Four stars in a pandemic: Hotel Virkas muiža undergoes major changes

Author: Virkasmuiza.lv
Source: Virkasmuiza.lv

In recent years, Linde Invest has invested EUR 1.3 million in its hotels Boutique Hotel Virkas muiža and Comfort Hotel Kuldiga, as well as four boutique apartments in Kuldiga. At the end of last year, Boutique Hotel Virkas muiža and Comfort Hotel Kuldiga were awarded a four star rating, which they celebrated on January 21.

Renovation of the historical Virka Manor was mainly done at the expense of the owners. According to Kaspars Bergmanis, the owner of the hotel, financial support of Kuldiga municipality in the amount of EUR 30,000 for putting a new roof on the manor was a very positive development. In the meantime, the owners are already planning the next round of renovation of the manor. When asked whether they have ever regretted the time and resources invested in the hotel, the owners said that they certainly did not regret anything. Bergmanis also pointed out that the hotel was doing well and, thanks to far-sighted decisions, the current rise in energy prices across the country would not affect the hotel’s operations or increase the prices for hotel services.

Reklāma

Manager of the hotel Eva Šimo says that the number of tourists from abroad has significantly decreased due to the pandemic. One of the objectives of the hotel in the coming years is to broaden its perspective and, along with improving the hotel rooms and services, to work harder on attracting foreign tourists. “Currently, most of our guests are from Latvia and Lithuania, but we really want to attract the interest of travelers from abroad as a destination offering active recreation opportunities and different events in Kurzeme region. This would increase the number of travelers visiting the town, the business volumes, as well as extend the length of stay of our guests in our apartments.”
In order to promote cooperation opportunities, Virka Manor will represent Latvia at the international tourism exhibition Holiday World Show 2022, which will take place in Dublin from March 4 to 6.

The hotel and tourism industry has been operating amidst the Covid-19 pandemic for two years in a row. Despite the unfavorable conditions and what has already been achieved, the owners of the hotel are constantly making strides to upgrade the manor, both hotels and apartments, and expand the range of their services. “The new status motivates us to be even more active and reach for new heights," says Bergmanis. The next round of refitting the manor will start in February. According to the hotel owner, both hotels and apartments has patrons all year round, but the peak undoubtedly falls on the summer months, when the hotel rooms and apartments are fully booked. In order to attract guests also in the winter season and make them want to stay longer, a SPA area on the second floor of the building, featuring a sauna, water cure facilities and a professional massage parlor, will be constructed by the beginning of this coming summer. In the near future, construction of a terrace at the back of the manor will commence, which will rise from the basement level to the first floor so that the hotel could offer film screenings and other activities to the residents and guests of the town. A restaurant will open in March, its menu will feature dishes made of locally sourced ingredients.

Linde Invest is the sole owner of Boutique Hotel Virkas muiža and Comfort Hotel Kuldiga, as well as four boutique apartments in Kuldiga: Boutique Apartment Virkas muiža, Boutique Apartment Venezia, Boutique Apartment Venezia Duo, Boutique Apartment Villa Rumba. At the moment, Virkas muiža can accommodate up to 100 guests and is the largest hotel in Kuldiga by the number of guests.

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