Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga is one of the most beautiful hotels in Riga, which reflects the rich past of the city, introducing its main attractions and heritage of the Middle Ages in all its splendor.
The Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga is part of the famous Kempinski chain of first-class European luxury hotels.
Foundation
The hotel building was built in the 19th century and is located in the very heart of the Latvian capital, opposite the National Opera and a magnificent park leading to the historic center of the city. All major tourist attractions are just a short walk away.
The entire hotel staff headed by General Manager Leon Baum is actively involved in the development of the hotel and strives to make it unique among the other five-star hotels in Riga.
In the photo: General Manager Leon Baum
“My experience in the Kempinski chain has been going on since 2010. I started with the Hotel Manager position in Istanbul, then in Abu Dhabi, where I got a unique experience in the hotel business, — says Leon Baum. — In April 2017 I moved to Riga, when Kempinski had just opened here. Together with the hotel team we began to organize various events and actively participate in the cultural life of the city in order to attract local residents and guests. Our main advantage is a high-quality staff school. Our staff is fully trained and if something goes wrong, we work hard on it”.
The interior of the Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga is distinguished by its grandeur and special style.
It also retains decorative elements from the previous hotel “Riga”, which occupied this historic building for many years: crystal chandeliers in the hall, a wide staircase leading to the second floor.
The acquaintance with the hotel and its history will be held by Concierge Linards Kaverskis, which will tell you about the most interesting moments of the hotel’s creation. Linards will also be happy to help with organizing any city tour, ordering tickets to the the Opera or any other interesting events.
Suite Staycation
The hotel has 141 rooms: Standart, Superior, Deluxe, Suite. One of the most presentable rooms of the hotel is Diplomatic Suite — a sunny corner room with a beautiful panoramic window-view to the rich heritage of Riga.
The spacious (97 sq.m.) and comfortable interior disposes to a good rest and makes you feel like home.
Diplomatic Suite consists of a large and bright living room, cozy bedroom, walking wardrobe and bathroom. Accommodation includes:
– Free high-speed Wi-Fi
– Digital TV
– Coffee machine and electric kettle with all the necessary accessories
– Bath and shower
– Bathrobe and slippers
– Hair dryer
– High quality bath perfumes from the world famous brand Salvatore Ferragamo
– Selection of pillows
– Climate control
Breakfast & Dining
The Stage 22 Restaurant & Bar on the 8th floor of the hotel is the perfect place to savor Baltic cuisine from Chef Gokhan Kekec and modern cocktails accompanied by live music while enjoying the city view.
The name of the restaurant is associated with the National Opera and here guests can appreciate the local gastronomic scene at its best.
In the morning the restaurant serves a continental breakfast, which includes a large selection of meat and fish delicacies, cheeses, vegetables and fruits, dairy products and a varied assortment of pastries.
Here you can try traditional cheesecakes with sour cream, waffles with maple syrup, scramble, Benedict, cereals, muesli and other items.
Breakfast will be accompanied by fresh juices, coffee, tea or even sparkling wine.
Throughout the day the restaurant offers à la carte menu as well as a classic fish, meat or vegetarian set of three courses (each 35 €).
In the photo: Head chef Gokhan Kekec
“I’ve been working as a chef since I was 25. I’ve been in the Kempinski chain for 6 years, my first place was Kempinski Bodrum and in 2018 I came to Kempinski Riga, where I’ve been working with pleasure to this day,” — says chef Gokhan Kekec. — Since I came, we have changed a lot in the gastronomic concept and managed to receive a lot of awards, for example, “the best brunch in the city”. My philosophy is to make people happy through the food I cook for them”.
The Fish set is distinguished by its elegance and lightness. A compliment from the chef — Amuse bouche, consisting of three snacks: vegetarian — smoked beetroot with goat cheese; pork with mustard sauce; salmon with nori leaf and kimchi salad.
Dry white wine De Bortoli Yarra Valley Regional Reserve Chardonnay 2012 is a good choice for fish selection.
Cold appetizer “Tempura snails” — smoked grape snails and eel, papaya, spinach, shiitake mushrooms and begonia leaves.
Before a hot appetizer — an original Bread basket with butter will be served.
Another small compliment from the chef is intended to refresh the receptors, the so-called “flavor refresher” — gin-tonic sorbet with yuzu-gel and black salt.
The main dish “Baltic Salmon” is a bright combination of salmon, crispy shrimps, three types of carrots and green buckwheat tartare.
An original touch awaits before the dessert, preparing the receptors for the sweet dish.
Dessert “Cucumber” is a delicate yogurt mousse with green tea, gooseberries, cucumber and porous white chocolate — one of the most popular desserts in the restaurant.
To finish the set — exquisite handmade dark chocolate truffles.
“No difference who I cook for — I always do it with the same passion and desire to achieve the perfect result,” — says Gokhan Kekec. — The presentation of the dish is important for me, but taste is on the first place as well as impressions of the guest. Talking about my cooking style, I use all the skills I have ever acquired in my career, and I think this is the key to success”.
Stage 22 restaurant is very popular among locals as well. Festive and significant events are often held here.
Leon Baum: “I was especially proud of the big change in the F&B direction. We’ve invited a strong chef and have now grown a lot on the gastronomic scene of Riga. We are not afraid to try new things and are always open to new trends. We communicate well with guests about the service and each time we listen to their feedback to get even better. In the near future we plan to develop the gastronomic life of the hotel even more actively and strive very much to get Stage 22 into the White Guide”.
Tea Ceremony
If you want to pamper yourself with a variety of mini-snacks and cakes, then you will be offered an exquisite Tea ceremony with aromatic varieties of elite teas or a glass of champagne in the hotel Lobby.
Classic 5 o’clock tea delicacies from eclairs, airy meringues and chocolate Opera-cakes to mini sandwiches, Quiche and canapes.
For smoking gentlemen there is also a Cigar Salon here in the Lobby.
Discovering Whiskey
Whiskey connoisseurs will find the Grand Bar located on the ground floor of the hotel.
The main Grand Bar’s feature is its huge whiskey collection presenting more than 160 unique types of whiskey from around the world.
In the photo: Bartender Oscars Vārenbergs
Bartender Oscars Vārenbergs, who’s favorite drink is whiskey, will professionally select different types of whiskey and present an unforgettable tasting.
Whiskey tasting costs 25 € per person
In-Room Dining
For those who want to spend their lunch in a calm and secluded atmosphere right in the room, Room dining is provided.
For cold starters you can order popular Shrimp Salad or Assorted Meze: falafel, hummus, muhammara, homemade pickles.
For the main — Grilled salmon with delicate dress.
Cheese lovers will love the Cheese platter with Fig jam and berries. For light dessert — Fruit platter.
And of course, a glass of Taittinger champagne will perfectly complement any lunch.
SPA & Fitness
While staying at the hotel, you will definitely enjoy unforgettable moments at Kempinski The Spa located on the -1 floor of the hotel. Here you’ll be offered a wide range of services including spa treatments, massages, Finnish sauna, Turkish steam bath and massage showers with ice water.
The gym offers guests the most modern strength- and cardio-equipment. If you wish, you can order an individual training from a professional trainer.
And straight after a workout it’s time to plunge into the beautiful pool with clear blue water. The fitness center and pool are open daily from 9:00 to 21:00.
This year Kempinski The Spa received the Best Hotel Spa 2020 by World Spa Awards for the third year in a row.
Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga is a Pet-Frendly hotel. And red handsome Zorro dog, a loyal friend of Leon Baum, is also a hotel’s ambassador. Zorro always poses for the camera with a great joy.
“Riga is a beautiful and modern city, but still little explored by tourists,” — concludes Leon Baum, “and our goal is to show that this destination is no less interesting and exciting for travel. To all tourists who have not been to Riga yet, I personally advise you to discover this wonderful city with a rich history and stay at our hotel to immerse yourself complet in its atmosphere”.
Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga
Address: ASPAZIJAS BULVĀRIS 22, LV-1050, RIGA LATVIA
Booking: +371 6767 1111
Instagram: @kempinskiriga
Editor-in-chief: Patricia Kolari
Text Writer: Marina Timoshevskaya
Technical Director: Evgeny Fedorov Photos: EATWEEK
