This is part of the Trip Report Welcome to the Cold where I went from NYC to:
If you’re just tuning in now be sure to read how I ended up with this unique itinerary by checking out The Original Plan: The $77,000 Trip Heard Round the World, the subsequent Change Up: Riga, Latvia? and the Mongolia angle: IGLOO-GER: The Helsinki-Ulaanbaatar Trip Report.
Getting There: I took a taxi from the airport and a taxi back to the airport. The fares were the same so I’m thinking I didn’t get ripped off. Have the hotel call you a taxi and double check the rate with them. Otherwise there are taxis on the street that like to haggle for bad prices.
Riga, Latvia? is what I said to myself when I made the determination it wasn’t feasible to go to Tel Aviv. I switched my reservation from the Park Plaza Orchid Tel Aviv to the The Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel, Riga.
Here’s how I got there:
The Hotel
Unlike the mediocre Radisson Strand Stockholm this hotel was excellent. The outside architecture was unique, making it stand out from the surrounding Soviet Bloc buildings. The front desk promptly told me I was upgraded to the Business Class floor, meaning free Wi-Fi, a larger room, and complimentary breakfast.
The Location
The hotel was a ten minute walk to the old town. I’d rather stay within the old town walls but who’s going to argue with 2 free nights and a short stroll?
The Breakfast
The breakfast was top notch. From eggs to fruits, the variety was there and the quality was also.
The Room
A prerequisite for gaining TPOL’s endrosement as a great hotel is an in-room espresso machine with those fun, overpriced pods. American hotels usually have coffee showing how far behind we are in terms of java. The Elizabete did have the machine and complimentary water.
The bed didn’t disappoint in the way that so many Radissons do with bad bedding. Does anyone have an explanation why Radisson uses to little blankets instead of one king size?
The Price
Prior to devaluation, the value of 2 nights for 1 made staying at the Elizabete Riga a great bargain. I’m not sure if I would pay the 87 euros a night if I was to return as I’d probably opt for a local hotel.
Overall
TPOL approves of the Elizabete.
<==Back to Guns & Butter: Stockholm Travel Guide – Onto Guns & Butter: Riga Travel Guide==>
