— The hotel
3 bedroom apartment in the Old/T
3 bedroom apartment in the Old/T sits at 10 Smilšu iela, tucked just off the cobblestone lanes of Rīga’s Old Town. The first thing that hits you when you pull up is that faint, almost nostalgic scent of old stone and fresh coffee from the corner café on Stradun. Honestly, the check‑in was surprisingly smooth – a quick swipe of a key-card at the door, a friendly nod from the host in the lobby, and you’re in, without the usual back‑and‑forth of front desk chatter. I mean, you could have sworn this place was a secret spot that locals use as a hideaway. The building itself is a classic 1920s brick structure, and the narrow staircase up to the apartment has a kind of textured, worn‑down feel that makes you feel like you’re part of Rīga’s long history.
The apartment is a solid 4‑star pad, but it’s the little quirks that make it feel like home. The living area is bright, with a big window overlooking a quiet street that only wakes up when the night market starts on Lielā Kalna in the early morning. There’s a fully‑equipped kitchen – copper pots, a stone sink, the works – and a comfy sofa that’s actually perfect for binge‑watching Latvian films. The bedrooms are spacious; the master has a king‑size bed with linens that feel like clouds, and the other two are queen‑size, so it really works if you’re traveling with friends or a family. I found the quiet level surprisingly good, even though the apartment is close to the bustling streets of Smilšu and Stradun. One night I heard the distant clatter of a tram and the hum of city lights, but it didn’t break the calm. Parking is a bit of a challenge – there’s a small street lot behind the building, but it fills up fast during the summer, so you might need to walk a few blocks if you’re driving. The host mentioned that there’s a paid parking garage a couple of streets over, which is a lifesaver during the peak tourist season.
When you step outside, the charm of Rīga’s Old Town is right at your doorstep. You can wander down to the stone‑lined lanes, pop into the local bakery on Pils Street where they bake rye bread that smells like home, or grab a latte at the tiny café on Rīgas Doma Square – the one with the blue awning. The area is a mix of historic charm and modern buzz; you’ll hear the clink of glasses from the bars on Lielā Kalna, but the apartment’s walls keep the sound at a polite whisper. If you’re traveling during the summer, expect the streets to fill up with tourists and the heat to rise, but the apartment’s ventilation is top‑notch, so it stays surprisingly cool. In the quieter winter months,
Best hotels in Riga range from charming boutique properties in the historic Old Town to elegant Art Nouveau hotels with stunning views of the Daugava River and medieval spires.
