Creativity Meets Art Nouveau Heritage at TRIBE Riga City Centre Hotel

Located in Riga's upscale Art Nouveau district, TRIBE Riga City Centre Hotel immediately stands out as a city escape built around bold design, smart functionality and a genuine connection to the city's heritage. The building's classical exterior is impossible to ignore: a beautifully restored 1901 Art Nouveau gem with turrets, wrought-iron balconies and stained-glass windows that feels like you’re in a fairytale. Yet stepping in is quite the surprise.

Here, it's a whole different story: a carnival of bold colours, playful patterns and cool design elements that dazzle you with personality and warmth. Think clean lines, mismatched yet perfectly curated chairs, quirky chrome light fixtures and sleek black-and-white zig-zag tiles. It’s like the building’s story has been preserved, but given a playful, modern twist that makes every corner Instagram-worthy. TRIBE Riga City Centre Hotel has nailed that “old meets new” balance, and we feel it the moment we walk through the door.

The vibe is buzzy, sophisticated and utterly inviting. But it’s not just about look. The team at TRIBE Riga City Centre Hotel makes you feel genuinely welcome, creating a relaxed atmosphere that’s both personal and professional. From high-tech meeting rooms set beneath original stucco to the indulgent wellness spa framed by vaulted brickwork, the hotel celebrates its history while feeling completely of-the-moment.

We can’t help but notice the Social Hub – part lounge, part bar, part workspace – where guests mingle over coffee or cocktails, soaking up the non-stop tunes. The free-flowing space includes a California-inspired restaurant and bar that hums with activity, from morning flat whites made with freshly ground beans to late-night cocktails featuring local liqueurs. There’s a comfortable, lived-in feel here – you can sink into a velvet sofa with your laptop, chat with other travellers or pick up a snack from the Grab & Go counter. TRIBE Riga City Centre Hotel’s philosophy of “everything you need and nothing you don’t” really comes through: high-end design meets functional touches, whether it’s a power outlet conveniently tucked near a seat, industrial chic metal racks for storing your bags or the thoughtfully tucked away workspace that invites focus and calm.

By the time we reach our suite, the excitement of the building and the social spaces has set the tone for a stay that feels both luxurious and casual. You can tell this is a place for travellers who want comfort and style without fuss – and with Riga’s Old Town less than 10 minutes' walk away, it’s a brilliant base for discovering the city.

We opt to stay in a TRIBE Extra Suite on the upper floor, where the hotel's minimalist design and boutique comfort truly come together. With high ceilings, clean lines and plenty of space to breathe, the suite feels cool, calm and uncluttered – perfectly temperature controlled. The separate living area, complete with an asymmetrical sofa and armchair, is ideal for stretching out after a day exploring Riga or settling in for a cosy film on the large flat-screen TV. 

The colour palette – cool blues and crisp whites, lifted with pops of orange – creates a soothing yet energising atmosphere. Out on our private balcony, we are rewarded with arched windows overlooking the street below, offering a cinematic glimpse of city life while still feeling wonderfully private.

Every detail feels thoughtfully considered. The large en suite bathroom features a deeply relaxing rain shower, the bed is cloud-soft and inviting, and clever storage keeps everything sleek and fuss-free. It’s a suite that feels luxurious without being overdone – a reflection of TRIBE’s modern, unpretentious approach to design.

The Social Hub is very much the heart of TRIBE Riga City Centre Hotel, with a relaxed yet spirited energy. Mornings are calm and unrushed, easing you into the day with a generous breakfast spread that goes well beyond the basics. We choose from a buffet of cold meats, local cheeses, pickles and herring alongside pastries, eggs, fresh smoothies and proper coffee from a local roastery – exactly what we need before heading out to explore.

As the day unfolds, the energy shifts. Afternoons bring a steady flow of guests and locals dropping in, while evenings turn lively, especially on DJ nights when the playlist sets the tone and expats gather for after-work drinks. The TRIBE Table menu has a Californian concept but with local and Middle Eastern influences. Starters steal the spotlight: falafel with hummus, crispy fried Baltic smelts (a local take on bocarones) and cheese plates, alongside crowd-pleasing mains like burgers or fish and chips.

We love that the drinks menu keeps things local. There’s craft beer from Valmiermuiža (the Distilled Baltic Amber Lager is a favourite) and cocktails made with regional spirits like Obdo Gin. Our top pick? The signature Valdemars on Vacation made with dark rum, lime juice, coconut syrup and mint – fresh, easy-drinking and utterly delicious.

One of the features that makes TRIBE Riga City Centre Hotel stand out is the complimentary wellness centre for guests. After a day wandering the streets of Riga, we spend a blissful couple of hours in the sauna, steam room and jacuzzi, soaking in the warmth while reflecting on the city’s beauty. The spa design is spotlessly clean, sleek and minimal, yet somehow feels cosy, with wooden accents and exposed brick adding character. If you're feeling indulgent, book a massage treatment or facial. Prefer to keep active while travelling? There’s a fully equipped 24-hour gym tucked into the space, letting you burn off energy before or after exploring the Old Town.

We chose to stay at TRIBE Riga City Centre Hotel partly for its unbeatable location. Within a 10-minute walk, you can wander the cobbled streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, stopping by the Freedom Monument or soaking up culture at the Opera House. We spend time strolling along the leafy canals, discovering hidden courtyards and diving into the bustling Central Market – a feast for the senses and one of the best places to experience local life. The Latvian National Museum of Art is just steps from the hotel, but if you're looking to explore further afield, the excellent Motor Museum is an easy 20-minute taxi ride while Jurmala’s sandy beaches make a great day trip from the city.

Whatever you do, don't forget to explore the Art Nouveau neighbourhood immediately around the hotel. Not only does Riga boast the highest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in the world, it’s also dotted with some of the country’s best upmarket restaurants, ideal for sampling refined Latvian cuisine with a modern twist.

• Lifestyle travellers looking for an affordable boutique base to feel at home in a new city
• Visitors who want a central, sophisticated stay away from the bustle of the Old Town
• Architecture enthusiasts drawn to the contrast between Art Nouveau gems and Riga’s Old Town
• Business travellers and colleagues seeking well-equipped meeting rooms and a convenient, stylish base
• Culture seekers eager to explore traditional local flavours, from craft beer to breakfast specialties

• Sipping signature cocktails at the Social Hub as the DJ spins tunes into the night
• Relaxing in the tranquil hammam after a busy day of sightseeing
• Enjoying a working breakfast in the Art Nouveau library with its high ceilings and ornate bookshelves 
• Posing by the large metal gates and original arch of the 1901 hotel building
• Savouring a coffee on the serene, palm-filled outdoor terrace

Krišjāņa Valdemāra iela 23, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1010