Bright and Cozy Old Town Studio

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about this little studio on Pasta iela? It’s actually way more charming than the photos suggest – and honestly, that’s saying something because the pictures already looked pretty good. I mean, when you’re wandering through Rīga’s Old Town and you stumble onto this narrow cobblestone street, you half expect to find some cramped, overpriced tourist trap. But this place? It’s the real deal.

The studio itself is this perfect balance of old-world character and modern comfort that’s surprisingly hard to find in the historic center. The owners clearly know what they’re doing – there’s this warm, lived-in feeling that makes you want to kick off your shoes and actually relax, not just crash between sightseeing marathons. The space feels bigger than it probably is (clever furniture placement, I think), and the natural light streaming through those old windows… well, it definitely lives up to the “bright” part of the name. I stayed here in late September when the morning light hits just right, and it was honestly perfect for those slow coffee mornings before exploring the city.

What really sold me, though, was the location knowledge you get just by staying here. The owners left this little handwritten guide – not some generic printout, but actual local insights. Like, did you know there’s a tiny bakery just around the corner on Audēju iela that opens at 6 AM? Or that the best way to avoid the tourist crowds at the cathedral is to go right after lunch when everyone’s napping off their beer and black bread? These are the kinds of details that make you feel like you’re getting the insider experience rather than just another Airbnb stay. The neighborhood itself is quiet enough that you can actually sleep with the windows open (something I definitely couldn’t do near the main square), but you’re still close enough to walk to everything that matters. Parking can be a bit tricky if you’re driving – the closest spots are about a block away, but honestly, once you’re settled in, you won’t want to use a car anyway. The tram connections are solid, and most of what you came to see is within a ten-minute walk.

I have to mention the check-in experience because it was refreshingly straightforward – none of that awkward key-pickup-from-a-random-café situation you sometimes get with short-term rentals. The whole process felt professional but personal, if that makes sense. Sure, it’s not a luxury hotel with room service and a concierge, but that’s not what you’re looking for in Old Town anyway. You want character, comfort, and a base that feels like home while you explore one of Europe’s most underrated capitals. This studio delivers on all three counts, and at a price point that won’t leave you eating convenience store sandwiches for the rest of your trip.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $38. Studio with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Exceptional – Catia from United Kingdom – 17 June 2025 (10/10)

  A newly renovated apartment in the old town and next to the river.
  The location is very convenient, the building is very clean and quiet.
  The studio is bright, clean, and comfortable and has everything that you need.
  The customer service is great, instructions were sent after the booking, check in and out is super easy and stress free! Highly recommend this place and would definitely stay there again!

• Exceptional – Vicky from Latvia – 6 July 2025 (10/10)

• Exceptional – Halyna from Poland – 22 June 2025 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities