Riga was officially founded by the German Bishop Al-bert 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 sub-sequent 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 restau-rants, trendy bars, tearooms and quality shopping.

The Republic of LatviaLocation: Northern Europe, on the coast of the Baltic Sea

Capital city: Riga

Area: 64 589 square kilometres (40 100 square miles)

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 hotelLatvia’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, embas-sies 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.

The hotel is only 10 kilometres (6 miles) away from Riga Inter-national Airport and less than 1 kilometre (half a mile) away from the International bus terminal, train station and ferry ter-minal. Transfer with luxury hotel car available upon request. Complimentary guarded valet parking.

Hotel Rooms and SuitesAll 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, hair-dryer, scales, slippers, bathrobe and toiletries.

Meeting and Banqueting Facilities

The hotel offers meeting and banqueting facilities for up to 200 people. Unique setting for small conferences, pri-vate dining and receptions.

“Pils” bar

The meeting place of diplomats, business people and hotel guests is undoubtedly the “Pils” bar, next to the lobby of the hotel. Beauti-fully furnished and decorated, with interesting artwork and hunting trophies, this comfortable bar creates a very special atmosphere with unobtrusive friendly service and live entertainment.

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 can-dle 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 SaunaAfter a busy day, a work out at the 24-hour available gym, re-laxing sauna, solarium or massage will bring you back a sense of “well being’’.

“Seasons”restaurant

Credit CardsAll major credit cards accepted.

Bonus programsLufthansa Miles & More.

Awards and recognitionsThe 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.

“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.

Grand Palace Hotel

Pils street 12 • Riga • LV-1050 • Latvia • Europe Phone: +371 6704 4000

Fax: +371 6704 4004info@grandpalaceriga.comwww.grandpalaceriga.comwww.schlossle-hotels.com