Gertrude Hotel

The shared kitchen and lounge downstairs on floor -1 were spotless and fully equipped, a useful way to keep costs down without giving up comfort. At under €50 a night, the standard room felt like good value, with a TV, air conditioning, safe, and kettle, although it's showing its age. The location worked for me too: the bus station, Voodoo Casino, and Daugava Stadium were all a 25-30 minute walk away. Self check-in at Rixwell Gertrude is quick once you've figured out the instructions, though getting started felt like a game of poker. The vintage-style lobby has an old-school charm, but doesn't quite fit with the techy key safeboxes. WhatsApp communication was fast and efficient. My first room had no electricity, but staff sent a new room code within minutes. Rixwell Gertrude Hotel isn't a royal flush, but for the price it was a strong hand.

The elevator and spacious bathroom were useful, but after three nights I still can't see how this gets four stars. The hotel is old, from the carpets and bed to the closet. The corridor has no windows or daylight, and its motion sensor lights barely work, leaving it dark and scary. Traveling alone, I felt nervous there. Warm water took about seven minutes to become steady, and it never got hot. The location also cost time and energy: it's outside the centre, about a 25-minute walk to the old town, with no good restaurants nearby. Self check-in could be convenient, but check-in is only allowed at exactly 15:00. Even arriving at 14:59 is too early. I didn't trust the negative comments before staying, and regret that now. I'd pay more for somewhere nearer the city centre.

The room was extremely noisy, and the beds were old and badly sagging, with just one awful pillow. For a place that's meant to be four stars, having no reception desk or bar is pretty poor. Avoid it.

Arriving late, we were first put in a room that hadn't been cleaned. The next one had a lot of mold. I had the same problem when I stayed here in summer, walking into a room with significant mold already there. It made for a very uncomfortable stay. I don't recommend this place.