I stayed three nights at the Hotel Toss. The hotel is located in the southeastern suburbs of Riga, two blocks from a major tram stop. The ride to central Riga is exactly 20 minutes. The hotel is in a working class, predominantly Russian speaking suburb. Ethnic Latvians consider this dangerous, but to an outsider (I'm American) there was nothing scary about the neighborhood. It's not a wealthy area by any means, but there's a market where old ladies come to sell flowers and fruit from their gardens and there are lots of people around. There's certainly nothing scary about the place, though there aren't many services nearby -- unless you want to bowl. The hotel is called "Toss" as in "toss a bowling ball" -- it's next to and associated with a large bowling alley.
The hotel itslelf is spotlessly clean. The staff are reasonably fluent in English, and the rooms are cheaply but cheerfully furnished. The rooms are small and basic, but fine for a short stay. The hotel internet service is free and -- unlike that of top western chain hotels -- truly high-speed. Bring your own toiletries and be prepared for lumpy pillows, but expect good, solid service in a good, clean hotel.
Two minor notes: First, the rooms ARE wheelchair accessible through an elevator, though there are no grasp bars in the bathrooms, etc. Second, there is no air conditioning. This is generally not an issue in Latvia, but could be during a heat wave.
All in all, only the super-cheap bathroom furnishings prevent my giving this hotel five stars in its category. If you're on a budget and want to save 50% - 75% off central Riga prices, stay here and take the tram into town. A very pleasant experience.
- Toss Hotel Riga
