— The hotel
A++ Executive apartment with luxury sauna room
A++ Executive apartment with luxury sauna room sits tucked between 5 Kaļķu iela and an old brick cul‑de‑sac, just a couple of blocks from the heart of Riga’s Old Town. The first thing you notice is the neutral, almost industrial décor that feels more like a loft than a hotel—think exposed concrete, clean lines, and a generous splash of white that keeps the space airy. The apartment itself is spacious, with a full kitchenette that’s surprisingly well-equipped: a stainless‑steel fridge, a double‑sink, a coffee machine that actually makes good espresso, and a small island that doubles as a dining area. The bed is a king‑size platform with a mattress that feels like a cloud in a muted charcoal design, and the living area has a sofa that folds into a second bed for that extra guest. The windows are a little crooked, but they offer a view of the quiet street and the occasional street‑car rattling by. The highlight is, of course, the private sauna—wooden panels, a stone stove, and a small built‑in tub that lets you mix a quick shower before hopping into the steam. It’s honestly a game‑changer for anyone who needs to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Check‑in is surprisingly smooth. The front desk opens at 15:00, but if you arrive earlier, you can swap the key card in a small locker. The staff are friendly, a couple of locals who can point you to the best coffee spots on Pilsrundāle or the cheapest yet delicious pierogies at the market near the Lielupe. I remember asking for the best route to the House of the Blackheads, and they even left a quick note on my phone about the hidden courtyard behind the cathedral. Parking is a bit of a challenge—no dedicated garage, but you can park on the street for a nominal fee if you’re willing to shuffle a bag. If you’re driving yourself, bring a map because the old streets can be a maze. Noise-wise, the apartment is pretty insulated; the only thing that intrudes is the occasional night‑time chatter from the café on the corner, but that’s part of the city’s charm.
The only real hiccup I noticed was the Wi‑Fi—while it’s free, the speed can be a little choppy during peak hours, especially in the summer when everyone’s on their phones. A quick reset usually fixes it, but if you’re a heavy streamer, you might want to bring an Ethernet cable just in case. The only other quibble was the bathroom’s shower head; it’s a bit low‑pressure, but the deep soaking tub more than compensates. The apartment is clean, but the scent of fresh laundry often lingers, which is a subtle reminder that you’re staying in a place that’s truly lived in, not just a showroom. Overall, it’s a solid four‑star experience that feels like a home base rather than a hotel. If you’re planning to explore Riga’s old streets, the river walk, or just want a quiet spot to decompress after a busy day, this place delivers more than the headline suggests.
Hotel in Riga booking should be done early, especially during White Nights season when the city hosts internationally celebrated cultural and music events.