Well, located in the area of central station, it is a little bit loud in the night. It is not real latvia, since this area is mostly occupied by russians. Even the hostel staff is russian with poor english. At the reception the guy tried to rip us off by offering 2 beds in the 8 bed-dorm for 16 LATS/ each. But I knew from internet that it was just 15 USD for one person. So we told him that, and he ''checked'' again somewhere and we were offered the real price 8 LATS / person finally without breakfast. I think they do not offer breakfast anyway. The common room advertised in the internet is the area in front of the reception, poor. The hostel is very clean however and the visitors were OK and nice as well. To the old city it is a 10 min. walking. But I think the price of 8 LATS is OK (15 USD). I have seen nicer hostels in the old city, try those.

Stayed in the Elizabeths Youth Hostel for four nights in December 2006. I found it to be one of the best hostels that I have ever stayed in. It is centrally located (right next to the train station) and two shopping centres (Origo and Stockmann). The staff are very friendly and will go out of your their way to make you very welcome. We got Riga guides when we arrived which helped us to locate all the major sights and night spots. The hostel is also very clean and modern. The best thing about this hostel is that you don't have to supply any towels or bed linen and it is very warm as the heating is always on. It is very secure and has a pin code facility at the front door and someone is on duty 24hours in your dorm to let you in (which is handy as some clubs stay open until 7am). I must admit that the building doesn't look very nice form the outside but it is definitely the hidden jewel in Riga. I would highly reccomend this hostel to anyone and am palnning on staying there again on my next trip to Riga!

The hostel offers really good services and accomodation as well not only compared to price, but in general view, too. I stayed there for 4 nights and I was very satisfied. If I traveled to Riga again, I would choose Elizabetes Youth Hostel again. Thats all. :-)

Guano Aper

We stayed here for 1 night, a Saturday night in June. Elizabeth's was one of the few budget places that was near the city center/Old Town that had a double private room available. We paid 34 LVL (about $60 USD). Very clean and very quiet--it's off a main Riga street down a quite side street, but just a couple minutes walk to the central train station, 5 minutes to the bus station and less than 10 to Old Town. Mix of people staying here--young solo travelers and older couples like us. Definitely laid back and not for party animal/rowdy reveler types. If you want a quiet, clean,comfortable place to stay in Riga this is it. Helpful staff, good showers/bathrooms. Our "double" room was a 6-bed dorm room with two single beds pushed together--no problems, worked well for us. Free internet access, laundry, small common area. Highly recommend this hostel to all.