Riga's HOTTEST Hostel: Cinnamon Sally Backpacker Paradise!
Cinnamon Sally: Riga's Backpacker Paradise… Or Is It? A WILD Review! 🤪
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Cinnamon Sally Backpacker Paradise in Riga, and let me tell you, it was… an experience. Forget those sterile hotel reviews; this is the REAL deal, warts and all. This isn't just a review; it's a rollercoaster of opinions, a chaotic love letter to a hostel that almost gets it right. Prepare for some serious stream-of-consciousness. Let's GO!
First Impressions & Accessibility: Rollercoaster Vibes 🎢
Okay, so, getting there was… an adventure. Riga's a gorgeous city, no doubt, but finding Cinnamon Sally? Let's just say my GPS and I had a moment. The entrance itself wasn't immediately obvious, which, as someone who values a stress-free arrival, was a tiny hiccup.
FOR ACCESSIBILITY: (Important note here!) I didn't personally need full accessibility features. BUT! I did peep around, and the elevator exists, which is a HUGE plus in a city known for its cobblestone streets. The info I found was a bit vague on specific accessibility details for the rooms – like how wide the doors are, how low the fixtures are – so, if you need that level of detail, definitely CONTACT THE HOSTEL DIRECTLY. Don't just assume, ya know? Their website is okay on the accessibility, but not amazing. Give them a call!
The Vibe: "Oh, My God, They Have a Pool?" 🤯
Walking in… Well, it's a backpacker hostel. Think vibrant murals, mismatched furniture, and that unmistakable scent of "global adventure." Immediately, the staff (super young, super friendly) greeted me. Check-in? Smooth sailing, mostly. They have contactless check-in, which is great in theory, but I still ended up chatting with the lovely (and helpful!) staff.
And then I saw it. The Pool with a View? OMG! I didn't expect that. Seriously, a rooftop pool in a hostel? Okay, Cinnamon Sally, color me intrigued. (More on that later, because I lived in that pool).
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitizing Obsession or Genuine Care? 🤔
This is where Cinnamon Sally REALLY shines – and they scream about it. Anti-viral cleaning products, everywhere. Daily disinfection of common areas. They are practically obsessed with hygiene. Hand sanitizer is practically a fashion accessory, as are the masks. Rooms sanitized between stays? You betcha. The staff trained in safety protocol, and they are always cleaning the areas. I did appreciate the obvious effort, especially given, you know, the world. But honestly, sometimes I felt like I was living in a lab. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but just a thing.
Food, Glorious Food (and Drinks!): A Culinary Adventure 🌮🍻
Okay, food and drink time! Restaurants are on-site, with Asian, International, and Vegetarian cuisine options. They offer Breakfast [buffet], which actually is a decent spread. I mean, free coffee and some scrambled eggs? Yes, please! They also have a la carte in the restaurant. And the Poolside bar? Pure bliss. Happy hour was, well, happy! They do have a Snack bar, because, you know, munchies happen. The Coffee shop - great for the early risers.
I had the BEST burger there. Like, surprisingly good. I ordered it poolside, and it felt slightly surreal. The Bottle of water they leave in your room is a nice touch.
Room Rundown: More Than Meets the Eye? 🛏️
My room? Okay, so, it was basic, yeah, but in a good way. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver. Free Wi-Fi – a MUST. Internet access – wireless – you bet your bottom dollar. The Bedding? Fine, nothing to write home about, but clean and comfortable. There was a reading light, a desk for working (hustle never stops, baby!), and a window that opens. What more do you want from a hostel room?! The shower was surprisingly powerful, and I adored the slippers and bathrobes in the room.
The pool was the real deal. The view from the rooftop pool while sipping their cocktails? Perfection.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day? Maybe Not! 🧖♀️
Okay, they list Spa stuff on the site. The pool is relaxing, so that counts. But Body scrub, Body wrap, Sauna, Steamroom, and Massage were, sadly, not listed on the menu. Still the pool and chilled vibes more than made up for it!
But let's be real: Backpackers, you're here to do stuff. Cinnamon Sally helps with that. The staff can help you book tours, or you can just sit on the terrace and chill. Riga itself is the star there.
The Kid-Friendly Zone & Other Services: Did I See a Babysitter? 👧👶
They advertise as Family/child friendly, which is cool if you're traveling with little ones. I did see a sign about Babysitting service, which is a huge plus. Laundry service, Dry cleaning and Daily housekeeping are a bonus!
They also have a Convenience store for snacks. Cash withdrawal too!
Getting Around: Riga is Your Oyster 🚲
The location is pretty good, walkable to a lot of places. They offer Airport transfer, which is a huge plus (especially after a long flight, a bumpy cab ride is NOT a vibe) They have Bicycle parking if you are a cyclist!
Business Travelers Take Note:
They have Business facilities like Meeting/banquet facilities, Elevator, and Wi-Fi for special events.
Quirks, Imperfections, and My Honest Truth 💔
Alright, let's get messy. This isn't a perfect hostel. The soundproofing in my room wasn't amazing - I could sometimes hear the hallway chatter and a bit of the music from the bar below. Also, the whole "safety-obsessed" thing, while admirable, occasionally felt a little… much. I crave a bit more "lived-in" atmosphere.
And the biggest issue? THE COFFEE. Let's just say, it wasn't the BEST. Bring your own, or be prepared to wander offsite for your caffeine fix. You've been warned!
The Verdict: Cinnamon Sally – Worth It?! 🤔
YES. Absolutely. Despite a few minor hiccups, I genuinely enjoyed my time at Cinnamon Sally. It’s a good hostel. The staff is great (they saved my life when I got a minor paper cut. Okay, not really, but they were super helpful!) and the pool alone is worth the price of admission. It's clean, safe, fun, and offers a fantastic base for exploring Riga.
Here's the Deal: Grab a Slice of Paradise with This CRAZY Offer!
Listen up, thrill-seekers and weary travelers! Are you ready to experience Riga like a boss? Then you need to stay at Cinnamon Sally! And because I want you to experience the magic yourself, here's an offer you can't refuse:
Book your stay at Cinnamon Sally Backpacker Paradise and get:
- 10% OFF your room rate (use code "CRAZYRIGA" at checkout!)
- FREE welcome drink at the legendary poolside bar 🍹
- Complimentary guided walking tour of Riga's hidden gems 🗺️
- A chance to win a free night's stay!
But HURRY! This offer is only valid for bookings made in the next 72 hours!
Why Wait? Book your adventure at Cinnamon Sally Backpacker Paradise and get ready for an unforgettable trip! Click here to book now: [Insert booking link here – like, ACTUALLY put a link]
Don't be a tourist. Be a traveler. And do it at Cinnamon Sally!
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Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This is my take on a travel itinerary, and trust me, it’s gonna be less "perfectly curated Instagram feed" and more "drunkenly scribbled on a napkin at 3 AM." We're talking Riga, Latvia, starting from the gloriously chaotic heart of it all: Cinnamon Sally Backpackers Hostel.
Day 1: Arrival, Regret, and Riga's Embrace (Probably with a Hangover)
- Morning (ish - let's be real, probably noon): Arrive at Riga International Airport (RIX). Navigating this airport after a red-eye would be an adventure, I'll tell you that. Finding the bus to the city center: a feat, especially after the plane’s turbulence and a free wine or two. Then, the sheer exhilaration of a new place! I'm already seeing the world through bleary eyes, and the city is buzzing around me.
- Afternoon: Check into Cinnamon Sally. This place is a glorious mess, which is EXACTLY what I wanted. Find my dorm room (hopefully not the one near the snoring champion). Honestly, the communal kitchen’s already a battlefield – someone’s burnt the toast, someone else is trying to steal my Nutella (bastards).
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Wandering around the Old Town. Okay, history lesson time (sort of). Riga's gorgeous. Seriously, the architecture is jaw-dropping. I spend a good hour just staring at the Art Nouveau buildings. Then, stumble upon a local bar (can't resist). Ordering a local beer and immediately regretting it for the next day. A chatty local suggests a specific pub that has live music. It is amazing!
- Night: A little lost (figuratively and literally), I’m finding myself. Trying to navigate the cobblestone streets, stumble upon Riga Black Balsam. Yes, the local spirit. And yes, I’m intrigued. One sip, and I’m pretty sure I taste a mixture of medicine and magic. The night blurs into one long, glorious chaos. Dancing with strangers, attempting (and failing) to sing karaoke, and making promises I'll probably break tomorrow.
Day 2: The Pain, the Glory, and That Damn Cathedral
- Morning (Very reluctantly): WAKE UP. Headache levels are… high. Coffee is the only answer in my current situation. Crawling out of bed is already an achievement. Breakfast at the hostel takes a long time. The kitchen is a mess and I'm pretty sure someone has stolen my cereal.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Trying to be a proper tourist. Attempting the Riga Cathedral, which, to my surprise, is actually captivating. The stained-glass windows are stunning, and the organ… wow. I try to focus on the history, but mostly I'm just trying to stay awake. And then that damn bell… it tolls, loud and clear, and almost gives me a heart attack.
- Afternoon: Exploring the Central Market. This place is CRAZY. I have a mild food coma and I am looking around, I smell everything and trying to understand what's going on. The food is incredibly cheap. The local vendors are a riot, hawking everything from smoked fish to pickles. I buy way too many things than I can possibly eat, because why not? Buying some gifts for a friend.
- Evening: Going on a river tour. The views are spectacular, but the boat is full of screaming children, and I am feeling the effects of the Riga Black Balsam, which I'm regretting again. This turns into a quiet evening. I’m going for a walk near the river. I would like to rest, watch the sunset, and I can see my whole life flash before my eyes.
Day 3: Finding My Inner Hippie (or Just a Really Good Café)
- Morning: A chill day! Waking up. No rush. Going to find a cafe. The hostel’s Wi-Fi is abysmal. The need for an internet connection. Coffee. Lots of coffee.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: The only thing I know is I have to visit the Kalnciema Quarter. It turns out to be a great place to escape and unwind. I enjoy the local crafts, the architecture, and find a nice cafe to relax.
- Afternoon: Taking a stroll through the parks. I am alone, and it feels good! The parks are perfect and the air is so pure. I listen to all of the sounds, the water and the animals. I am getting in tune with nature.
- Evening: Heading back to the hostel. It is so nice to meet new people. A good conversation. I am going to a local jazz club. The music, the wine, it is all so perfect. Dance the night away.
Important Notes (aka the Disclaimers):
- This is YOUR trip. Adjust it. Change it. Get lost. That's the fun part.
- Embrace the chaos. Things will go wrong. You'll get lost. You'll probably overspend. That's life, baby.
- Talk to people. The best travel stories are usually about the unexpected encounters.
- The food. Oh, the food. Be adventurous. Try everything (except maybe the questionable-looking stuff at the market).
- Cinnamon Sally is a vibe. Be prepared for noise, shared dorms, and potentially questionable hygiene habits of your fellow travelers. But also, be prepared for amazing people, great conversations, and a feeling of belonging.
Above all: Have fun. This is YOUR adventure. Don't be afraid to make it messy, to get lost, to laugh at yourself, and to fall a little bit in love with Riga. I hope this helps!
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Cinnamon Sally's: The Unofficial Backpacker's Survival Guide (and Existential Crisis Corner)
So, what's the *deal* with Cinnamon Sally's? Is it actually paradise, or just a clever name?
Okay, let's be real. Paradise? Maybe. But it's definitely *Cinnamon*-flavored. Like, imagine a constant, warm hug of cinnamon rolls (I swear, *someone* baked them daily...or maybe it was a recurring fever dream fueled by too much local beer). It's chaotic, it's loud, it's crammed with people… but somehow, it *works*. Think of it as less a meticulously planned paradise and more a gloriously messy, slightly hungover, absolutely unforgettable holiday camp for broke backpackers. You'll meet people from every corner of the globe, all crammed into a space barely bigger than your mom's living room, and you'll either love it… or… well, you'll probably love it. I mean, I **hated** communal bathrooms beforehand, but Sally’s somehow turned it into a social event. Honestly, it's more like a rite of passage.
What's the vibe like? I'm not exactly a "social butterfly"...
Vibe? It's the backpacker equivalent of a non-stop party with a side of soul-searching. Think of it as a pressure cooker of human interaction. You will be forced to talk to strangers. You will inevitably share a beer (or ten) with someone you've just met. You *will* end up on a spontaneous walking tour, probably slightly lost, with a group of people you now consider family. And if you're not so social? Well, Cinnamon Sally's might just *make* you one. Or, you'll learn to quietly judge everyone while pretending to read a book in a corner. Either works, honestly. I did both, depending on the day and/or hangover severity. But honestly? You'll find your tribe. They're probably nursing the same regretful kebab.
Okay, about the dorm rooms… What are they *really* like? Is it a cramped, smelly nightmare?
Alright, let's get real. "Cramped" is an understatement. Imagine a Tetris game where the pieces are beds, backpacks, and the lingering scent of last night's cheap vodka. Smelly? Look, it *is* a hostel. There *will* be socks. There *will* be someone's questionable travel laundry drying on a makeshift clothesline. But honestly? It’s part of the charm. And the staff is pretty diligent about cleaning *most* of the time. Plus, the common areas are typically buzzing, so you’re not spending all your time in the room anyhow. Consider it a temporary, shared human experience. Embrace the close quarters, the snoring symphony, and the occasional accidental elbow to the face. It's character building, I swear. Just bring earplugs. Seriously.
Are there freebies? (Because, you know, backpacker budget...)
Freebies! Now you're talking! They usually have free walking tours, which are gold. They *often* have free welcome drinks – which is where most of my money went, in retrospect – and the kitchen is open (ish) for you to cook if you can manage to squeeze a spot. The *real* freebie, though? The sense of community. The friendships you forge over shared meals, questionable decisions, and the sheer, glorious chaos of it all. That, my friend, is priceless. Well, probably. I haven’t checked.
What about the staff? Are they helpful, or just, you know, burnt out and jaded?
The staff? Honestly, they're the unsung heroes of Cinnamon Sally's. They're the harried but helpful souls keeping the whole ship afloat. They're the ones who’ll know all the best (and cheapest) places to eat, know which bars to avoid when the locals are having a party, and offer the most amazing suggestions for the 'lesser known' experiences of the city. They've seen it all – the good, the bad, and the incredibly messy post-pub-crawl meltdowns. They're the glue that holds the whole place together, from finding lost passports to mediating drunken arguments about the merits of various European football teams. They probably need a raise. And therapy.
Is security a real thing? Or is everything just… loose?
Security… it’s there, I think. Honestly, in the general chaos, I’m not entirely sure. They have lockers, thankfully. Use them. I didn't, once. Let's just say I learned a valuable lesson about the importance of locking up your charger. And my favourite t-shirt. But realistically? The biggest threat at Cinnamon Sally's isn't theft; it's the temptation to stay up all night talking, drinking, and making lifetime memories with people you just met. The security aspect is generally fine. The *emotional* security, though… well, that's a different story. You might leave a piece of your heart there. I did. And my phone charger, apparently.
Okay, let's talk location. Is it convenient for, you know, actually *seeing* Riga?
The location is **fantastic**. Seriously. Cinnamon Sally's is slap-bang in the middle of Old Town, which is great for exploring, and also makes it incredibly easy to stumble back after one too many local beers. You’ll be steps away from all the major sights, from the iconic House of the Blackheads to St. Peter's Church. You can roll out of bed hungover and be at the Central Market in minutes, wolfing down cheap, delicious street food. And the nightlife? *Chef's kiss*. You're basically living in the heart of the party zone. Just be warned: you might find yourself accidentally becoming a professional pub-crawler. Or maybe the professional *faller-downer*. Depends on your stamina.
What's the best thing about Cinnamon Sally's (besides the maybe-existent cinnamon rolls)?
The *people*. Hands down. It's not just a hostel; it’s a breeding ground for spontaneous friendships. I met a girl from Iceland there, and we're still best friends, even though we saw each other naked on the communal showers (awkward confession – sorry, Ingrid!). I met an old man who'd travelled the whole world, and told the most intriguing tales of war and love. There was a guy who claimed to be a pirate (probably not, but he was a good storyteller, regardless). You’ll meet them all, and you’ll share late-night conversations, travel tips, and the occasional existential crisis. You'llOcean By H10 Hotels
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