— The hotel
Apartments Stabu
Apartments Stabu sits on a quiet corner of Stabu iela, right between the bustling Āgenskalns market and the quiet lanes of the Old Town. I remember stepping out of the front door and hearing the distant chatter of tram brakes on the Lielupe River – that’s the city’s heartbeat. The building itself is a classic three‑storey residential block, not flashy, but the clean, neutral décor inside the apartment feels like home. The Wi‑Fi is surprisingly fast – great for a quick video call after a day of sightseeing – and the kitchenette is surprisingly well-equipped: a full-sized fridge, an induction cooktop, and a mini‑oven that can pop a pizza from the freezer. The bathroom has a rain shower, and though the space is a bit snug, the tiles are matte and give it a calm vibe.
Check‑in was a breeze. The front desk is small, but the staff is friendly and speaks a little English – they’ll give you a key and point you toward the nearest bus stop. If you’re driving, there are a couple of meter‑parking spots just a block away, and the city’s free Wi‑Fi in the public space will keep you connected while you look for a spot. The apartment’s location is a sweet compromise: you’re close enough to the Old Town that you can hop on a tram in about five minutes, yet far enough that you won’t hear the nightly jazz clubs from the balcony. I mean, the morning rush can be a bit loud, but after 10 a.m. it’s surprisingly quiet, just the soft hum of city life.
The only real critique is that the elevator is a little slow – if you’re in a hurry, you might want to take the stairs. But honestly, the view from the balcony is worth the wait. You get a panoramic look at the city’s rooftops and the distant outline of the Freedom Monument. Plus, the apartment’s small balcony has a lovely little table where you can sip your morning coffee and watch the world wake up. The apartment’s rating of 8.1 reflects that it’s solid, not extravagant, but perfect for travelers who want a comfortable, local feel without the frills. If you’re planning a trip to Riga, especially during the summer months when the Old Town is bustling, Apartments Stabu is a reliable base that lets you feel part of the city instead of just visiting it.
