Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa

The Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa is situated in a charming, five-story cornflower blue building with cream-colored accents, the original structure of which dates back to the late 1800s. The hotel opened in late 2013 under the Wellton name as part of the Mogotel group, which operates a slew of upscale hotels mostly in Riga. The interior of the hotel feels modern and fresh, with a chic gray color palette and industrial accents, though exposed brick walls and stained glass windows add a bit of historic style. The lobby is spacious but only features a few sitting areas where leathery brown armchairs are gathered around wood cafe tables. The real hangout spot here is the bar and lounge, where gingham tablecloths, wood floors, exposed lights, and button-tufted chairs create a chic, farmhouse vibe. Its central location is a draw for tourists, including solo travelers and families who can take advantage of the range of room sizes.

Located in the heart of Riga’s Old Town, the Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa is situated on a pleasant brick-laid street lined with bars and cafes. The hotel’s central location is convenient to shops, restaurants, and cultural and historic attractions. The Gallery Center shopping mall is across the street, a one-minute walk. Within a five-minute walk, guests can get to St. John’s Church, St. Peter’s Church, the House of the Blackheads, and the Latvian National Opera. The Freedom Monument and the bridge that heads over the Daugava River are each about a seven-minute walk, while the popular Riga Central Market is a 12-minute walk. Riga Central Station is a seven-minute walk. It's a four-minute walk from the hotel to Bus #22 that can take guests to Riga International Airport in under 40 minutes. Alternatively, it’s a 15- to 25-minute drive, depending on traffic. The hotel can arrange airport transfers for an extra fee. Parking is off-site and it's an additional expense.

Guest rooms are comfortable and modern, if a bit generic, with a neutral gray and white color palette and light wood laminate furnishings. Bathrooms are contemporary with dark gray or tan tiling, heated floors, glass shower stalls or combination showers and tubs, and basin sinks. All rooms are air conditioned with individual units and feature desks, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, safes, shoe-shine kits, and iron and ironing boards, plus generously stocked minibars and electric kettles for coffee and tea. Bathrooms are outfitted with magnifying mirrors, hair dryers, and toiletry dispensers.

Starting at just 150 square feet, entry-level rooms, which include Single and Small Double/Twin Rooms, feel snug. Even Standard Rooms are just under 200 square feet; though all other room categories are over 200 square feet. The Junior Suite and Triple Room can accommodate three guests, while the Suite adds a separate living area. Guests in Superior Room categories and above receive free spa admission (plus bathrobes and slippers), while other hotel guests receive half-price admission. Rooms may face the street or courtyard, and guests situated above the restaurant occasionally note dining room noise. The most frequent complaint? Hard beds. 

While Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa highlights its spa facilities in all caps, the property offers a range of amenities befitting its upscale status. Charming and cozy, the hotel bar and restaurant, Melnā Bite, serves local and European cuisine along with coffee, tea, wine, local beer, and cocktails. Outdoor seating is offered in the warmer months. An extensive hot and cold breakfast buffet is provided daily until late morning and is included in the room rate—most guests enjoy it, noting free Champagne and excellent porridge. The restaurant offers an a la carte menu for lunch and dinner, and it's open until late, with room service available 24 hours.

Open to hotel guests and locals alike, the spacious, basement-level spa features exposed-brick walls and its own reception area. There’s a Turkish steam bath, Finnish sauna, whirlpool, relaxation areas, and a 27-foot (8.5-meter) mosaic-tiled lap pool, but no fitness center. A host of treatments can be arranged, from manicures and pedicures to massages, scrubs, and facials. The spa is open into the evening. Access is free for guests in upper-category guest rooms (Superior Rooms, Junior Suites, and Suites) but guests in entry-level rooms will have to pay a fee (half the regular price of entry).

Hotel services include a 24-hour front desk, concierge service, and laundry service. Airport transfers are available for an extra fee. Two computers and a printer are in the lobby for guests' use, and Wi-Fi throughout the hotel is free. Pets are allowed in certain rooms for an extra nightly fee.