Hotel Gutenbergs occupies a beautiful old building in the heart of Riga's Old Town, just steps from the cathedral. The location is genuinely excellent, and the staff were consistently helpful and accommodating throughout my stay.
The hotel has undeniable rustic charm, but it's clear that little has changed interior-wise since the 1990s. The sloping floors are all part of the historic building experience, though some guests might find this character trait more challenging than charming.
My room had a comfortable bed, which was much appreciated. However, there were several maintenance issues: the showerhead was hanging loose, and two of the soap dispensers were empty. Sound insulation between rooms is poor, so light sleepers should be prepared to hear their neighbors' conversations and movements.
A word of caution about security: the hotel uses an old-fashioned key system with a self-service setup during night hours. All room keys hang openly accessible, which seems like a significant security vulnerability that could allow people with dishonest intentions easy access to guest rooms.
The breakfast, which surprisingly wasn't included in the booking price (this wasn't clearly communicated when reserving through Hotels.com), costs around €12. Frankly, it's not worth the money. The buffet is quite sparse and definitely not for discerning eaters, though it's adequate if you just need somethin