well. If you’re heading north primarily to relax, clear your head in the wellness area, and save sightseeing mostly for an afternoon trip, you’ll really like this place.
💡 Tip: From the Jūrmala resort, very frequent and incredibly cheap train connections run to Riga, so you can get to the city center itself completely stress-free and quite quickly.
How to Choose the Right Hotel and What to Watch Out For
Choosing accommodation in Riga has its major specifics, and it’s good to know in advance what to focus on. Be very careful about several classic tourist traps that can ruin your stay. The worst possible combination is hostels or cheap hotels located directly above bars in the old town. The noise from the street and from bass speakers will pulse right below you, and on Friday or Saturday nights until three in the morning you simply won’t fall asleep, because Riga is a popular destination for loud bachelor and bachelorette parties that only end in the early morning hours. Another major nuisance in the historic core is pushy promoters luring you into bars with inflated menus that don’t list prices. Always ask for a price list in advance, and unfortunately this applies even to some hotel bars right in the center.
The last major and very common trap is the hotel names themselves, which can be quite misleading. The word “Riga” in a hotel name can easily mean Jūrmala or the distant outskirts of the city. Hotels like Jūrmala SPA Hotel, LIELUPE SPA HOTEL, Daina Jurmala Beach Hotel, and the above-mentioned Baltic Beach Hotel are by the sea, about half an hour by train from the center, which can unpleasantly surprise you upon arrival if you wanted to walk to the sights. Similarly, Rija VEF Hotel is located far outside the center (which it makes up for with free parking), and Radisson Blu Daugava stands on the other side of the river, from where not everything is within easy walking distance. So always carefully check the exact address on the map before your final booking, so you stay exactly where you actually want to be.
Where Next
- What to See in Riga
- Baltics in 10 Days: Itinerary Through Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
- Estonia: 25 Tips for What to See and Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Riga an expensive city for accommodation?
Not at all, in fact it’s the cheapest of the three Baltic capital cities. You can quite often find beautiful spacious rooms in four-star hotels with great service and a rich breakfast for very reasonable prices. It’s a great destination for those who want to treat themselves to luxury without ruining their travel budget.
What meatless foods can I try in Riga?
Definitely try the traditional rupjmaize (black rye bread) or the wonderful sweet dessert rupjmaizes kārtojums made from cream and crushed bread. The local cottage cheese, various blueberry desserts, popular pierogi with cottage cheese and mushrooms are also excellent, and of course the famous herbal liqueur Rīgas Melnais Balzams, which will definitely warm you up.
Is it safe to stay in the old town?
Yes, Riga is generally a very safe European city and you don’t need to be afraid even after dark. The main problem with the old town (Vecrīga) isn’t safety, but the enormous noise from bars and bachelor/bachelorette parties that lasts on weekends until the early morning hours, which is the biggest complication for accommodation.
Why do so many hotels in Riga have their own spa?
Spa culture and regular sauna visits have a huge and long-standing tradition in Latvia that is deeply rooted in the local culture. Spa here isn’t perceived as extra luxury, but as a normal standard of body and soul care, which is why you’ll find pools and saunas even in many more affordable hotels throughout the city.
How do I get from Riga to the resort of Jūrmala?
The easiest and by far the cheapest option is the local train, which runs very frequently. The journey from Riga’s main station to Jūrmala takes approximately 30 minutes and you can buy tickets very easily at machines or at the counter directly at the station. It’s an ideal choice for an afternoon trip to get some sea air.
Is it worth staying in the Klusais centrs area?
Definitely yes, it’s the best choice. The Quiet Centre is unquestionably the most recommended area, because it offers the desired peace, beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and great authentic cafes on Miera iela street, while you can walk to the historic core itself in a comfortable ten minutes.
Do I need a car in Riga?
If you’re planning to stay primarily just in Riga, you definitely don’t need a car and it would rather get in your way when looking for parking. You can easily walk to most of the main sights and the cheap Bolt app or reliable public transport works great for longer distances. A car only makes sense for a longer road trip around the Baltics.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
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Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (simple monthly subscription) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!





