About Balthostel Riga
Balthostel Riga is in the centre of Riga and within walking distance of shops, restaurants and transport links.
The room choices range from mixed dormitories to private twin (or quadruple) rooms. They are air conditioned and offer disabled access. There is lift access to the five floors. All bed linen and towels are supplied and bathroom facilities are shared.
The reception area at Balthostel Riga is open at all times and there are safe, free Wi-Fi, and currency exchange facilities; plus a TV lounge. Public areas are air conditioned. Secure parking is available for large and small vehicles and the supermarket/shop; Rimi is ‘open all hours’.
McDonald's is on the ground floor and the Origo Shopping Centre is opposite. Later dining restaurants include Elements and Akhtamar.
The railway station is also opposite the hostel. The bus station and Old Town district are a few minutes’ walk away.
Positive Reviews
positive:
Good value.
As with all hostels and cheap accommodation, it doesn't do to expect the ultimate - not at these prices. Rooms though are well furnished and decorated. The shared bathroom is a bit iffy, but that's to be expected. All in all and given this terrific location … ‘the deal's a good ‘un'.
positive:
Suitable for all age groups.
This is a quiet and restful pace to stay and they go out of their way to stress that they welcome all nationalities and age groups. Rooms are clean, beds are comfortable and there's no shortage of shared bathroom facilities. Members of staff, it has to be said, are very friendly and helpful.
positive:
A kitchen bonus.
There's a shared kitchen which is clean and contains a bonus in the form of a refrigerator which is also clean … plus there's free tea, coffee and milk!
Negative Reviews
negative:
Noise problems.
They come with the city centre location, but rooms facing the street - which seems to be busy day and night - are subject to a lot of traffic noise. A big problem for light sleepers. The solution is to make sure that your room faces the courtyard. It's much quieter there.-----------------------------------------------Noise problems.They come with the city centre location but rooms facing the street - which seems to be busy day and night - are subject to a lot of traffic noise. A big problem for light sleepers. The solution is to make sure that your room faces the courtyard. It's much quieter here.Missing the ‘buzz'.If you are travelling as a couple or part of a family or group, you won't find a problem here. Single folk, though, will miss the banter that is usually enjoyed in places like this as there's no communal meeting place as such.Problems in the bedroom department.Curtains, if there are any, are very thin so the early morning light has no difficulty getting in and dazzling you. Pillows are designed to be another sleep deterrent and the mattress is really quite hard. In other respects, though … this is a dream of a place to stay!
negative:
Missing the ‘buzz'.
If you are travelling as a couple or part of a family or group, you won't find a problem here. Single folk, though, will miss the banter that is usually enjoyed in places like this as there's no communal meeting place as such.
negative:
Problems in the bedroom department.
Curtains, if there are any, are very thin so the early morning light has no difficulty getting in and dazzling you. Pillows are designed to be another sleep deterrent and the mattress is really quite hard. In other respects, though … this is a dream of a place to stay!