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Rebirth of a Hotel in Old Riga: The Story of Reconstruction

Konventa Sēta Hotel

Konventa Sēta Hotel, located in the heart of Riga, is a unique complex of six historic buildings and a state architectural monument — one of the oldest quarters in the city. The buildings are connected by a network of narrow, romantic streets, creating a special atmosphere filled with the spirit and ambiance of the old town. The history of the quarter dates back to the XIII century, therefore its renovation was carried out with great respect for the past.

A Riga Old Town Hotel with a Rich History

The history of the Konventa Sēta complex begins in the Middle Ages when it served as the residence of the Livonian Order. After the Order moved to another castle, the site was taken over by the Holy Spirit Convent, giving the quarter its name – Konventa Sēta (Convent Yard). Over the centuries, the quarter was rebuilt several times, and in the early XVIII century, it acquired its current layout.

After many years of neglect, the first project to restore the Konventa Sēta complex and transform it into a hotel was completed in 1996. In 2017, following a change in ownership, a large-scale renovation of the hotel began, lasting six years and carried out in several stages. The grand opening took place on 16 May 2024.

Today, Konventa Sēta Hotel offers 161 elegantly decorated rooms and five conference halls. The windows of the picturesque hotel in Old Riga overlook charming cobblestone streets and a quiet courtyard. Whereas, five modern meeting rooms in the heart of Riga suit perfectly as event venue for hosting conferences and seminars, as well as banquets and weddings, and can accommodate up to 100 guests. Their design is created to maximize natural lighting and combine historical charm with modern functionality.

Challenges and Solutions in Renovating a Historic Building

To preserve the wide array of historical evidence within the hotel in Riga Old Town, located in a complex of historic buildings, the renovation was carried out under the supervision of archaeologists and in accordance with the guidelines of the National Heritage Board. Before the restoration began, experienced architectural specialists conducted research, and their findings served as samples for the materials and colours used in restoring the facades, interiors, as well as upon amending the floor plans.

One of the challenges was integrating modern engineering networks with historic elements, such as the old city wall, which forms one of the building’s walls. Elaborate solutions were required for installing modern ceiling lighting, ventilation, and air conditioning systems without interfering with the historic parts of the buildings.

Since the hotel is located in the very centre of Old Riga, where traffic is limited, special care was taken to avoid damaging neighbouring buildings. Moreover, throughout the entire renovation period, the hotel continued to welcome guests, and the Porcelain Museum and the restaurant Two More Beers located on the premises remained open, so special attention was paid to guest comfort and safety, even during the construction work.

History at Your Fingertips

During the hotel’s renovation, the original wall finishes were restored, a new room layout was created, the entrance to the building was expanded, and the floors were laid with durable terrazzo tiles.

In accordance with the requirements of the National Heritage Board, all facades were restored, and each of the six buildings in the complex was given a new identity with individual room designs. In the common areas, wooden beams and stone walls were uncovered, historic wooden and stone staircases were restored, and old wooden structures were preserved and left visible as testimonies of their time.

The hotel room interiors were designed in a unified style for all buildings, but adapted to the individual atmosphere of each house. The interiors feature furniture from renowned international brands, as well as high-quality solutions from Latvian manufacturers. In many places, brick walls and wooden beams were exposed, along with floor structures and wooden roof elements, highlighting their rhythm and materials. Historical lime plaster and natural paint were used for the wall finishes, which proved technologically challenging, requiring craftsmen to master new skills to achieve the desired texture and tone, which changes depending on the lighting. As a result of the meticulous restoration work, hotel guests can literally and figuratively touch the history.

More than Just a Hotel in Riga

Konventa Sēta Hotel is not only a hotel with a rich history but also a charming old quarter with cobblestone streets and greenery, where visitors can take a walk, capture beautiful moments in photos, and enjoy excellent food and drinks. The quarter is home to the popular “Two More Beers” brewery restaurant, as well as “Cruffins,” the only café in Riga offering cruffins — pastries combining the best qualities of croissants and muffins. The interiors of both restaurants were designed by talented Latvian designers, creating a cozy and stylish atmosphere where guests can enjoy a meal and relax after a long day.

Convenient Access for All Guests

As part of the renovation, all building utilities were replaced, landscaping infrastructure was created, from new soil to irrigation systems, facades were restored, and ramps were installed for easier access. Therefore, this hotel in Old Riga welcomes all guests — from moms with strollers to people with special needs.

The restoration of Konventa Sēta Hotel is a significant event in the cultural and historical heritage of Riga. Here, you can not only relax but also learn about Riga’s history while enjoying modern comfort in an elegant setting, perfectly complemented by the lively atmosphere of the Old Town!


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