Mercure Riga Centre

The experience was so ridiculous it became laughable. At 10pm, another guest tried to get into our room because they'd apparently been booked into the same one. Ten minutes later, the receptionist knocked to ask which room we'd been moved from, as if I could remember :D. The breakfast room was packed, and the staff and kitchen couldn't keep up. There were long waits for food and forks, and paper cups instead of proper glassware. I feel sorry for the staff working there. We only got two stars instead of one because they moved us after the first room, on the top floor, smelled like sewers and was cold as hell. The replacement was generally fine, but not for the price. It was dated and poorly maintained: water damage on the ceiling, broken bathroom tiles that moved and let water underneath, with sharp edges, and bedsheets with holes. The thermostat seemed to be there for looks. The TV was there, but all the channels lagged so badly it was unwatchable. There are plenty of much better options in Riga for less money. SPA and parking cost extra even for guests, and they still have the nerve to block a security deposit. Never again.

The hotel's main draw is its location. A huge shopping mall is right next door, with mcdonalds and burger king across the street. If you're driving, the hotel car park costs €15 a day. The room was comfortable and nice, but breakfast was below average, so I took off a star. I had a better than good stay, but nothing that would make me remember this hotel.

I've stayed here more than 50 times, and the service has always been awesome. This time the hotel wasn't fully booked, but I didn't get an upgrade despite being Platinum. When I got to my room, the minibar was closed. I asked reception to open it, and they said it would take 20 minutes, but I needed drinks then. There was also an opened teabag :( Still recommend it for the perfect location, parking, and comfortable rooms.

The comfortable bed was the only good part for me. The food was repetitive, never enough for everyone, and we waited over half an hour to be served. There was dust above the tables in the dining hall, while the rooms were too cold and smelled strongly. They call this a four-star hotel, but I'm not sure it even deserves three.