The Naughty Squirrel Backpackers Hostel

The Naughty Squirrel Backpackers Hostel (formerly the Argonaut Old Town Hostel) is a colorful place, well suited for students and independent, younger travelers. It offers brightly-painted dorms and six private rooms.

Dorms and privates are cheery and colorful. Dorms sleep four to 10 guests in wooden bunk-beds. Private rooms accommodate up to four, and each are equipped with a bunk-bed and double bed. One double room has its own private bath, while the others share baths with the rest of the hostel. Shared baths, it should be noted, service one guest at a time (no communal showering here).

The Australian-owned hostel is located on the second-floor of an apartment building along the central Kaleju iela in the heart of Old Town. The day we visited, we spent an enjoyable hour or so chatting with the friendly managers, Erin (American) and Michael (British).

The well-equipped guest kitchen is painted an eager orange, and the lively chill-out rooms (with TV, DVD player and air hockey and foosball tables) sport a welcoming green. The Naughty Squirrel promises to be a social experience, with music playing in the lounge and, it appears, a constant party-in-progress. The hostel also arranges tours (for example, an AK47 shooting tour…) and movie nights (with free popcorn and gummy bears) and is completely non-smoking. Wi-Fi is free throughout.

About the room rate: The official "walk-in" rates given by the hostel are probably quite a bit higher than the rates you'll pay if you book in advance online.