A unique VIP train car hotel in Latvia, constructed from former luxury carriages of the Riga-Moscow line, is preparing to open its doors to guests in the Ventspils region.
- Composition: Five adapted cars, including four sleeping cars and one dining car.
- Capacity: The hotel can accommodate up to 60 guests.
- Historical Appeal: Features a VIP car previously used by singer Alla Pugacheva.
Luxury Accommodations and Historic Preservation
The hotel features several specialized VIP rooms where high-profile passengers once stayed during trips between Riga and Moscow. These VIP cabins consist of two compartments combined into one, offering amenities such as television, internet, and a separate sink.
Hotel owner Edijs Veinbergs noted that the cars have been preserved in their original condition, including the original shower cabins used by the carriages’ former distinguished passengers.
In addition to the sleeping quarters, a dining car has been converted into a communal space. Guests can use the area to prepare breakfast or host events, such as birthday celebrations.
Logistics and Development Challenges
The cars, originally part of the “Latvijas ekspresis,” were purchased and installed by the owner of “Pasiiektas Windmills.” The process of purchasing, delivering, and installing the carriages in the Ventspils region took approximately two months.
Transporting the cars presented significant logistical hurdles. While the initial plan was to use trucks, the cars could not be moved out of Riga because they did not fit under the city’s bridges. As a result, they were delivered via rail.
Following installation two winters ago, the project faced bureaucratic delays during the approval and documentation process. Although the cars were ready last summer, these administrative issues prevented them from welcoming guests until this spring.
Booking and Availability
The hotel is currently in its final stages of preparation, with overnight stays expected to be available within the next two weeks.
Demand for the unique experience is already high. According to Veinbergs, weekends are fully booked for the entire summer, though weekday availability remains for those seeking an overnight stay in the railway cars.
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