The Republic of Latvia Location: Northern Europe, on the coast of the Baltic Sea Capital city: Riga Area: 64 589 square kilometres (40 100 square miles)
Riga was officially founded by the German Bishop Albert in 1201. It is the capital of Latvia with a population of around 800 000, located by the river Daugava which is linked to Riga Bay and the Baltic Sea. It is the metropolitan centre not only for the country, but also for the whole Baltic region. Due to its strategic position Riga has always acted as a trading centre and link between East and West.
Riga is best known for its architectural legacy. The Old Town of Riga is listed in UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage List. Riga is made up of buildings from the Middle Ages and subsequent periods of Swedish, Polish, Russian and German influence. In 2001 Riga celebrated its 800-year-anniversary and was one of Europe’s Cities of Culture. Today Riga is one of Europe’s most dynamic and rapidly developing cities. It remains an elegant city with a wide range of classy restaurants, trendy bars, tearooms and quality shopping.
Border: 3 000 kilometres (1875 miles) Coastline: 498 kilometres (311 miles) Population: 2 300 000 Official language: Latvian. English, Russian and German are widely spoken Constitution: Democratic Republic Religions: Evangelic Lutheran, Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox
Currency: Lats (LVL) Membership: European Union; NATO; United Nations; World Trade Organization Time zone: GMT +2 International code: LV Internet domain: .lv International telephone code: +371 Electricity supply: 220 volts, 50 Hz European-style 2-pin plugs Climate: Summers are usually dry, sunny and warm. Spring and autumn have often-unstable weather with sun and rain on the same day. Winter snow from December to March.
grand palace hotel Latvia’s leading 5-star hotel is located in the quiet centre of the historical 15th century Old Town of Riga. It is surrounded by prestigious UNESCO World Heritage monuments, central to major tourism objects, shopping streets, offices, embassies and banks. Originally built in 1877 as the Central Bank of Latvia, now reconstructed as an elegant hotel, it offers a place of warmth and comfort accompanied by attentive and impeccable service.
Meeting and Banqueting Facilities
The hotel offers meeting and banqueting facilities for up to 200 people. Unique setting for small conferences, private dining and receptions.
“Pils” bar The hotel is only 10 kilometres (6 miles) away from Riga International Airport and less than 1 kilometre (half a mile) away from the International bus terminal, train station and ferry terminal. Transfer with luxury hotel car available upon request. Complimentary guarded valet parking.
Hotel Rooms and Suites All 56 guest rooms are elegantly furnished in beautiful shades of beige and blue and feature high-speed wireless and cable internet connection, air-conditioning, minibar, safe, flat screen TV, electronic virtual concierge system and other amenities. Bathrooms feature heated tile floor, bathtub with shower, hairdryer, scales, slippers, bathrobe and toiletries.
The meeting place of diplomats, business people and hotel guests is undoubtedly the “Pils” bar, next to the lobby of the hotel. Beautifully furnished and decorated, with interesting artwork and hunting trophies, this comfortable bar creates a very special atmosphere with unobtrusive friendly service and live entertainment.
“Seasons”restaurant
“Orangerie” restaurant
Elegant meals are available in the “Orangerie” restaurant where imaginative breakfast and delightful culinary creations are served for lunch. The open-air atmosphere with its abundance of plants and flowers allows you to relax and watch the world go by. Fine dining in elegant surroundings awaits you at the “Seasons” evening restaurant where award-winning chefs prepare culinary delicacies in tandem with the four seasons of the year. The candle lit tables and soothing music provide the right ambience for a business dinner or a place to celebrate that special occasion. Selected wines and champagnes offered.
Health club and Sauna After a busy day, a work out at the 24-hour available gym, relaxing sauna, solarium or massage will bring you back a sense of “well being’’.
Credit Cards All major credit cards accepted.
Bonus programs Lufthansa Miles & More.
Awards and recognitions The hotel is the only member of “The Leading Hotels of the World” and “Virtuoso” in Latvia and has been voted as Latvia’s Leading Hotel for 6 years, including 2009. Winner of the Seven Stars and Stripes Award.
Grand Palace Hotel Pils street 12 • Riga • LV-1050 • Latvia • Europe Phone: +371 6704 4000 Fax: +371 6704 4004 info@grandpalaceriga.com www.grandpalaceriga.com www.schlossle-hotels.com