Laine - Riga, Latvia     

We stayed here for one night, and had no problems. The room was spacious and clean; the breakfast was modest, but functional. It's located approximately 10-15 minute walk to Old Town. Staff was friendly and courteous.

After some trouble with the Hotel's online booking system (don't ever neglect calling them for confirmation) I was expecting a somewhat chaotically run property - but they redeemed themselves quickly. Reception desk staff was very friendly, competent and fluent in both English and German (probably Russian as well). I stayed there for two periods of two nights each, in different rooms. Both rooms were registered as "Business" rooms, differing from "Standard" or "Suite" rooms mainly in size and layout. While carpeting and baths in both rooms were nothing to write home about, beds were large and comfortable, mattresses recent enough. TV sets, minibars and most furniture appeared to be about 6-7 years old, but in good shape. The hotel apparently was opened in the early 1990s, right after the end of Soviet occupation. It is not affiliated with any of the major hotel chains, so expect some quirky details in service. Location is somewhat removed from most Riga tourist attractions, in a the back of a large Art Nouveau building in a residential street. Major attractions are not far though, between 5 and 15 minutes walking distance. To enter you'll have to cross a courtyard, and then enter a very very small, very very slow and very very rotten elevator at your own peril. The other option is to take the narrow stairs to the third floor - this is where reception, bar, and some of the best rooms are. The next three floors are also taken up by rooms, and they seem to be getting smaller the higher you climb. Don't take anything on the 7th floor: You're going to be right under the roof , and the elevator will only take you to the 5th floor (talk about quirky details...). As room sizes are very different, and furniture quality also seems to vary quite a bit, just ask the reception staff to get you a big and recently renovated room. The owners seem to be working on hotel renovations one step at a time - all the time. As I usually got up relatively late I missed out on all breakfast. Dare to come there after 9.55am - and everything will have vanished completely - this is Eastern Europe after all! That said, hotel restaurant and bar prices are very reasonable indeed. One night in one of the approx. 30 square meter (350 square feet) "Business" rooms set me back about 70 Euros - not dirt cheap but adequate. I was satisfied, the nuisances (elevator, earlybird-only breakfast) were more than balanced by a very personal and pleasant atmosphere. I might even stay there again.