Just back from a weekend in Riga. I read most of the reviews about the Irina Hotel and to be honest, I would stay there again. Our room on the 3rd floor was clean and tidy and we had enough space. Be carefull if you are in a large party as they could put 3 in a room. Not too much of a bother if you are all mates. The ladies on reception were just fair and we had no problems, bearing in mind we did not arrive until nearly midnight. I found that if you said Good Morning, please & thanks in Latvian then they would just smile and be helpful. Yes, the security guards postion was horizontal after midnight, but they were just doing there job. They must get bored with some of us coming back horizontal as well. I did not have the breakfast as it did not get served until late morning. We used the bar area just at the back of the bar which was just fine. Beer in the hotel was good value at 1.20lats per litre.
Hotel location is just across the road from the train station and less than 10 minutes walk to Old Riga. Just take a right out of the hotel and then first left then just start wandering through the lanes. The Freedom monument can been seen by taking the second left.
Yes, you can hear the road traffic etc from your room, but it depends on how you sleep.
We did the bobsleighing on the saturday which was good fun. During the summer they use the concrete course which is probably not a quick as the real thing. I hope this reviews helps. Regards. Tony

Everything about this hotel was just okay. The rooms were basic and clean, the bathroom was small but clean, the service was basic. The location wasn't bad with about a 10 minute walk to the old town but it suffered because of the noise from the traffic. The hotel is on the corner of two very busy city streets and the noise from the street was constant and kept us awake most of the night. Apparently the rooms facing the rear were much quieter but as the hotel was completely booked (or so they said...) we couldn't move to another room. The breakfast was fine but the set up left a lot to be desired - for example, the coffee was set directly behind the toaster so if someone was toasting, you risked third degree burns when refilling your coffee cup. It was very crowded and congested and made breakfast seem more of an ordeal. Overall, I wouldn't recommend the Irina but I suppose it is a perfectly acceptable 2/3 star hotel if you can't find anything better.

excellent location, however room was very very basic.. havent checked breakfast yet.. anyway location is very good and it is cheap.. fine just to sleep for one night maybe.. facilities seem to be poor

Took my 18 year old son as part of birthday present- Clean and comfortable ensuite twin room. Very reasonable mini bar prices - Short walk from old city and main attractions. 24hr reception / security. Breakfast buffet more like a lunchtime buffet with sardines! cheese and cold meat but also toast and cereals. A good value hotel with no complaints from me or my son! - Would suggest obtaining lastest copy of 'Riga- in your pocket' guide at airport, or web site prior to arrival. Has all latest news, events and warnings re dodgy bars etc. Invaluable!