Ascetic Skolas Street Apartment

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about this place? The fact that it’s tucked away on Skolas iela – which honestly translates to “School Street” – but feels nothing like the cramped student digs you’d expect from the name. I mean, sure, you’re in apartment 24 of what’s clearly a residential building, but the moment you step inside, it’s obvious someone put real thought into making this feel like a proper retreat rather than just another Airbnb conversion.

The location is actually brilliant if you know Riga at all. You’re right in the heart of things but on this quiet side street that somehow dodges most of the tourist chaos. I could walk to the Old Town’s cobblestones in about ten minutes, but when I wanted to grab groceries or just see how locals actually live, I didn’t have to venture far from the front door. The building itself has that solid, no-nonsense Soviet-era construction – thick walls that actually keep noise out (trust me, I tested this theory during what sounded like a neighbor’s enthusiastic Friday night). Check-in was refreshingly straightforward too, none of that awkward key-hunting drama you sometimes get with apartment rentals.

What really won me over was the attention to details that matter when you’re actually living somewhere for more than a night. The kitchen isn’t just there for show – it’s set up like someone who cooks actually designed it. The bed doesn’t have that hotel-stiff feeling, and honestly, the whole space feels lived-in without being worn down. The bathroom has proper water pressure, which sounds mundane until you’ve spent a week under a dribbling showerhead somewhere else. I also appreciated that the windows face away from the main street, so mornings weren’t interrupted by delivery trucks or early commuters. The WiFi held up during my video calls, which is more than I can say for some fancier places I’ve stayed. If I had to nitpick – and I’m really reaching here – the building’s entrance is a bit austere, very typical Eastern European apartment block style, so don’t expect a grand lobby experience. But that’s part of what makes it feel authentic rather than touristy. When I think about why this place earned that 9.2 rating, it’s probably because it delivers on the promise of letting you live like a local without sacrificing the comfort you want when you’re away from home.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $66. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 sofa beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Very well equipped, central apartment – Stepanova from Germany – 30 April 2025 (10/10)

  Very well equipped, very friendly owners. We will book again next time we’re in Riga.
  
  What could be improved: –

• Exceptional – Lanastelmahere from United Kingdom – 14 February 2024 (10/10)

  Very nice,clean,cosy appartment,good connection with owner.Highly recommended

• Exceptional – Laima from Finland – 23 December 2023 (10/10)

  Self check-in, clear instructions

• Superb – Nkaradimas from Greece – 29 November 2023 (9/10)

  The flat was very nice. Next to cafes, restaurants, etc
  The flat had everything inside, i.e. washing machine, dishwasher, etc
  
  What could be improved: The only problem in the house was that there was no sink in the bathroom to wash your hands, face, or shave.

• Great apartment with helpful hosts! – Neville from Malta – 29 September 2023 (9/10)

  Hosts are very helpful and responsive. The apartment is very well located and consists of three separate rooms.
  
  What could be improved: Not really issues but there is no sink in the bathroom as the bath tub takes alot of room.
  
  Stairs to get to the apartment may be hard if you have alot of luggage.

• Can recomend ! – Tanel from Estonia – 17 August 2023 (9/10)

  Location , nice clean , quiet comftabe apatrment . Feels like home:)
  
  What could be improved: First expression arrival to gate , but its not so bad after all.

• Excellent accommodation! – Laima from Finland – 28 June 2023 (10/10)

  The bed was really comfy, flat had everything what we needed. Amazing location!😊
  
  What could be improved: There was no such thing

• Excellent location, Modern. Clean and well stocked. An excellent stay for all travellers. The only con is the water pres – Michael from Australia – 13 May 2023 (9/10)

  location, clean, well stocked and modern.
  
  What could be improved: water pressure was really bad.

• Exceptional – Joanna from Poland – 6 May 2023 (10/10)

  Beautiful apartment, I loved the living room chairs, it is very spacious and comfortable. The location couldn't be better. The owner was extremely nice and helpful, very easy to contact. He really helped us at the end of our stay, and we are grateful. Comfy bed and warm bed covers. The price was great.
  
  What could be improved: No washbasin in the bathroom and pressure from the shower head. But nothing you can't get used to 🙂

• overall it was very comfortable stay. – Antonina from Estonia – 27 April 2023 (9/10)

  The space and cozy apartment with a lot of good caffès, restaurants, grocery shops nearby. The host is extremely friendly and helpful. There is a self check in with clear instructions. We found all needed for the comfortable stay (tea, coffee, oil etc in the kitchen, iron, hair dryer).
  
  What could be improved: A lot of stairs. The floor was cold. And the bathroom without a sink, only with a bath.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities