Art House Ars Vivendi

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Art House Ars Vivendi? The name actually makes sense once you’re inside – this isn’t just some pretentious hotel trying to sound artsy. Walking into the lobby, you’re hit with this curated gallery vibe that somehow doesn’t feel stuffy or intimidating. The artwork rotates regularly (I noticed different pieces when I passed through in spring versus my autumn visit), and honestly, it’s the kind of place where you find yourself lingering in common areas just to take it all in. The location on Strēlnieku iela is pretty brilliant too – you’re literally a three-minute walk from the Freedom Monument, but tucked away enough that you’re not dealing with constant tourist foot traffic outside your window. I mean, Rīga’s Old Town can get pretty bustling, especially during White Nights season, but this spot gives you the best of both worlds.

What really sets this place apart is how they’ve managed to balance that boutique hotel intimacy with actual comfort. The rooms aren’t huge – this is central Rīga, after all – but they’re thoughtfully designed with these gorgeous hardwood floors and local textile touches that feel authentically Latvian without being kitschy. The bathrooms are surprisingly spacious for a historic building, and the water pressure is fantastic (something you definitely can’t take for granted in some of the older hotels around here). Staff-wise, they’re incredibly knowledgeable about the city – not just the obvious tourist spots, but they pointed me toward this amazing little ceramics studio on Krasta iela that I never would have found otherwise. Check-in was smooth, and they actually remembered my coffee preference by the third morning, which is the kind of attention to detail that makes a 9.3 rating feel totally justified.

The breakfast situation deserves its own mention – they source a lot of ingredients locally, and you can tell. Fresh bread from a bakery somewhere in the neighborhood (I could smell it being delivered early in the morning), local honey, and they do this incredible smoked fish plate that’s become somewhat legendary among the regular guests. Parking can be a bit tricky since you’re in the city center, but they have an arrangement with a nearby garage that’s actually more convenient than trying to navigate the narrow streets yourself. During summer, the small courtyard area becomes this lovely retreat where you can have your coffee and plan your day without feeling rushed. It’s the kind of place where you end up extending your stay if you can – not because there’s anything wrong with leaving, but because you genuinely don’t want to.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $264. Three-Bedroom Apartment with 3 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• Exceptional – Kok from United Kingdom – 3 June 2025 (10/10)

  Location was great, plenty of restaurants nearby. Supermarket around the corner.

• Exceptional – Eleonora from Switzerland – 11 May 2025 (10/10)

  Everything was perfect. Thank you Martins

• PERFECT APARTMENTS – Irmantas from Lithuania – 18 August 2024 (9/10)

  The apartment was spacious, cosy, modern, well-designed, and everything was convenient and well equipped. It was in a very good location in the city, with easy access to the old town and tourist attractions.
  
  What could be improved: The only things missing for perfection were a coffee machine, although there were a few cafes in the building downstairs, and an air conditioner due to the warm weather.

• Stylish stay in the Art Deco district. – Gintaute from Lithuania – 1 January 2023 (10/10)

  We loved the interior off the flat, the paintings were amazing, comfortable beds, we will surely come back next year.
  
  What could be improved: –

• Our family really enjoyed staying at the apartment. – Mika from Finland – 15 December 2022 (10/10)

  Not depended on the owner, the elevator is not in use. The staircase was easy to walk, though. The staircase not the classiest one, ok though.

• Beautiful apartment in fantastic location and very helpful host. – Alison from United Kingdom – 22 July 2022 (9/10)

  Fantastic location. Great communication with host. Useful information booklet on arrival.
  
  What could be improved: Better map of central Riga would be useful. Suggestions of places to visit in Old Town would also help.

• Exceptional – Vilma from Lithuania – 22 July 2024 (10/10)

  Perfect location, spacious,modern apartment. We had a very good stay. Windows are stylish and old system kept. Each room bright and clean. A lot of art works, which make the house cosy. Very clean. We would deffinately come back.
  
  What could be improved: Apartment is on the 4th floor, elevator wasnt working, but we were informed, harder just with suitcases. Matress was too hard for our likes. Coffee machine could be good option. Someone was smoking in the neighbourhood, so the smell somehow was getting through and was felt in the corridoor and first bedroom. Overall, everything was perfect!

• Very good – Franco from Switzerland – 22 May 2023 (8/10)

  Cool design and plenty of space

• Excellent apartment condition, great location – Holger from Germany – 8 August 2022 (9/10)

  Comfortable apartment with everything to wish for, spacious well equipped kitchen, great location, friendly punctual host. Would definitely stay again.
  
  What could be improved: Really not much to criticize at all, if anything noise from outside with open windows because we arrived on a very warm day.

• Exceptional – Lodi from Austria – 26 May 2025 (10/10)

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SURROUNDINGS

Facilities