135 views

The Dome Hotel in Riga: historical surroundings with a nordic touch

As much as I love returning to favorite destinations, as much do I feel the urge to explore new ones. That’s why Riga (the capital of Latvia) had been on top of my bucket list for a long time. During my visit I stayed at the historical ‘Dome Hotel & Spa’ in the centre of the city, which holds a fascinating history. Here’s my experience (and a couple of good reasons to visit the Baltic capital).

 

Nordic design and spaciousness

If you’re looking for luxury in Riga, the five star ‘Dome Hotel’ is a great place to start. The hotel is the only member of Relais & Chateaux in Latvia and in 2013 it was named ‘Latvia’s leading hotel’. Nevertheless, one shouldn’t expect pompous surroundings or old school luxury; Dome Hotel & Spa is a refreshing blend of history and modern elegance combined. The modern elegance comes through in the interior decoration, which is highly characterized by nordic design and spaciousness. Rooms are furnished with wooden materials and a dash of color here and there and everything is naturally conducted with a great respect for the old building in which it’s located. Back in the days, ‘The Dome’ used to be a stable, and the name is inherited from the nearby cathedral.

The hotel offers four different room categories; ‘Dome room’, ‘Deluxe room’, ‘Suite’ and ‘Deluxe suite’. I stayed in a ‘Dome room’ of approximately 22 sqm with amenities such as minibar, wifi, flatscreen TV and complimentary bath products.

 

A private spa experience

The spa of the hotel is located on the ground floor offering guests the possibility of unwinding completely with several treatments for both him and her. Although it seems quite small and it’s necessary to book time in advance, also if you want to use the hamam and sauna, it’s worth the while. Personally, I was quite fond of having the small spa all to myself for more than an hour! If you’re a couple traveling together, it’s recommended to try out one of the couple’s treatments followed by a steaming cup of herbal tea in the lounge area.

The spa

 

Taste a bite of Latvia

The restaurant at the hotel was probably what surprised me the most. And apparently, it’s also one of the major culinary attractions in Riga. ‘Le Dome’ is undoubtedly one of the best fish restaurants in the Baltic countries and the atmosphere is very original and intimate. In the morning, hotel guests can enjoy a full breakfast with local specialities and even handpick from the special breakfast menu, and during the day, a special business lunch is served. At night, the restaurant is open for everyone wanting to have a bite of Lativa. The concept of the restaurant is quite simple really, but it works; fresh, local ingredients from the Baltic sea and Latvian farmer’s offers guests a unique and authentic Latvian dining experience.

‘Le Dome’ restaurant

 

Due to its size and ambience, ‘The Dome Hotel & Spa’ is an ideal hotel for couples looking for a romantic get-away in Riga. The city center can be reached within 2 minutes by foot and the harbor area is just a stone’s throw away as well.

For more information go to www.domehotel.lv. 

 

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM FOR MORE TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE TIPS