THE GRAND PALACE HOTEL RIGA, LATVIA: A LUXURY REVIEW
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When visiting the Latvian capital of Riga, there really is one hotel that stands out amongst the rest, for its history, amenities, location and decadent decor, it’ s no other than the Grand Palace Hotel Riga. Part of the Leading Hotels of The World, prestigious group, the hotel is really well-located downa. quiet street in the heart of the old Town of Riga and is walkable to many of the cities beautiful sights. Read on to discover what it’s like to stay at the Grand Palace Hotel in Riga in this honest review where we share our personal experiences.
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Related Article: A weekend Guide to 3 Days in Riga, Latvia
How To Get To The Grand Palace Hotel Riga
The best way to arrive at the hotel is to either pre-book transportation or hop into a taxi from the airport. The Hotel can also arrange a transfer service for a return trip for guests that are staying with them for a pre-payable fee. The car drive from Riga International Airport to the Grand Palace Hotel Riga is just under 10km away and takes 15 minutes. It is possible to travel by public transport such as a bus, which of course is a lot more cost effective, but honestly, taking a taxi is far more convenient and hassle free. Expect to pay around €20.
As we drove along the quiet cobbled-stoned streets of Old Town Riga, We caught a glimpse of the hotel and breathed a huge sigh of relief! It had the same charm and beauty that we had envisaged it to have as we stepped outside of the car and onto the red carpet. The gleaming gold plaque infront of us read ‘Grand Palace Riga’ and we were see on greeted and ushered in by the door men.
The Grand Palace Hotel Riga: A Little History
The building was constructed in 1877 as the Central Bank of Latvia and turned into a 5 Star boutique hotel in 2000. The Grand palace Riga has been voted Latvia’s leading hotel for the past 10 years by World Travel Awards. It has a prime location in Old Town Riga, a UNESCO WORLD Heritage Site, a stones throw away from all the sights, sounds and flavours of the city. It is also within walking distance from the acclaimed Art Nouveau district. Everywhere you would need to go can be reached by foot!
The hotel’s interiors have been designed by Andrew Martin, a British designer who has tried to fuse the buildings past in the communal areas with the modern clean lines and simplicity in the rooms.
We were greeted by the Concierge, who walked us through the grand front doors of the Grand Palace Hotel and up the marble staircase leading to the reception room. This is where we got our first taste of the decadent feeling of this hotel. Two large desks, beautiful chairs and stunning drapes adorned the room in rich opulent hues fabrics. The smell of freshly cut lilies fills the room as you are swiftly taken through the check-in process and given a tour around the hotels communal amenities.
We booked directly with the Grand Palace Riga and were therefore upgraded to a Deluxe Double Room including breakfast (booking a room direct with the hotel guarantees you with a room upgrade!), which faced the old town Riga which we were literally situated in, down a quiet little cobble stone road. When we’re on a short city break like this, and intend on exploring, we generally don’t tend to book a suite as we plan to be out exploring all day. Being out all day and then having dinner reservation plans in the city meant we were going back to the hotel for a good nights sleep and some breakfast. We always ensure the hotel is in a quite area so it’s easier to rest.
Rooms At The Grand Palace Hotel Riga
Theer area great range of rooms to choose from at the hotel depending upon your comfort and price preferences. All are finished to a high standard and either have views of the inner streets and courtyards or the cobbled-stone street towards the front of the building.
Room categories include Superior, Deluxe, Business King, Junior Suites and One-bedroom suites and each comes with a shower, bath or both with luxurious toiletteries, fluffy white towels and the most beautiful comforting robes.
The Deluxe Room
Our deluxe double room was located on the fourth floor off a beautifully decorated hallway. The room was airy and spacious and it was apparent on entering that the two large windows (which face the front of the hotel, overlooking the cobble stone street) were responsible for the natural light flooding in.
The colours were neutral tones of grey and ebony interspersed with small pops of colour in the form of soft furnishings. The room contained all the usual suspects, a stylish desk (not that anyone was planning on working), a cute hanging wardrobe, plenty of chests, the all-important full length mirror, 3 stone upholstered seats to plan a day of sightseeing from and local pieces of art work in classic frames and mounts. The carpet with its dark grey swirls was just right to break up the room neutral wall scheme.
The bathroom on the other hand was a little more classic, with a black and white checked tiled floor, a Victorian style suite and pretty little ceramic pieces housing the amenities one could need for their stay. Luxurious toiletries are by Terre de Mars who use natural and organic ingredients, with a particular emphasis on coffee extract, known for its antioxidant and revitalizing properties. The products are vegan, cruelty-free, and free of harmful chemicals, offering a minimalist yet luxurious approach to skincare. they also smell absolutely divine!
Additionally you can feel right at home in fluffy white bath robes and comfy slippers!
The Stairs & Hallway
Heading back downstairs, and it’s worth taking the stairs down just to experience the beautiful chandeliers that hang down the wide carpeted staircase, with beautiful blue and white ceramic pots at every corner.
Off the lobby there is also the PILS Bar & Restaurant the Restaurant Orangerie and a terrace which unfortunately was not in use during our stay buy I can imagine summer days out here would be idyllic.
The Pils Bar & Restaurant
If you love old-world bars, you may be a little bit in love with this one. From the teal bar stools to the beautifully classically stocked bar display and the modern meets classic décor!
The Pils Bar is open all day to enjoy a relaxing drink and provides a rest stop inbetween scheduled sight seeing however we chose to have pre-dinner cocktails at the bar before heading out in the evenings. The bartenders are very well versed in cocktails and may we just say the Espresso Martinis are made perfectly here!
The hotel also has a restaurant adjoining the bar, which we didn’t actually eat at but the hotels Executive chef, Roberts Slaidins is renowned for his attention of using high-quality ingredients and creativity of dishes. The restaurant provides a very elegant dining space filled with chandeliers and a romantic ambience. It’s the perfect place to have a very special meal with friends or family or even a low key romantic soiree.
Related Article: Vegetarian-friendly Dining Guide to Riga, Latvia
The Orangery
Breakfast is served in the light and airy orangery situated at the back of the hotel. A room filled with ornate chairs, chaise longue and white statues. Look out for the chief resident of the orangery, Misha. A stunning lady who spends her days sitting on the perch and talking to diners as she swoons around the room when it takes her fancy.
Breakfast is laid back affair at the hotel consisting of a buffet with hot items made to order to suits tastes and personal palettes. Also a great option to reduce excessive food waste. The crockery is simply quite stunning too but be careful not too much Prosecco for breakfast as it’s quite delicate! I’m not speaking from personal experience incase you’re wondering!
Other Hotel Amenities
The hotel also has Spa facilities and can arrange special extras in your room like champagne and flowers for special occasion. They even have a business room for meetings. Additionally I really adored there little computer station which is complimentary, as is WIFI in all communal areas with a additional code for in-room use.
The Grand Palace Hotel Riga has a little sun terrace which is in use during the summer months and is perfect to enjoy a few drinks whilst soaking up the rays.
Keep a look out for the little details that make this hotel great, such as the turn down service, chocolate treats and glass bottled drinking water is complimentary in each of the rooms and areas around the hotel.
Sustainability at The Grand Palace Hotel Riga
We love that the hotel has a defined Sustainability policy which is outlines their energy considerations as well as education of staff, use of single use plastics, food waste, ethically produced toiletries in guest rooms, reduction in water usage by allowing guests o choose when to wash linens and towels, to. mention a few things.
These practices are an on-going work in progress for the brand and have committed to making improvements on an annual basis to become more planet conscious.
Who Is The Hotel Perfect For?
Couples, romantic getaways, city breaks, honeymoons, anniversaries, special occasions.
Looking For Things To Do In Riga?
You can book excursions from the hotel but we’d recommend checking-out some of our personal favourites that we researched for our trip and went on ourselves. They all involve small local companies with local guides who know all the best authentic tips adn tricks about this city. They can even give you some fantastic recommendation of where to eat and drink and things to do off the tourist trail should you wish to explore further.
The Grand Palace Riga FAQ’s
Can this luxury hotel be enjoyed on a budget?
The Grand Palace Hotel Riga is most definitely on the higher end of most peoples budgets but they do have some great package off season deals, where they can definitely bundle more services together so keep an eye out for those. We’d also add that it’s worth saving up for if you’d like a really specila stay when visiting Riga. In off season, double rooms can cost £159 per person per night.
Is the hotel in a quiet area?
Yes absolutely! The Grand Palace Hotel Riga is located down a very quiet cobbled-stone street a 5 minute walk away from the main Doma Laukums Square.
Can the hotel provide an airport pick-up service
Yes, email the hotel following your reservation and they will happily give you details of their private transfer service in a chauffeur driven luxury car. It’s a 15 minute journey and guests are personally met at the airport and also on their return are dropped off at the appropriate terminal.
What if I need to make restaurant reservations?
The concierge service at the hotel is excellent in recommending restaurants, activities and bar based on your preefrences. If you don’t wish to dine on the hotels; Pil’s Restaurant, the concierge team can advise and make reservations at local spots for your convenience. The also often have access to some great tables at popular restaurants.
Is there vegetarian-friendly food available at the hotel?
There is a great choice of vegetarian-friendly food, especailly at breakfast time. If you are eating at the Pils Restaurant, then ensure that you get in touch with the chef team prior to your visit via the concierge number and inform them of any dietary requirements.
Is breakfast included in the room rates at the hotel?
It is possible to book a room with and without breakfast or you can just opt to have it on the day and pay the difference. The hotel are pretty flexible. We will add that if you do enjoy having a. hearty breakfast before setting off to explore the city, do book it in advance when yoy book your room as there’s always a slight saving.
Grand Palace Riga Hotel, Round-Up
The Grand Palace Hotel, Riga is the ultimate boutique hotel in our opinion. It oozes individuality in both service, style and quality. The attention to detail and personal service is really second to none and a true haven to return to after a long day exploring the Latvian capital, Riga. It is a true insight into the Latvian hospitality which leaves us reeling to discover more of the Baltics’ cordiality in the future
The Details
- Address: The Grand Palace Hotel Riga. Oils Lela 12. Riga, LV-1050. Latvia
- Tel. +371 6740 4000
- Find it Here: Map Location
- Details: Check-in 14:00 and Check-out: 12:00
- Breakfast: Rooms can be booked with and without the breakfast option.
- Price Range: ££/£££ depending upon season
Related Articles (More Guides About The Baltics)
- A weekend Guide to 3 Days in Riga, Latvia
- Vegetarian-friendly Dining Guide to Riga, Latvia
- The Ultimate City Guide to Tallinn
- Schlossle Hotel Tallinn: A Luxury Stay Reveiw
- Tallinn: A Vegetarian Food Guide
- The Most Incredibel Dining at NOA Chefs Table
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À bientôt
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the Curious Pixie
Such a gorgeous hotel! The bar is stunning and if they make great EMs I’m sold.
Bejal
the Curious PixieOh it is just beautiful! Haha, yes one of it’s many talents is producing great EM’s!!
Laura
It looks like such a lovely hotel, I love the interiors!
Bejal
LauraIt was just stunning Laura! A mix of modern and classic done so well.