— The hotel
Budget Old Town stay
First Impressions
Budget Old Town stay is exactly what it sounds like — a no-frills apartment that gets the job done without breaking the bank. Located on Torņa iela, you’re literally steps away from the medieval heart of Riga, which honestly makes up for any bells and whistles this three-star place might lack. The building itself is one of those classic European structures that’s seen better days, but apartment 302 sits on the third floor with decent natural light filtering through.
The Space
The apartment is small but smartly laid out — I mean, you’re not here to lounge around all day anyway. There’s a compact kitchen with the basics (fridge, stovetop, microwave) that actually comes in handy for morning coffee or storing leftovers from those massive Latvian portions. The main room doubles as living and sleeping space, with a sofa bed that’s surprisingly comfortable for what you’d expect at this price point.
Location Perks
Here’s where this place really shines — step outside and you’re already wandering cobblestone streets that date back centuries. The Riga Cathedral is maybe a three-minute walk, and you can reach the Town Hall Square before your coffee gets cold. What I love is that you’re close enough to duck back for a quick rest or snack break, but far enough from the main tourist chaos that you won’t hear drunk groups stumbling around at 2 AM.
Practical Considerations
The bathroom is tiny (I’m talking airplane-small), but it’s clean and the water pressure is decent. There’s no parking on-site, which you should know upfront — though honestly, you won’t need a car in Old Town anyway. The host leaves clear instructions for everything, and check-in was smoother than I expected for a budget spot. Wi-Fi works fine for basic stuff, though don’t expect to stream movies in 4K.
Why Guests Love It
Look, this isn’t a spa retreat or some Instagram-worthy boutique experience. But for the price and location combo, Budget Old Town stay delivers exactly what most travelers actually need — a clean, safe base in one of Europe’s most charming old cities. You’ll spend maybe 50 euros less per night than comparable places, and that extra cash goes a long way toward trying authentic Latvian food or exploring the impressive Art Nouveau district just outside the old walls.