Hotel Justus

Set on Jauniela Street in Riga's old town, Hotel Justus occupies a building with a history stretching back to the site chosen by Bishop Albert in 1210. The wooden housing that stood there burned in the 17th century, and the street's current architectural line dates to the 18th century; the façade itself was last altered in 1874. Across the following century the building held a tavern, then printing and lithography workshops, then artisan trades, a pharmaceutical lab, and eventually a cinema gallery and offices. It is a short walk from Dome Cathedral. The renovation finished in April 2009, and the old brick walls now sit behind 45 rooms, each fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and an in-room safe. Room types run from Single and Standard Double or Twin through to Family Suite, Junior Suite, and Luxury Suite. The Luxury Suite adds a separate lounge with a dining table for four and a full-size black bathtub. You can trace the brickwork and antique or contemporary art pieces through the corridors, a deliberate contrast the owners built into the restoration. The on-site restaurant serves European dishes built on Latvian produce, with a basement hall for up to 25 guests and a main hall for up to 40. Check-in is straightforward; the old town's museums and the Opera sit within walking distance.