The Dome Hotel & SPA stands beside Dome Square in the Old Town, in the shadow of Riga Cathedral, which gives the hotel one of the most atmospheric addresses in the city. It belongs to the Relais & Châteaux association, a group of independent luxury hotels and restaurants, and its rooms and suites are dressed in a classic, elegant style with high ceilings, rich fabrics and views of the square or the rooftops. The hotel is small by international standards, so service tends to be personal, and there is a spa for treatments and relaxation as well as a restaurant and bar. Step outside and you are in the middle of the cobbled lanes, with the Cathedral, the Three Brothers, Riga Castle and the House of the Black Heads all within a few minutes’ walk.
Who it suits
Couples on a romantic break, travellers who want a boutique atmosphere and a spa within the medieval city, and anyone who prefers a personal scale to a big hotel. It is a good choice for a winter trip, when a warm hotel with a spa and the Christmas market on the doorstep are a big part of the appeal.
The location
Dome Square is one of the liveliest places in the Old Town, with café terraces in summer and the Christmas market in December. The Cathedral’s organ concerts and the noon recitals are only steps away, and the evenings can be busy outside. If quiet matters, ask for a room that does not face the square. In return, you can walk to most of the sights within minutes and return easily for a rest between outings.
What to expect inside
Classic décor, a more intimate lobby than a chain hotel and a spa where you can book treatments or simply use the relaxation facilities, subject to what is available on your dates. The restaurant and bar make it easy to stay in for a special evening. The exact facilities, room categories and opening hours vary, so check the details when booking, particularly if the spa is the reason you chose the hotel.
Trade-offs
As a luxury boutique hotel in a prime square, rates are high, especially in summer and around Christmas, and because it is a smaller property, the best rooms sell out early. Some rooms are compact by modern standards, as is common in historic buildings, and there is no large pool or resort-style grounds. Parking is limited in the Old Town, so ask about arrangements before you arrive by car.
Tips
Book well ahead for December, check the room category if you want a view of the Cathedral, and ask the staff to recommend a restaurant for dinner, as many of the best Old Town tables fill up on Fridays and Saturdays. A morning walk before the crowds arrive makes the most of the location, and an evening in the spa is a fine way to end a day on cold cobbles.
Why stay here
- ✓Relais & Châteaux member
- ✓Spa and relaxation facilities
- ✓On-site restaurant
- ✓Hotel bar
- ✓Rooms with Old Town views
- ✓24-hour reception
- ✓Wi-Fi
- ✓Steps from Riga Cathedral and Dome Square
Good questions
Where is the Dome Hotel & SPA?+
Beside Dome Square in the Old Town, next to Riga Cathedral and a few minutes from the Three Brothers and Riga Castle.
Does the Dome Hotel have a spa?+
Yes, the hotel includes a spa; check treatments and opening times when you book.
Is it quiet?+
Dome Square can be lively, so ask for a room away from the square if you are a light sleeper.
