Karlamuiza Country Hotel Review: The Most Charming Stay Near Cēsis, Latvia

Disclaimer: I was a guest of the Cēsis Tourism Board and Magnetic Latvia on a press trip to Cēsis, Latvia. As always, all opinions are my own.

There are some places that instantly feel like they were made for you—and for me, Karlamuiza Country Hotel was exactly that.

Tucked away in the heart of Gauja National Park, just a short drive from the charming town of Cēsis, Latvia Karlamuiza is the kind of countryside escape that makes you want to put your phone away, breathe in the fresh forest air, and never leave. It’s quiet. It’s cozy. And it’s incredibly beautiful.

I stayed here during a press trip to Latvia, and from the moment I arrived, I knew I had lucked out. Quite literally—we drew room keys out of a bowl to see where we’d be staying, and I landed in the Elizabeth Suite, the hotel’s most romantic room (and the one you’ll see in all their brochures). With its vintage charm, garden views, and balcony overlooking the trees, it was one of the most memorable hotel rooms I’ve ever stayed in.

From the slow breakfasts made with local ingredients to the warm hospitality of the owners and the peaceful setting deep in nature, Karlamuiza Country Hotel is everything I love about travel wrapped into one beautiful stay.

Whether you’re planning a wellness weekend, a hiking getaway, or a scenic stop on your Latvia road trip, here’s why Karlamuiza should absolutely be on your list.

A Restored Manor Steeped in Latvian Heritage

It’s not every day you get to stay in a place that feels like it’s been plucked from a novel—but Karlamuiza Country Hotel truly does.

Located just outside Cēsis, in the rolling green hills of the Amata Valley, Karlamuiza has a long and layered past. Once known as Gut Karlsruh, this peaceful corner of Latvia has drawn visitors for centuries. The building that stands today was originally constructed in the mid-19th century as a staff house for the manor estate. Like many historic buildings, it fell into disrepair during the Soviet era—but was lovingly restored in the early 2000s.

Today, the hotel is run by Janis and Baiba Stepini, who have poured more than two decades of care into the property. And it shows. From the way the natural landscape has been preserved, to the personal touches in every room, to the welcoming energy that makes you feel less like a guest and more like an old friend—it’s clear this is a labor of love.

The building itself is full of character, with creaky floors, tall ceilings, and wide windows that let in the forest light. Each of the 15 suites is named after someone who once lived in the house, and no two are the same. It’s a detail I loved—there’s something so personal about being connected to the history of a place like that.

While I didn’t have time to explore the grounds as much as I wanted to, I caught glimpses of winding forest paths, a grove of apple trees, and terraces perfect for sipping coffee on. Whether you’re the kind of traveler who wants to hike all day or one who prefers to read under a tree, Karlamuiza offers space to slow down and breathe a little deeper.

My Room: The Romantic Elizabeth Suite

If you’ve seen any of Karlamuiza’s marketing materials, chances are you’ve already caught a glimpse of the Elizabeth Suite—and somehow, thanks to a spontaneous room key draw on our press trip, that’s exactly where I ended up.

Let me tell you: it’s even better in person.

Located on the second floor of the hotel, the Elizabeth Suite is spacious, sunlit, and impossibly romantic. With 40 square meters of space, a plush king-size bed, and antique-inspired furnishings, it felt more like a countryside apartment than a hotel room. The ceilings are high, the color palette is soft and natural, and there’s a cozy kitchenette tucked into the corner—perfect for longer stays or self-catered meals.

But the best part? The balcony.

Just outside the large window doors, a private little terrace overlooks the manor garden and surrounding forest. I only had time for a quick breath of fresh air before we headed off on our next activity, but even that brief moment of stillness—surrounded by birdsong and filtered sunlight—was enough to fall in love with this place.

It’s the kind of room that makes you want to linger a little longer. Whether you’re visiting with a partner, on a solo retreat, or simply craving a quiet space to unwind, the Elizabeth Suite at Karlamuiza delivers that perfect blend of rustic elegance and peaceful seclusion.

Breakfast and Dining at Karlamuiza Country Hotel: Fresh, Local, and Filling

Karlamuiza Country Hotel may be tucked away in the Latvian countryside, but the food here is anything but an afterthought. While I only had time to enjoy breakfast during my stay, it was the kind of meal that sets the tone for the entire day—simple, hearty, and made with care.

Breakfast is served daily from 8:00 to 11:00 in the bright and spacious dining room, a cozy space that looks out over the manor grounds and feels more like a family kitchen than a hotel restaurant. There’s a fireplace in the corner for chilly mornings, and in warmer months, you can take your meal out to the terrace under the apple trees.

The hotel offers three different breakfast menus, and reservations are required the night before. My plate was filled with fresh bread, cheese, meat, pastries, fruit, and coffee—a perfect blend of comfort and energy for the full day of exploring ahead. While breakfast isn’t included in the room price, the €18 fee is more than fair for the quality and variety.

Though I didn’t get to try dinner, Karlamuiza offers a three-course menu each evening from 19:00 to 21:00, focused on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Much of what’s served comes straight from their own garden, the surrounding forest, or local farmers—including trout, wild berries, mushrooms, herbs, and vegetables grown right on the property. They even offer a curated selection of local beer and wine.

If you’re heading out for a hike or road trip, you can also request a packed lunch or picnic basket—perfect for enjoying in the nearby parklands or on a riverside trail.

While the setting alone would be enough, Karlamuiza’s thoughtful approach to food makes each meal here feel like a continuation of the whole experience: peaceful, intentional, and deeply rooted in place.

The Traditional Sauna: A Unique Wellness Experience

While I didn’t have time to experience it myself, Karlamuiza’s traditional Latvian sauna is a beloved part of the guest experience—and after trying a sauna ritual elsewhere in Latvia, I can safely say: it’s worth making time for.

At Karlamuiza, the sauna is located in a rustic cabin tucked into the forest, heated with firewood for up to five hours to create a soft, restorative steam. Whether you’re warming up on a snowy winter night or cooling down after a summer hike, it’s designed to help you fully disconnect and recharge.

The hotel also offers an enhanced Sensual Sauna Ritual, led by experienced sauna masters, for a truly immersive wellness experience—ideal for guests looking to relieve stress, reconnect with nature, or simply slow down.

If you’re booking a stay here, I highly recommend checking availability in advance to add the traditional sauna to your itinerary. It’s one of those uniquely Latvian moments that turns a great stay into an unforgettable one.

Practical Info: What to Know Before You Book

Thinking of staying at Karlamuiza Country Hotel during your trip to Latvia? Here are a few key details to help you plan your visit—especially if you’re exploring Gauja National Park or using Cēsis as a base for a nature-filled adventure.

Location

Karlamuiza Country Motel is located just a 10-minute drive from Cēsis, Latvia in the Amata Valley, surrounded by forests, meadows, and hiking trails. It’s the perfect base for exploring Gauja National Park, visiting nearby manor houses, or simply enjoying a peaceful retreat in nature.

Getting There & Parking

You’ll definitely want a rental car to make the most of your time here. Free on-site parking is available, and the drive from Riga takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.

Rooms & Amenities

• 15 spacious suites, all individually designed and named after former manor residents
• Many rooms include kitchenettes, making longer stays easy
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
• Peaceful grounds with apple orchards, hammocks, and forest trails

Meals & Dining

• Breakfast (served 8:00–11:00): €18/adult, €9/child, free for kids under 7 with adult meal
• Dinner (served 19:00–21:00): Three-course seasonal menus by reservation
• Packed lunches available by request—great for hikes and day trips
• Terrace seating and picnic areas available in summer

Traditional Sauna

• Wood-fired Latvian sauna available for private rental (1–6 people)
• Optional Sensual Sauna Ritual with a sauna master for a deeper wellness experience
• Towels and herbal tea provided
• Sauna must be reserved in advance; non-hotel guests welcome too

What’s Nearby

• Cēsis Old Town (10 min)
• Ligatne Nature Trails (25 min)
• Zvartes Rock, Amata River hiking trail, and more spots in Gauja National Park

FAQs About Karlamuiza Country Hotel

Final Thoughts: Is Karlamuiza Country Hotel Worth It?

Absolutely.

Whether you’re exploring Cēsis, hiking through Gauja National Park, or simply craving a peaceful retreat in the Latvian countryside, Karlamuiza Country Hotel is one of those rare places that manages to feel both completely grounded and quietly magical.

From the personal touches in the Elizabeth Suite, to the hearty breakfast spread, to the stillness of the forest just outside the window—every part of my stay was memorable. Even though I was traveling with a group, I stayed solo in my room and felt completely at ease. It’s the kind of hotel that invites you to slow down, sip your coffee a little longer, and enjoy the silence.

Add in the option to book a traditional Latvian sauna, picnic under the apple trees, or hike right from the hotel grounds, and you’ve got the perfect base for a rejuvenating countryside escape.

Trust me—you won’t want to leave.