Where to Stay in Latvia
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
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Regions of Latvia
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
The capital region offers Latvia's most diverse accommodation options, from party hostels in the Art Nouveau district to luxury properties overlooking the Daugava River. The Old Town (Vecrīga) provides atmospheric medieval settings but commands premium prices, while neighborhoods like Centrs and Miera iela offer better value. The area serves as the country's main transport hub and base for exploring the nation.
Latvia's premier beach resort area features everything from Soviet-era sanatoriums transformed into spa hotels to modern wellness resorts and wooden summerhouse rentals. The 33km stretch of beaches and pine forests has been a holiday destination since the 19th century. Accommodation tends toward health-focused properties with spa facilities, making it popular for wellness retreats and romantic getaways.
Latvia's 'Switzerland' offers castle-dotted landscapes, adventure sports, and the country's most developed rural tourism infrastructure. Accommodation ranges from adventure lodges near Sigulda to romantic manor houses and forest guesthouses. This region excels in unique stays including treehouses, glamping sites, and historic estates, making it ideal for active travelers and nature enthusiasts seeking easy access from Riga.
The dramatic western coastline stretching from Kolka to the Lithuanian border offers windswept beaches, fishing villages, and the historic port city of Liepāja. Accommodation is more sparse than other regions but includes charming seaside guesthouses, converted lighthouses, and small hotels in coastal towns. The region appeals to those seeking authentic Baltic coastal culture away from resort areas.
Latvia's culturally distinct eastern region offers the country's most authentic rural experiences with accommodation primarily in farmsteads, village guesthouses, and modest hotels in regional centers. This is Latvia's lake district with over 1,000 lakes, making it ideal for agrotourism and fishing retreats. Accommodation is basic but genuine, offering deep immersion into traditional Latvian life and excellent value.
The agricultural heartland south of Riga features baroque palaces, particularly in Rundāle and Jelgava, alongside working farms offering agrotourism experiences. Accommodation options include stays in palace hotels, farm guesthouses, and modest town hotels. This region serves well as a stopover between Riga and Lithuania or for those interested in Latvia's aristocratic heritage and rural traditions.
The rugged northern coastline from Salacgrīva to the Estonian border offers pristine beaches, fishing villages, and access to coastal nature trails. Accommodation is limited but includes atmospheric guesthouses in former fishing settlements and small hotels in towns. This remote region attracts those seeking solitude and untouched Baltic nature, with the Soviet-era restricted zone legacy meaning less development.
Latvia's four national parks (Gauja, Ķemeri, Slītere, and Rāzna) and numerous nature parks offer eco-lodges, forest guesthouses, and camping facilities. These areas prioritize sustainable tourism with accommodation designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing nature immersion. Facilities range from basic to comfortable, with emphasis on location and experience over luxury amenities.
Scattered across Latvia are over 30 restored manor houses offering accommodation, representing the country's Baltic German heritage. These range from intimate boutique properties to larger estate hotels, many set in landscaped parks. They're distributed throughout Vidzeme, Kurzeme, and Zemgale regions, offering elegant bases for exploring surrounding areas with a taste of aristocratic life.
Beyond Jūrmala, Latvia offers specialized wellness destinations including Liepāja's beach spa hotels, Saldus mineral water resorts, and various countryside wellness retreats. Many properties offer therapeutic treatments using local peat, amber, and mineral waters. These destinations attract both domestic wellness tourists and international visitors seeking affordable spa experiences in tranquil settings.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Latvia
International chains have limited but growing presence in Latvia. Radisson operates properties in Riga and Jūrmala, while Wellton Hotels represents the main domestic chain with several properties in Riga. Motel One and Iberia have entered the Riga market. Most accommodation remains independently owned, with local boutique groups like Dome Hotel Collection managing multiple properties. The Baltic Hotel Group operates several mid-range hotels across the country. Overall, Latvia's hotel landscape is dominated by independent operators rather than international franchises.
Independent guesthouses (viesnīcas) and family-run hotels form the backbone of Latvian accommodation outside Riga. These range from Soviet-era hotels undergoing gradual renovation to purpose-built modern properties. Apartment rentals are popular in Riga and Jūrmala, often offering better value than hotels for families or longer stays. Bed-and-breakfasts in private homes remain common in smaller towns and rural areas, providing authentic local interaction. Many properties are small-scale operations with fewer than 20 rooms, ensuring personalized service but sometimes limited amenities.
Latvia's signature accommodation experience is the rural tourism farmstay (lauku tūrisms), with over 300 certified properties offering everything from working farm experiences to lakeside cottages and forest homesteads. Sauna culture is deeply embedded, with many rural properties featuring traditional smoke saunas and rituals. Manor house hotels (muižas) in restored Baltic German estates offer aristocratic ambiance. Unique options include treehouse accommodations in Gauja National Park, converted lighthouses on the coast, renovated windmills, and glamping sites in nature reserves. Some properties offer traditional Latvian experiences including bread-baking workshops, amber jewelry making, and seasonal harvest activities. Pirts (bathhouse) experiences with birch whisking rituals are often included in rural stays.
Booking Tips for Latvia
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Jūrmala and Baltic coast accommodations fill quickly for July-August, especially weekends, with best properties booking 2-3 months ahead. Latvians vacation domestically during summer, creating high demand. Consider shoulder months (May-June, September) for better availability and rates while still enjoying decent weather.
Many farmstays and rural guesthouses offer better rates when contacted directly rather than through booking platforms. Owners often speak English and can arrange activities, meals, and local experiences not advertised online. Some rural properties aren't listed on major booking sites at all, requiring direct contact through regional tourism websites.
Latvia's compact size (450km end-to-end) makes it feasible to explore multiple regions from one base, particularly Riga. However, staying in different regions provides deeper experiences and reduces daily driving. Consider splitting stays between Riga (2-3 nights), a coastal area (2 nights), and a rural region (1-2 nights) for comprehensive exploration.
Some hotels in smaller towns and former Soviet sanatoriums may have dated facilities despite recent renovations. Check recent reviews for air conditioning availability (rare outside modern hotels), bathroom conditions, and Wi-Fi quality. Photos can be misleading, so read detailed guest feedback, particularly for properties built before 2000.
Latvian rural tourism properties are classified by daisies (margrietiņas) from one to five, indicating comfort level rather than luxury. Even five-daisy properties emphasize authentic rural experience over hotel-style service. Expect shared meals with hosts, participation in farm activities, and simpler amenities than equivalent-priced hotels, but genuine hospitality and cultural immersion.
Many spa hotels and manor houses offer packages including meals, treatments, or activities that provide significant value over room-only rates. Weekend packages in Jūrmala often include spa access and breakfast. Rural properties frequently offer full-board options with home-cooked traditional meals that are both economical and delicious.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Latvia
For summer coastal stays (June-August), book 2-3 months in advance, particularly for Jūrmala where best properties sell out early. Riga accommodation during Christmas markets (late November-December) should be booked 6-8 weeks ahead. Song and Dance Festival years (every five years, next 2026) require booking 6+ months in advance for Riga properties.
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer good availability with 2-4 weeks advance booking sufficient for most destinations. These periods provide excellent value, especially in coastal areas and Riga, with rates 20-40% lower than peak summer. Weather can be unpredictable but crowds are minimal and autumn foliage in Gauja Valley is spectacular.
Winter (November-March, excluding Christmas) sees lowest rates and easy availability, even in Riga. Last-minute bookings often yield deals, particularly at spa hotels offering winter wellness packages. However, many rural properties and coastal guesthouses close entirely November-March, so verify operating schedules. Sigulda area maintains activity during winter weekends for skiing.
Book 4-6 weeks ahead for summer travel and major events, 2-3 weeks for shoulder seasons, and 1-2 weeks (or less) for winter. Rural accommodations benefit from advance notice regardless of season as owners may need to prepare properties or arrange meals. Flexibility with exact dates can yield significant savings, especially when booking directly with properties that offer last-minute discounts.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Latvia