Guesthouse Leiputrija

We were barely able to sleep. Around 3 AM, bugs were crawling on our skin, one turned up in my friend’s hair, and we found huge winged insects on our bags, pillows, and in our clothes. The showers were just as awful, with mold on the walls, clumps of hair in the drains, and a strong mildew smell. Our door had a big hole in it that nobody repaired, so cold air came in all night and we couldn’t secure our privacy or feel safe. Outside, unsupervised teenagers shouted, played loud music, and ran around until 4 in the morning, with no staff stepping in. On top of that, the administrators asked for an extra 50 EURO to use a rusty, greasy grill that looked filthy. This was an overpriced, hostile place to stay, and I wouldn’t come back. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

The outdoor setup was a letdown. The listing promised a gazebo, but it was still being built when we arrived, and there was almost no outdoor furniture. The pond was overgrown, and the footbridge wasn’t usable. We also couldn’t play music outside at all, despite the campsite being about 100m away. Our group had booked the large guest house for one night. On a chilly day there was no heating, and even with three blankets in the cosiest room, we were still cold. Some beds creaked terribly. The tap water stayed lukewarm at best after running for more than five minutes, so there was no proper shower after a long day. The basement TV had only two channels, and we weren’t allowed to unplug its cables to connect a laptop. At best, I’d give the stay 3/10.

There’s loads of room here, with a river, forest, and meadow, and the campsite wasn’t crowded when I visited in mid August. The reception staff were helpful, too. It’s a remote spot, so the nearest supermarket is 7km away, though there’s a little shop on site with cold beer, pasta, and canned goods. Plenty to get by with in the forest.

After four days camping in the wild, we stayed here and got to try an authentic Latvian sauna. Birch juice and a water slide made it a unique experience. Thank you for everything!