Editor Pick
An Unoriginal Name but How's the Hostel?
- July 4, 2008
- Rated 3 of 5 by
dangaroo from Warsaw, Poland
Riga Hostel in Riga, firstly gets 0 points for originality on the name but overall is a pretty good hostel, I've never actually spent the night there although I've been around at all times of the day and night because an Aussie friend of mine used to work there as the receptionist, so I spent many an hour milling around with a beer!
Perhaps a downside (although an Italian I met there didn't agree!) of the hostel was that there is a go-go bar downstairs, so this means sulky scantily clad strippers stood outside smoking cigarettes as they're not allowed to inside as well as a rather enthusiastic and incredibly dull bloke trying to pass off leaflets or trying to convince you to go inside. Though that is something to expect considering the Latvian government has pimped its country out to sex trade and stag do's.
The hostel itself is owned by a Spanish guy called Juan who I believed has just opened up another hostel in Riga, I don't know much about that though. What I do know is that there is a good selection of rooms, a nice kitchen, a free breakfast, a tv/dvd room, free internet, wifi and friendly staff, all musts today if you want to be a successful hostel.
All in all just what you need, though I prefer the Old Town Hostel due to the pub downstairs and even friendlier staff!
There is also a free laundry service, luggage storage, coffee & tea and even sheesha (waterpipe) as well as the use of an iron or hair drier should you be a girl or a big woosy male!
More services include bicycle hire, phone cards and a postal service.
Prices are:
Double Bed Private Shared Bathroom 22.00 GBP
4 Bed Private Ensuite - 17 GBP
8 Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite - 9 GBP
8 Bed Mixed Dorm - 7.50 GBP
15 Bed Mixed Dorm Ensuite 5 GBP
Address & Directions -
Riga Hostel is very conveniently located and can be found at Marstalu 12 in the old city... courtesy of Riga Hostel themselves, I've got hold of some pre-written directions, so I don't do it myself and make a balls of it!
From the Airport:
Take the number 22 bus (0.40LVL). After crossing the river, get off the bus at the 11.Novembra krastmala stop. From the bus stop, cross the main street near the underpass and turn right. At this point, the main street and river will be on your right, while the Old Town buildings will be visible to the left of you. Continue walking until you see a small street called 'Peldu iela' to your left. Pass this street. The next street on your left will be 'Marstalu iela' - our street. As you continue on up the road, you should become aware of the Riga Hostel signpost after a moment or two......and voila! Welcome to Riga Hostel.
From the Train Station:
Once outside the main building, head towards the big clock and cross the main street by the underpass. When you find yourself outdoors once again, you will notice the Riga channel to your right. Cross the channel (aswell as the tram-line behind it), continue on straight ahead until you cross the following street. (this street will have tram-lines). at this point, continue walking straight. To your left, you should notice the main street, along with Stockmann shopping centre. The buildings of old town Riga should be situated to your left. Keep walking straight ahead. Soon you should encounter Valnu street (the 1st old town street to your right) and the underpass on your left. Continue walking straight untill you come accross a green square to your right. Cross the square, and turn right down the street behind the square. This is Alksnaju street. Continue on until this street comes to an end and look to your left. Yes, you've guessed it .....Welcome to Riga Hostel!
From the Bus Station:
On leaving the bus staion, start walking towards the river Daugava. When you reach the main street, take a right and continuue under the railway bridge. Cross the big street to your right and continue walking untill you reach 'Marstalu iela. Now just turn right and walk for a moment or two until you come to number 12. The Riga Hostel sign should be in your vision and.......welcome home!
From journal Eat, Drink and Sleep Your Way Around Riga
Editor Pick
The Riga Hostel
- April 24, 2006
- Rated 3 of 5 by
Iain Mac E. from Galway, Ireland
As there were 8 of us, we had a dormitory to ourselves. The beds were basic but comfortable. I was not too enamoured with the thin mattresses and European-style square pillows, but no-one else seemed to mind.There was one bathroom between the two dorms on our floor—i.e., 16 people! If you want to avoid the queues, get up early.There is also a communal kitchen (useful, as breakfast is not provided) and common room here, with a TV and free Internet access. We met some interesting people, including a group of Finnish Goths and a nomadic Englishman, who was trying to decide which of the Baltic countries he liked best.The staff here are very friendly, and were very helpful when we missed our flight back to Dublin and needed to be re-accommodated. This they did with no hassle, despite the influx, that evening, of 50 English football players! The staff have 12-hour shifts, and so sleep in the common room in the small hours—so keep it down when coming in from a night out.One little-advertised attribute of this hostel is its location just above a strip-club. Don't be put off, however. The music isn't too loud, and the staff and clientele generally ignore you.
From journal Week in Riga