— The hotel
ApartmentTallinas70B
ApartmentTallinas70B sits on a quiet corner of Tallinas iela, just a block away from the old town’s cobblestones and the hustle of the main train station. I walked in on a rainy Tuesday—rain drummed against the glass, and the building’s concrete façade seemed almost grey‑washed, but the lobby was surprisingly cozy, with a worn leather sofa that makes you feel you’ve already found a home. The staff, a couple of local Latvian teens, were friendly (they even offered me a free coffee when I mentioned the rain), and the check‑in was quick—no long lines, just a few minutes of friendly chatter about my plans in Riga.
Inside, the apartment feels like a modern flat‑share with a touch of Scandinavian minimalism. The living area is bright, the windows frame a view of the city’s grey streets, and the floor is a soft, almost buttery hardwood that makes the place feel warm. I love the tiny kitchen—full of stainless steel, a small fridge, a kettle, and a single burner stove, which is perfect for quick breakfasts or a midnight snack. The bathroom is a clean, white space with a walk‑in shower that has a glass door; the water pressure is strong, and the soap dispenser always keeps a fresh scent of citrus. The bed is a real sleeper—fitted sheets, a memory foam mattress, and those fluffy pillows that actually make you want to stay in bed all day. Wi‑Fi is fast, no dead spots, which is a relief for those of us who still need to send a quick email. Noise-wise, it’s a mixed bag: the street outside can be a bit loud at night, especially on weekends, but the building’s walls do a decent job of muffling the traffic, and the floor above is a quiet studio—great for a peaceful sleep. Parking is a bit of a challenge—you’ll need to find a street spot, and there’s no dedicated parking lot, but the city’s free parking zones are a few blocks away, and I found a spot right by the corner for a couple of euros.
What really makes this place shine is its vibe and the neighborhood around it. I walked out onto Tallinas iela, and the street is lined with a mix of old wooden houses and newer glass blocks, giving the area a unique, almost bohemian feel. Just a few steps away, there’s a little café called “Rīgas Kafija” that serves the best latte in town—its foam art is practically a work of art. If you’re into nightlife, the Krišjāņa Barona area is just a short walk, packed with bars and live music clubs that keep the city alive well into the night. On a quieter day, you can stroll to the nearby Teisā iela, where you’ll find a small park with a pond and locals feeding ducks—such a simple, yet charming sight. For transportation, the main train station is literally next door, so you can hop on a train to any part of Latvia in minutes. The city’s public buses are reliable, but if you prefer walking, almost everything you want to see is within a 15‑minute stroll. The price point is solid for a three‑star spot in the city center, and honestly, it feels like you’re getting more bang for your buck than the usual tourist traps. In short, it’s an easy, relaxed spot that feels like a home base, with all the little touches that make a city stay memorable.