— The hotel
Apartment near Airport
I recently stayed at Apartment near Airport in Riga, and honestly, it was a pretty solid spot for a quick layover or a short stay. The building sits on Gramzdas iela, right off the Aizkraukle Road, which is a quick hop to the airport—about a 10‑minute drive or a 20‑minute bus ride if you’re on a tight schedule. You’ll find the hotel tucked between a couple of older brick buildings, and the street itself has a sort of old‑world charm with a few local cafés popping up over the years. I parked on the street (free, but you gotta be early) and the traffic was mostly from the highway; a few cars zooming by every now and then, but nothing that made me want to pull out the window and scream. The apartment itself was on the third floor, so you didn’t have to deal with street noise—just the occasional hum of a plane overhead, which is actually kind of soothing.
The check‑in was a breeze. The front desk staff—two locals who spoke a decent amount of English—were quick to get me set up. They didn’t bother me with a long form; just a brief ID check and a keycard, and I was good to go. I appreciated the little touches, like a handwritten welcome note that mentioned the best coffee spots on the street. (I mean, who doesn’t love a personal touch?) The apartment was clean and surprisingly spacious for a three‑star place: the living area had a comfy couch that actually did support my back after a long flight, and the kitchen had all the basics—stove, fridge, and a coffee maker that I swear brewed the best espresso I’ve had outside of a hotel. The bathroom was a bit small, but the shower was powerful and the tiles were a nice cool texture that felt like a spa moment.
If you’re planning a stay, just keep a few things in mind: the building’s a bit older, so the elevator is a bit slower and sometimes gets stuck on a floor, but the stairwell is narrow yet charming. Parking can be a hassle during peak times, so maybe consider the off‑premises lot a block away if you’re traveling late at night. Noise-wise, the place is pretty quiet, but keep in mind the airport’s activity—planes can be loud early in the morning or late at night, but it’s not a constant roar. The neighborhood is safe, and you’ll find a small grocery store on Gramzdas iela that’s open 24/7, which is handy if you’re staying late. Overall, it’s a decent, budget‑friendly spot that feels like a local’s home rather than a corporate hotel. If you’re looking to avoid the tourist traps and stay in a place that’s simple, clean, and close to everything, this apartment does the trick.