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The House Hostel Manager Karlis

When I first arrived in Riga 3 ½ years ago looking for a Hostel, I was pleasantly surprised that Riga Hostels were far more abundant than I would have expected. Hostels in Riga have had a very central role in the development of tourism in Latvia.

The amount of Hostels in Riga has more than tripled in the last three years, and this is due mostly to backpackers demands to visit and stay in Riga Hostels that have developed top notch reputations.

Riga Hostel owners have taken it on their own shoulders to ensure that there guest get the best value for their money when staying in Hostels in Riga. This is not limited to the price you will pay for a bed in a Riga Hostel, but also to the Standard of service, location and general concern for your well being while visiting a Hostel in Riga.

Unfortunately, this can not be said for all Riga Hostels. As with all good things, many people opened Hostels in Riga hoping to cash in and make a quick buck of the  recent tourist boom. Many Riga Hostel owners have expressed their concerns to me over the years about the damage these money grubbers are doing to the Riga Hostel industry.

As much as I try to sympathize with these Riga Hostel owners, I always try to remain optimistic and tell them that if the demand for hostels in Riga is so high, then the best of the Riga Hostels will be the ones who receive the supply! This has been the case with one Riga Hostel in particular, The House Hostel.

The House Hostel is likely the smallest Hostel in Riga and offers guest a very unique and charismatic environment. It may be the only Hostel in Riga staffed by less than 4 people, and has managed to become the most popular with the experienced traveller who is looking for more than cheap beer and  the usual crowd of ”flash-packers” . This Riga Hostel, run by a dedicated crew of locals, re-pats and expats, is setting itself apart from all other Hostels in Riga by focusing on what it feels are the most important aspect of running a Hostel in Riga:

•    Friendly,flexible, well-informed and helpful staff
•    Comfortable, practical and clean facilities
•    Open, un-assuming and safe atmosphere

 
Upon visiting this particular Riga Hostel, I was surprised to find that unlike every other Hostel in Riga I have seen, there was no TV, no formal reception and very little to make me think I had not made a mistake and walked into a strangers funky and fantastic apartment. I was greeted by the Hostel manager, Karlis, a self described ”veteran” of the Riga Hostel scene. Rather than being asked for my passport or booking confirmation, I was offered a cup of tea or coffee and invited to sit down and chat in what must be the largest and most comfortable common room in any Riga Hostel.

After a friendly chat and tour of what must be the most soulful Hostel in Riga, I was convinced that regardless of what other Riga Hostel owners were saying, Hostels in Riga are still making a name for themselves and giving Riga Hostels a great name amongst the back-packing community. Places like the House Hostel in Riga are very few and far apart when you are on the road, and the fact that this Riga Hostel is at the top of its game speaks volumes for the Standard and expectations of Hostels in Riga.

So despite what some may say about too many Hostels in Riga, whats wrong with having a selection? To those who say it is damaging the Riga Hostel reputation, why don't you go and talk to the guy over at The House Hostel in Riga, your own city!!. In the end, the Hostel in Riga who really wants to provide people the best service and experience for their guest will be Riga Hostel guest look for. So if you are not up to the challenge, then don't go opening a Hostel in Riga, because you got a whole lot of Riga Hostels looking to give you a good run for your money!!!