Riga’s Old Town, with its unique charm and historical heritage, has always attracted both locals and tourists from all over the world. Situated in this exceptional area, where antiquity meets modernity, is the Konventa Sēta Hotel—a complex of 13th-century buildings that underwent a five-year-long reconstruction, completed in 2023. In this project, the experienced specialists at BLV Advisory Group combined their expertise and knowledge to restore and adapt the property to meet the demands of a modern hotel while preserving its historical legacy.
From the Middle Ages to modern times
Konventa Sēta Hotel is more than just a hotel—it is a testament to Riga’s history, showcasing the city’s development through the ages. The complex, consisting of 11 separate buildings, has experienced various historical eras, with each building holding unique traces of the past. BLV Advisory Group’s task was to ensure that the reconstruction adhered to the highest standards, preserving historical details while integrating modern solutions.
During the reconstruction, many historical elements were uncovered and restored, such as 13th-century walls, wooden staircases, historic windows, and original wall paint. These features are now accessible to all hotel guests and visitors to Riga’s Old Town.
”Our goal was not only to restore the buildings but also to uncover and highlight their historical value. We collaborated with restoration experts and historians to ensure the work met cultural heritage protection requirements.
Sergejs FrolovsCEO of BLV Advisory Group
Today, Konventa Sēta Hotel is a modern and comfortable establishment offering 161 rooms in various categories, ranging from standard rooms to elegant apartments. The hotel also features five event spaces suitable for corporate events and private celebrations. Its restaurant, “Two More Beers,” offers a wide selection of beers and delicious meals, while the bakery “Cruffins” delights guests with freshly baked goods.
The hotel courtyard has been transformed into a cozy relaxation area—a peaceful oasis in the heart of Old Riga, open not only to guests but also to locals. As the building is a historical property, it remains under state ownership. However, a lease agreement between “Rīgas nami” Ltd. and “Konventa Sēta Hotel” Ltd. allows for its use as a hotel. “Konventa Sēta Hotel” Ltd. is owned by AmberStone Group, with operations managed by Keystone Management.
Reconstruction challenges in Riga’s Old Town
The complex’s restoration was carried out in three phases. During the first phase, the building housing the restaurant was renovated. This was followed by the restoration of two additional buildings, with the final phase taking place during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project gained industry recognition, securing third place in the “Reconstruction and Renovation” category at the “Best Building of the Year in Latvia” awards in both 2021 and 2024.
As noted by all parties involved, the Konventa Sēta Hotel reconstruction project presented significant challenges. Renovation work had to proceed while maintaining uninterrupted hotel operations. The specific conditions of Old Town Riga—including limited access for equipment and materials, strict delivery time restrictions, and the need to preserve historical facades and interior elements—required meticulous planning and coordination.
“Working on the Konventa Sēta Hotel project was like assembling a complex puzzle. We had to take into account the unique features of the historical building, the requirements of a modern hotel, and ensure that reconstruction works did not interfere with the hotel’s daily operations. . We had to find creative solutions to provide modern comfort while preserving the building’s historical integrity. This demanded meticulous planning and collaboration with all parties involved,” says Sergejs Frolovs.
According to the developers of the project, one of the most significant challenges was integrating modern engineering solutions into the historical setting, particularly given the specific construction constraints of Old Riga. For example, air conditioning systems could not be installed on the building’s roof to preserve its historical appearance. Instead, these systems were placed in the basements and attics of the buildings.
Additional unexpected challenges arose during the reconstruction. For instance, the discovery of a 13th-century wall required additional work to conserve and incorporate it into the hotel’s interior.
More than supervision: a comprehensive approach to project management
BLV Advisory Group was initially engaged as the project’s technical supervisors, but their role expanded significantly as the project progressed. “We did not just oversee the construction process; we became broad-spectrum advisors and consultants to the client,” explains Sergejs Frolovs. “This meant actively participating in planning all phases of the work, consulting the client, and providing continuous support.”
This comprehensive approach allowed the BLV Advisory Group team to not only efficiently monitor the construction process but also influence strategic decisions, mitigate potential risks, and optimize project costs.
”Today, classic technical supervision is not enough—in situations requiring strategic decisions or quick responses to changes on-site, the client needs specialists with much broader competencies and experience.
Sergejs FrolovsCEO of BLV Advisory Group
However, as Frolovs notes, there is still a lack of understanding in the market about the differences between technical supervision and construction consulting. Clients often assume that technical supervision resolves all issues, but it only provides compliance control over construction work. Construction consulting, on the other hand, offers a broader range of services, including strategy development, decision-making evaluations, and project management. BLV Advisory Group’s experience with the Konventa Sēta Hotel project highlights that a comprehensive approach is the key to successful construction project development.
Bridging the gap between the client and builders
Thanks to the efforts of BLV Advisory Group, Konventa Sēta has been revitalized while retaining its historical charm. The hotel has become one of the most attractive destinations in Riga’s Old Town, drawing tourists from all over the world.
”BLV Advisory Group's professionalism and responsible approach were crucial in executing the project. They not only provided technical supervision but also helped us resolve various problem situations and make the right decisions. Their ability to identify and address issues that could potentially delay the project was invaluable. The BLV Advisory Group team acted as a bridge between us as the client and the builders, ensuring effective communication and mutual understanding. They were able to speak 'the same language' as each party involved, which facilitated smooth and productive collaboration.
Normunds OzoliņšBoard Member of Keystone Management
Having successfully completed the Konventa Sēta Hotel project, which spanned six to seven years, the collaboration with BLV Advisory Group continues. “We are satisfied and proud of what has been accomplished. Our collaboration continues because we have built a strong team and found a common language with both builders and supervisors. We are now working together on a new apartment hotel project, ‘Carillon,’ also located in Old Town Riga, on Pils Street 13. This project involves the reconstruction of another historical building, with plans to open the hotel next year,” says Normunds Ozoliņš.
The reconstruction of the Konventa Sēta Hotel is a prime example of how a comprehensive approach to the construction process can yield exceptional results. Experience shows that investing in quality technical supervision and project management pays off during construction and, in the long term, enhances building usability while significantly reducing maintenance costs.
