Ekes Konvents

In 1435 the first guest house for travellers was opened on Skārņu street in Riga. It was built on the foundations of the Castle of the Order of the Brotherhood of Swordsmen and retains the long corridor plan characteristic of a cloister with small rooms known as cells. In expanding the building at the end of the 16th century, the City's Burgomaster Nikolauss Eke, who was accused by the residents of Riga of lining his own pocket with funds from the City Treasury, had apparently decided to polish up his image by opening a sanctuary for the widows of Guild's craftsmen here. Since the summer of 2005 the house is once more operating as a guest house – "Ekes Konvents" which has been scrupulously restored by experts specialising in Latvia's historic architecture.

* Ekes Konvents embodies all the rustic charm of the early days while maintaining the modern facilities necessary for a pleasant stay. * Ekes Konvents aims to please and offers up a multilingual staff operating 24-hour front desk, non-smoking rooms, laundry services, dry cleaning service, wireless internet access, parking and an airport shuttle. * A buffet breakfast included in your stay or room service is also available each morning in this sixteenth-century built, Ekes Konvents.

* You have the opportunity to stay in the room in which Gertrude, widow of Johann, erstwhile Master of The Coopers’Guild, once lived. * The 11 such small and cosy rooms have been ornately restored, incorporating furniture crafted according to ancient examples, historical etchings and traditional hand-woven blankets.The guestrooms are spread over three floors, and have individual decor; all include wireless internet, satellite television, toiletries, and hair dryers.