B&W Apartment

First Impressions

Walking up to B&W Apartment on Krišjāņa Barona street, you might actually miss it at first — it’s tucked into one of those classic Riga buildings that blend seamlessly with the neighborhood’s pre-war architecture. The entrance is understated, which I honestly prefer to those flashy hotel lobbies. This three-star place has that residential feel that makes you wonder if locals live in the same building (they probably do).

The Neighborhood

Here’s what’s great about this location — you’re basically in the heart of everything without the tourist chaos. Krišjāņa Barona street runs parallel to some of Riga’s main arteries, so you can walk to the Old Town in about 15 minutes, but you’re far enough away that you won’t hear drunk groups stumbling back at 3 AM. There’s a decent grocery store two blocks down, and honestly, the local coffee shops around here are way better than anything you’ll find near the cathedral.

The Space

The apartment itself feels more like staying at a well-organized friend’s place than a typical hotel room. You get a proper kitchenette — not just a mini-fridge and kettle situation — which means you can actually cook if you want to save some euros or just prefer your morning coffee a certain way. The black and white theme isn’t overwhelming; it’s more subtle than the name suggests, with just enough character to feel intentional without being gimmicky.

What Makes It Work

The 9.4 rating starts making sense once you settle in for a day or two. It’s those small details that add up — decent water pressure, blackout curtains that actually work, and reliable WiFi (I mean, that shouldn’t be remarkable, but you’d be surprised how many places still mess this up). The building stays quiet, and there’s parking available if you’re driving, though honestly, you won’t need a car much in this part of town.

Why Guests Keep Coming Back

What I really appreciated was the independence this place gives you. No rigid breakfast hours, no hovering staff, just a clean, functional space where you can come and go as you please. The value is solid too — you’re getting apartment-style accommodation in central Riga for what you’d pay for a standard hotel room elsewhere. It’s perfect for travelers who want to experience the city like a temporary resident rather than a tourist passing through.

Riga’s apartments welcome long stays with rooftop terraces over red-tile roofs, museum access, and bike routes to Kalnciema courtyards.