— The hotel
3 storey apartment with a character and a terrace
3 storey apartment with a character and a terrace sits on 6 Artilērijas iela, just a stone’s throw from the cobblestones of Riga’s Old Town. When I first walked in, the scent of fresh coffee and a faint hint of wood polish greeted me—an instant cue that this place had a personality. The lobby is small but feels like a living room, with a vintage sofa and a quirky collection of local art hanging above the reception desk. The staff were friendly, and the check‑in process was surprisingly quick; I got my key card, a map, and a cup of black coffee before the staff even finished explaining the Wi‑Fi password. You know what? The building’s 4‑star rating is well deserved, but the real charm is the little details that only a local would notice.
The apartment itself is a cozy, three‑storey gem. The living area has a comfortable sofa that folds into a queen bed, perfect for a solo traveler or a couple. The kitchen is fully equipped, with a small island that’s just big enough for a cup of tea and a slice of local rye bread. The bedrooms are snug, with blackout curtains that keep the city lights out for a good night’s sleep—though I did notice the occasional distant hum of traffic from Artilērijas iela, which is actually kind of soothing if you’re into that urban soundtrack. The bathroom feels fresh, with a rain shower that’s surprisingly powerful for a building of this age. And then there’s the terrace: a surprisingly large open space overlooking the city, with a small table, two chairs, and a view of the Daugava River that’s best at sunset. Honestly, I spent a whole evening just sipping tea there, listening to the city wind through the trees, and watching the lights flicker on in the old town below.
Practical stuff: parking is a bit of a hassle. There’s an underground garage in the building, but the rates are on the higher side—about €2 per hour, which can add up if you’re staying a week. If you’re up for a walk, there’s free street parking on Sundays and public holidays, but you gotta be quick because the spots get snapped up fast. Noise-wise, it’s a mixed bag: daytime traffic is loud enough to rattle a few windows, but the building’s insulation keeps the nighttime chatter to a whisper. Check‑in is straightforward, but if you arrive very early, the staff may ask you to leave your luggage in the lobby until your room is ready. The building’s elevator is a bit slow, so if you’re carrying a lot, be prepared for a few minutes of waiting. I do think the staff are pretty accommodating, though—they’re always ready to recommend a good coffee shop on Mežaparks or a hidden bar near the Freedom Monument.
All in all, if you’re looking for a place that feels like a home with a bit of city charm, this apartment has that vibe. It’s not just the amenities; it’s the little touches—the smell of coffee, the sound of the river, the quiet evenings on the terrace—that make it feel authentically Riga. I’d definitely recommend staying here if you want to experience the city from a local’s perspective, without the feel of a generic hotel.
