Looking for an honest review of the Radisson Blu Latvija Riga from someone who has actually stayed there?
You can see the Radisson Blu Latvija from almost everywhere in Riga. It’s a 27-floor glass skyscraper that towers over the city skyline, and honestly, it’s hard to miss.
The Radisson Blu Latvija hotel is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Latvian capital, and it’s known for three big things: its world-class ESPA Riga Spa, the famous Skyline Bar on the 26th floor, and its role as one of the city’s main Radisson Blu conference hubs.
I stayed at the Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel for one night as part of a girls’ weekend out! We booked through Booking.com and stayed in a Superior Room on the 18th floor, which came out to roughly €107 total for one night, breakfast included (we paid extra for it).
We stayed in the hotel mostly to use their newly renovated ESPA, but since we were hotel guests, we got a discount for it and were able to snag a day pass for another €40. Overall, the hotel isn’t the cheapest option in Riga, but the price isn’t outrageous for a 5-star hotel either, especially as compared to American prices!
In this review, I’ll break down everything: the rooms, the ESPA spa experience, the Skyline Bar, the food, and who this hotel is really for. I’ll also flag what fell short, because there are a few things worth knowing before you book.
Short on Time?
You can check the latest rates for the Radisson Blu Latvija on Booking.com. They price match, so you know you’re getting the best deal, and their flexible cancellation options are a lifesaver if travel plans change unexpectedly.
Best Things to Do in Riga
Riga is so much more than its stunning architecture. If you want to make the most of your stay, these are a few experiences I’d highly recommend:
- Riga Old Town Walking Tour – A charming stroll through one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval city centers
- Tour to Hill of Crosses from Riga – A hauntingly beautiful and deeply spiritual Lithuanian landmark
- Hill of Crosses & Jelgava Highlights Tour from Riga – A fuller day trip combining two unique destinations in one
Arrival & Check-In
Walking into the lobby of the Radisson Blu Latvija, you immediately get that grand, corporate-hotel energy. It’s sleek and modern, with high ceilings, marble finishes, and a big open reception area, but it doesn’t feel particularly cozy or boutique. It’s clean, refined, and definitely has a high-end feel.
The check-in itself was smooth, and the staff is very friendly and professional. Everyone speaks English, so don’t worry about that!
But that said, if you’re arriving during a conference day, brace yourself. This hotel hosts large-scale events regularly as one of the city’s main Radisson Blu Latvija conference venues, and the lobby can get super chaotic.
The elevator situation during peak conference hours is honestly a test of patience, so it’s worth keeping this in mind if you’re a leisure traveler who didn’t sign up for that vibe.
The Rooms: Comfortable, but are They Worth the Price?
My Superior Room on the 18th floor was clean, comfortable, and we got a complimentary view of Old Town! But I’ll be honest, the design felt a little dated. Lots of beige, our twin beds were kind to a bit too close together, and the room could have been a little bit bigger for the price. It wasn’t bad by any stretch, but definitely not Instagram-worthy.
What the room did deliver well was a proper rainfall shower, a minibar, a coffee and tea setup, a work desk, and blackout curtains that actually work. The bed was comfortable, the room was quiet, and the housekeeping was excellent.
I think the real selling point of the rooms on higher floors is the view. Riga’s Old Town, the Daugava River, and the cathedral spires are all visible from the upper floors on a clear day.
Tip: When booking, it’s worth requesting a higher floor for the view, as not all rooms face the same direction. The Superior rooms are a solid middle ground. The standard rooms are a step down and, in my opinion, not worth the price difference if you’re already stretching your budget. Go Superior or higher.
The ESPA Riga Spa: The Star of the Show
Okay, let’s talk about the ESPA Riga Spa, because this is genuinely one of the best things about staying at the Radisson Blu Latvija. A lot of locals frequent this SPA because of how much attention it has gotten over the recent years!
The Radisson Blu Riga Conference and Spa facilities include an 18-metre indoor pool, multiple sauna types (Finnish and steam), hydrotherapy, and a full treatment menu. We stuck to our day passes, but keep in mind, if you book a day pass, you need to book a ticket that includes access to the 7th floor.
The 7th floor is the floor that is all over people’s Instagrams with an outdoor pool with jets, and private sauna cabinets that easily fit 2 people.
The pool area is calm, well-maintained, and doesn’t feel overcrowded, but on a Friday night, it can get pretty crowded. The sauna facilities are lovely, I love the Eucalyptus steam room on the 7th floor, and I appreciated that the whole space felt like a proper wellness destination rather than just a hotel amenity tacked on as an afterthought.
The showers are also great after the spa, with top notch shampoos, conditioners, and body washes that will leave you feeling super fresh and relaxed.
My honest take: if you’re booking the Radisson Blu Latvija and you’re not planning to use the spa, you are definitely overpaying for the hotel experience. The spa alone is honestly worth the stay, and I highly recommend checking it out.
Is the spa package worth adding?
Yes, definitely! At the very least, grab a day pass that includes access to the 7th floor. You can also add a treatment to your booking, which is pretty good value given the quality of what you’re getting. The hot stone massage and the ESPA signature facial are consistently the most popular options, so those would be top recommendations.
Good to know: The ESPA Riga Spa is also open to non-hotel guests as a day spa, so if you’re not staying at the hotel, you can still book a visit!
The Skyline Bar (26th Floor): Worth the Trip Alone
I cannot overstate how much I loved the Skyline Bar.
This bar is on the 26th floor of the hotel and it has 360-degree panoramic views of Riga that are stunning, especially at sunset. The whole city spreads out below you: the red rooftops of Old Town, the Freedom Monument, the river, the green parks.
The vibe is relaxed and elegant, and the bar has a good mix of hotel guests and locals. The prices are on the pricey side for cocktails in Riga, but they are so, so good. Honestly the best cocktails I’ve had in Riga, and I’ve been trying all kinds of food and drink spots in Old Town as I get used to living in the city!
I had their Espresso martini, which was made with Riga Black Balsam, and it honestly tasted like I was drinking a brownie. I’ve also tried their drinks made with sour apple and red currant and raspberries, and it’s such a fun experience.
My recommendation is to go around 7–8pm on a clear evening. One really important thing to note: the Skyline Bar is open to non-hotel guests. So even if you’re not staying at the Radisson Blu Latvija Riga, this is absolutely worth a visit. It’s one of the best spots in the city, and worth every cent of a splurge on a drink or two.
Dining: What to Expect
The Esplanade Restaurant serves a buffet breakfast every morning, and it’s incredible, especially if you’re used to American hotel breakfasts like I am, with cold, sad muffins, scrambled eggs made from powdered packages, and some underripe oranges.
The variety here is absolutely incredible, and you can get everything from eggs made to order, pastries, fresh fruit, cold cuts of meat, salads, yogurt bowls, smoothies made from local berries, and the quality is incredible.
I think it’s definitely worth the money and the experience, and I wish we didn’t have such a late dinner the night before so I could fully appreciate the breakfast the next day!
The Lobby Bar is a good option for a casual drink or a light bite in the evening. It’s comfortable and well-staffed, and it’s a nice spot to decompress. But honestly, the Skyline Bar is the better bar to chill in.
Honest flag: if dining is a priority for your stay, I’d use the hotel for breakfast and the Skyline Bar for drinks, and then venture out into Riga for your main meals. The city has a really exciting food scene, especially in Old Town, and eating out locally will serve you better than relying on the hotel restaurant for dinner.
Best meal to prioritize: Breakfast is convenient and included in some rates, so if it’s included in yours, make use of it. If you don’t usually eat a lot for breakfast, you can grab something at a local café and get more for your money, but I would recommend the experience!
Location: How Convenient Is It Really?
The Radisson Blu hotel Riga sits just outside Riga’s Old Town, which means it’s well-positioned but not in the thick of things.
The walk to the Old Town is about 10 minutes on foot, which is genuinely pleasant along the park and canal area. The Freedom Monument is basically right there, and Vermanes Garden is just across the road. For exploring the main sights, the Old Town, the Central Market, and the Art Nouveau district, the location is solid and walkable.
That said, if you’re hoping to feel like you’re truly in the heart of Riga’s historic center, you might feel slightly removed. There are boutique hotels and Airbnbs inside the Old Town that give you that cobblestone-street-out-your-window experience, which this hotel simply can’t offer.
For taxis and rideshares, Bolt (the local equivalent of Uber and very popular in the Baltics) works great in Riga and is cheap (like 4-5 euros per ride). For anything beyond walking distance, I’d use that rather than the hotel’s transfer services.
➡️ Book a stay at the Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel Riga!
What to Watch Out For
A few things worth knowing before you arrive:
The conference crowd is real. The Radisson Blu Latvija is one of Riga’s main Radisson Blu conference hotels, which means on busy event days, the lobby, breakfast room, and elevators can get hectic. If you’re a leisure traveler, it’s worth checking whether a large event is scheduled during your dates. It can change the vibe of your stay considerably.
The room design feels dated relative to the price. The hotel is comfortable and well-maintained, but if you’re expecting contemporary, design-forward interiors for €120+ per night, you might be disappointed. The rooms are functional and clean but not especially stylish or “wow”.
Watch out for extra charges. Breakfast, parking, and spa treatments are all separate unless you book a package that includes them. It’s easy to add up quickly, so keep an eye on what’s included in your rate when you book.
Occasional check-in delays have been flagged in recent reviews, particularly during busy conference periods. Our check-in experience was smooth and easy at 4pm, but try to time your arrival outside of peak hours if possible.
Who Is This Hotel For?
Great for:
- People who love spas and couples looking for a wellness-focused city break
- Travelers who want a reliable, comfortable base in a central Riga location
- Anyone who wants rooftop bar views (the Skyline Bar is so worth it)
- First-time Riga visitors who want a landmark hotel experience
- Business travelers, as the Radisson Blu Latvija conference and meeting facilities are excellent
Maybe skip if:
- You’re on a tighter budget, as there are great value options inside Old Town that will give you more for less
- Ultra-modern room design matters to you
- You’re not planning to use the spa or the Skyline Bar, as you’ll be paying for amenities you won’t enjoy
Is the Radisson Blu Latvija Worth It? My Verdict
The Radisson Blu Conference and Spa Riga is a genuinely good hotel, well-located, reliably comfortable, and home to two absolute highlights in the ESPA Riga Spa and the Skyline Bar. If you book with the intention of using those features, it delivers excellent value for a 5-star stay.
Where it falls slightly short is in the room design, which feels a bit behind where you’d expect it to be at this price point, and in the conference-heavy atmosphere that can occasionally bleed into the leisure guest experience.
But overall, I think it’s worth it, especially if you love spas and good food & vibes like I do. Get a spa day pass, and make it a point to watch the sunset from the Skyline Bar. Do those things, and you’ll leave with no regrets.
If you’re purely budget-focused or you care a lot about boutique, design-led interiors, there are better options in Riga for the money. But for a comfortable, well-positioned, amenity-rich stay in the Latvian capital, the Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija is great.
Radisson Blu Latvija Riga: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Radisson Blu Latvija a 5-star hotel?
Yes! The Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel is a 5-star property, which is reflected in the quality of its spa, service, and facilities, even if the room interiors feel slightly dated compared to what some might expect at that tier.
How far is the Radisson Blu Latvija from Old Town Riga?
It’s about a 10-minute walk to the edge of Riga’s Old Town. The location is very convenient, though the Radisson Blu hotel Riga sits just outside the historic center rather than inside it.
Is the ESPA Riga Spa open to non-hotel guests?
Yes! The ESPA Riga Spa operates as a day spa, so you don’t need to be staying at the Radisson Blu hotel Latvija to book a treatment or use the facilities. It’s worth knowing if you’re visiting Riga and want a spa day without the hotel price tag.
What is the Skyline Bar at Radisson Blu Latvija?
The Skyline Bar is a panoramic bar on the 26th floor of the Radisson Blu Latvija, offering 360-degree views of Riga. It’s open to hotel guests and non-guests alike, and it’s widely considered one of the best viewpoints in the city. Sunset is the best time to visit.
How many rooms does the Radisson Blu Latvija have?
The Radisson Blu Latvija Hotel has 571 rooms and suites, making it one of the largest hotels in Riga. It’s also one of the city’s main venues for large conferences and events.
Is the Radisson Blu Latvija good for families?
It can work for families, as the hotel is spacious and comfortable, and the location is convenient. That said, the conference-focused atmosphere and the spa-and-bar highlights make it better suited to adult travelers or couples. Families might find a more relaxed fit elsewhere in the city.
Is the Radisson Blu Latvija a good hotel?
Overall, yes. The Radisson Blu Latvija Riga is a solid 5-star choice, especially if you plan to use the spa or the Skyline Bar. It’s well-run, centrally located, and offers a reliable experience. The main drawbacks are the slightly dated room design and the conference crowd on busy days.
Is Radisson Blu a high-end hotel?
Radisson Blu sits firmly in the upper-upscale tier globally. It’s not quite ultra-luxury, but it consistently delivers strong service, quality facilities, and a 5-star-adjacent experience. The Radisson Blu Latvija is one of the brand’s stronger offerings in Riga.
How many stars does Radisson Blu Latvia have?
The Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel is a 5-star hotel.
Is Radisson Blu better than Radisson?
Yes. Radisson Blu is the premium tier within the Radisson Hotels group, positioned above the standard Radisson brand with higher-end facilities, design, and service standards.
Final Thoughts
I’ve been living in Riga for the last few months, and I had a great time staying at the Radisson Blu Latvija Riga for the first time. It’s a great base for exploring other parts of Old Town, and the Skyline Bar sunset and an afternoon in the ESPA spa are both experiences I’d happily repeat.
If you’re putting together a Latvia itinerary, make sure to add this spot as a must-stay (at least for one night!).
And if you end up at the Skyline Bar or the spa, take some pictures. Both are seriously gorgeous, and the views from the 26th floor make for great memories and content.
➡️ Ready to book? Check the latest rates for the Radisson Blu Latvija on Booking.com and grab that spa package while you’re at it!
About the Author
Sasha is the founder of Little Happy Travels, a blog with tips and inspiration for combining work + travel and living the digital nomad lifestyle. As a business coach and remote worker, she’s spent the last few years traveling the world while helping others do the same. Follow for guides, tips, and personal stories on working from anywhere!
