Light House Jūrmala — Restaurant in Jūrmala

What a fantastic location, right on the beach. Unfortunately, that's where the plaudits end.||||We arrived at a front desk that offered no one to assist us with our bags (down a steep boardwalk; even a heavily pregnant woman wasn't enough of an indication to gain assistance initially). On this day, the English skills at the reception desk were not up to what we had experienced in other locations in Latvia (Riga and Cesis). ||||That afternoon, the hotel was setting up for an event. I enquired and was told by the manager that we weren't able to use the restaurant and he wasn't sure why we had been allowed to book in to stay this evening! Further, sound tests started with loud house music. Not exactly the "slice of paradise" they have printed all over their collateral, or ideal for our quiet getaway. In fact, the manager was quite rude and dismissive of me and the whole situation, not wanting it to be his problem. ||||I was told we could eat in our room or out the front of our room on the boardwalk. Now, the table for the room was affixed to the wall, at the rear of the room by the kitchen sink without any views. I didn't come here to eat in that sort of environment! Nor did I come here to eat on the walkway without any shelter from the heavy winds and cold evening. This type of response was a just a joke.||||That evening the music was loud, we had guests of the gala dinner talking loudly on their mobile phones outside our room, sitting at the chairs provided for our room - the whole experience was poor and not what we had paid for.||||As we now had to go out for dinner, we did so, and on returning that evening I complained but there was no manager available, so I contacted Booking.com and involved them. The next morning, the hotel receptionist played a go-between between myself and the hotel director who was on vacation. Thankfully, the receptionist had a full grasp of English and was able to converse. I wanted to vacate the premises ASAP as we didn't at all feel welcome. The hotel offered a room upgrade and 100€ off dinner as they "didn't offer refunds". This was all stressful and I did not want to spend any more money with them given their attitude towards me the previous evening.||||I refused this offer and after some backwards and forwards I was refunded the second night. I could see that I was going to get nowhere on any refund on the first night. Given it was 330€ a night, this behaviour was disgraceful. ||||A few other things, the curtains do not block out the light, so it was bright from early on. Privacy is non-existent if you want to look at the sea from your room if you are on the ground floor. Given access to all other rooms is the walkway in front, you won't have much privacy. Sheer curtains allow you a level of privacy, but you're not going to have much of a view. ||||Breakfast was delicious, and the one young woman serving us in the restaurant was courteous and friendly. Her behaviour was so different from what had experienced; it...

Yesterday, we visited your restaurant on a spontaneous decision, so we didn't have a reservation. Despite the empty veranda and a few unoccupied tables, we were simply “asked” to leave.

We stood there deciding what to do, and as some guests were leaving, they mentioned that their table was now available.

This wasn't my first visit to your restaurant, but unfortunately, beyond the ostentatious atmosphere and high prices, there isn’t much else to offer. The beautiful view, which is the restaurant’s main draw, isn't something they can take credit for.

The staff's dismissive attitude, seemingly based on our appearance, was particularly off-putting. These issues could easily be addressed.

What was even more surprising is that when it got cold and guests started to leave, we were never offered the option to move inside.

"By taking this approach, you not only lose good tips but also risk losing clients who might have wanted to return.

Regarding the food: the chicken breast was overcooked, the burrata was no different from what you can find in a store, and the sturgeon desperately needed a sauce to give the dish some flavor.

There are many excellent restaurants in Latvia where you can enjoy delicious food without feeling this level of discomfort.

Do not judge clients based on...

We’re frequent visitors of the 36 Line restaurant, but it was closed for a private event, so we decided to try The Light House instead. From the outside, it looks like an upscale place—but sadly, the experience didn't match the appearance.

First off, the restaurant was cold. I’m rarely cold indoors, but this place was genuinely uncomfortable.

Now, the food: my wife ordered the sturgeon, which came out rubbery and unappetizing. The three side dishes that came with it were not warm at all. I had the ribs, which tasted decent—but there were only three small pieces. Definitely not what you'd expect from a main dish at a supposedly high-end spot.

The worst part, however, was the service. Our waiter (#2) had a serious attitude. Never experienced this before. Not only was he unfriendly, but when we pointed out the rubbery fish, he dismissed it completely and said, “That’s normal.” No apology, no care. In general very bossy and walking like the boss as well. Didn't speak English either Throughout our meal, the staff were also laughing loudly among themselves at the bar—not exactly the atmosphere you'd want for a nice dinner.

Overall, The Light House did not live up to even basic expectations. With service like this, that waiter might be better suited to serving food in Lido...