Rixwell Old Riga Palace Hotel

The rooms are warm, clean, and fairly spacious, and the location is great. I don’t really get the one- and two-star reviews. It may not truly be a four-star hotel, but as a good-value three-star place, it definitely works.

Friendly staff and a decent breakfast. We paid extra for a design room, which was pleasant, though there wasn’t enough storage for a week-long holiday. Good location and price.

Getting around was easy, with the train, tram, bus, places to eat, souvenir shops, museums, and local attractions all a short walk away. The hotel is also offering a €10 sauna spa package at the Sister hotel across the street, which I’d recommend. The bar restaurant is under construction, so we walked to nearby places for lunch and dinner. The lobby felt welcoming, and the front desk service was impeccable, even when I couldn’t sleep at 1 a.m. There’s a seating area with sofas, chairs, and a large TV, plus a little shop with cold drinks, packaged cheeses, prosecco, and snacks. At breakfast, EPiFANIA was especially attentive and told us when buffet items had been replenished. There were eggs and omelettes, yogurt, cereal, fresh fruit, bacon, sausages, olives, and lots of cut vegetables. Drinks included coffee from a machine, water, hot tea, and apple and orange juice. Our room was a bit cramped, especially moving between the beds and desk. It had two pillows per bed, comforters, plenty of outlets, and a window that opens for fresh air. There was also a kettle with tea and coffee, an iron and ironing board, a hairdryer, and a mini fridge with items for sale and room for our own food. The decor was tasteful, with a Riga print, and there was a closet for hanging and folding clothes. TV channels were mostly Latvian and Russian, with some US options. Toiletries included hand soap, shampoo, and conditioner.

The room was really cold, so please warm it up before guests arrive. Breakfast was okay, and the location is very good, near the old town.