Brand new facility and conveniently located. Review Hilton Garden Inn Riga Old Town 

This hotel is brand new, opening in late 2019. Being in Riga often, I have had the opportunity to try many facilities and this one definitely falls into my top 5 in the Latvian capital.

Hilton Garden Inn Riga Old Town is located in the center of the old city and overlooks two landmarks of the capital: the Occupation Museum and the cathedral. You can walk anywhere in the center or take a walk along the Daugava, the river that bisects the city.

Also due to the lack of tourists that usually flock to the Baltic capitals, during the months of August I was able to book a room at a really competitive rate (about 65€) of course you can also book using Hilton Honors points and rooms start at 20k points and up.

The reception desk is in the center of the entrance, and on the same level are the bar and restaurant. There is also a comfortable lounging area as well as a small pantry where basic necessities and snacks can be purchased.

Check-in

Being a Hilton Gold member, level that is obtained directly through the privileges of American Express Platinum, I received an upgrade, indeed a triple upgrade by staying in the highest type of room offered by this facility. This is also one of the benefits that in economic terms saved me over 50€. on this living room alone.

There is no Executive Lounge at this property, but management to make "up for it" issued me a voucher for a drink in the bar as well as a coupon valid for a 10% discount in the hotel brasserie.

The room

Room 611 lived up to the GM's description at the front desk; not only was it huge with three couches that could become as many double beds, but it has an incredible open view of the rooftops and steeples of riga.

There are two 69-inch TVs in the room, one by the bed and one in a study/sitting area, and a stunning floor-to-ceiling window.

The view at sunset is something incredible-it feels like sleeping in a museum.

King size bed and pillows absolutely in full Hilton Style. Corner with coffee maker and a kettle for making tea, as well as a minibar that is empty and available to guests.

The size is such that 8 people could fit comfortably in the room. The only problem would be having only one bathroom available.

Food and beverage

The basic restaurant is a brasserie; we did not have a chance to try it, but we noticed several occupied tables in the two nights we stayed at this hotel.

Buffet breakfast, here Covid has not altered the old habits, while in Italy there are hotels that have even ceased to provide the service or reduced everything to the bare minimum.

Of note is the egg station, where omelets, fried eggs, etc. are freshly prepared.

As well as the possibility of requesting extra dishes.

Recall that Gold status benefits bring complimentary breakfast (or extra points), in the former case if you are a couple the savings can be worth 20 to 60€ per day depending on the facility where you stay.

In conclusion

The range of hotels in Riga is growing all the time; until last year, the only option for collecting/using points in this city was the Radisson Blu chain, which was present with so many properties. Now both Marriot and Hilton are present.

This facility for location and freshness definitely deserves to be chosen. In high season, if and when it comes back with prices well above 150€ per night, being able to book with only 20k HH points is really a bargain.

• garden inn
• Hilton Honors