Monte Kristo

Located on the eastern edge of the Old Town, the three-star Monte Kristo is a modern hotel offering 41 well-equipped rooms at reasonable rates.

The décor was a little too regal for our tastes. Deep red curtains and gold-embroidered bedspreads are offset by cream-colored walls and orange and brown carpet. All rooms are outfitted with a mini-fridge, safe, telephone and cable TV. Private baths are clean and straightforward, and some have bathtubs.

Although the hotel blends in with the older buildings on Kaleju iela, the Monte Kristo is a relatively new establishment, having opened in 2006. Thus, it provides the basic comforts and amenities that you'd expect in a new place, like an elevator and air conditioning.

Three sides of the hotel look out to pedestrian-friendly streets, which is charming, but could get loud with open windows. (We inspected a room at street level, which we found to be a little too close to the action. Ask for something upstairs.)

The hotel is a five-minute walk to Riga's train station, and a nearby tram stop is convenient and buzzing with activity.

Breakfast is included in the room rate. Additionally, the hotel operates a small outdoor café that overlooks a simple park and tram stop. Wi-Fi is complimentary.