Hotel TIA, Riga

Advantages: Cheap, friendly place to visit, interesting architecture.
Disadvantages: Might not last too long in its current state. Freezing cold in winter.

...Latvia is not somewhere that would immediately spring to mind when deciding on a city break, but when we researched a possible weekend away for between four and six people (all male) within our budget (£200), there was no clear cut winner. Riga, Berlin, Prague and Barcelona were all able to offer a flight/hotel combination for within that. Riga was decided on by vote, purely for the reason that it was only really opening up as a destination and had that 'kudos' factor that all new things seem to have. Most of our group flew out of Dublin with Ryanair, though there are other routes available from England and one of our party flew with Ryanair out of Stansted. Flights will obviously vary in price, depending on who you're flying with, when you're flying and how far in advance you book. Booking tickets with Ryanair at Christmas for an end... Read review

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Advantages: Architecture, history, market
Disadvantages: Technical University, too many bridges

.... Although for some reason you couldn't take photographs indoors. Go figure? One things for sure, there's plenty of good eating going on in Riga - whether your average Rigan could afford it though, I couldn't say. >> WELCOME TO THE HOTEL MAFIOSO The aged old crone sat at the desk eyed us quizzically as we entered the supposed accommodation block of the Technical University. She spoke no English. We gesticulated enthusiastically. She eyed us like we were morons. We felt like morons. There were no rooms. Not for us Lebanese scum any way. We left. "Where's the Tram, Ade? We're going back over the river." Some hours later, our final destination turned out to be Hotel Mafioso (real name: Hotel Kia). It featured copious guards who were dressed in black and carrying worryingly efficient and spectacularly deadly looking sidearms. They glowered... Read review

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Advantages: The old town central to accomodation and airport.
Disadvantages: Bars a little too expensive and can be a little too laid back.

...Return flights from Gatwick to Riga = £135, but can be cheaper when bought at last minute. We decided to stay in Riga's old town for a few days before moving on to Russia. The Currency; very easy to deal with, Lats, which one Lat is about equal to the sum of one Pound, makes it easy to keep track of your money and there are also plenty of places to exchange currency. Prices; our accomodation was £7 per night, we stayed in the Dome Hostel, a reasonable, clean place to reside, with a selection of mixed, or single sex dorms, however no en suites. Free water is provided, free internet and free television. The accomodation is right next to the old square and on the main street for nightlife, which can be a little noisy but is bearable. Nightlife, bars, resturants; reasonable but by far not the cheapest, aim to pay about £3 per... Read review

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