B&W Apartment

B&W Apartment Overview

B&W Apartment sits on 14 Krišjāņa Barona iela, right in the heart of Riga’s Old Town, just a stone’s throw from the bustling market square and the quieter lanes of Lielā Street. I first checked in on a breezy late‑summer evening, and the staff was already humming a familiar tune—”Welcome back, old friend!” Their greeting felt as warm as the mug of local kartupelis (potato) soup they’d handed me. The check‑in process was quick and friendly; no long lines, just a friendly handshake and a hand‑written note reminding me about the tram schedule that stops just outside the building. Parking is a bit of a hunt, though—there’s a small, underground lot behind the building, but you have to push a bit past the narrow streets of Āķu to get in. It’s a bit of a scramble if you’re carrying bags, but once inside, there’s a tiny storage rack that fits your suitcase and a coat hook that’s basically a lifesaver on a rainy day.

The apartment itself feels like a second home rather than a hotel room. The living area is airy, with a large window that frames the old stone walls and the echo of trams passing by. You can hear the distant clink of glasses from the café on Miera Street (my favorite for a midnight coffee) and the soft hum of the city around you. The bed is surprisingly plush—think high‑quality linen with a throw that feels like a soft hug. The bathroom is compact but functional; the shower has a good water pressure, and they’ve stocked fresh, locally‑sourced soap that smells like a blend of fresh mint and sea breeze—an odd but delightful aroma that lingers on your skin. I did notice the bathroom tiles are a bit worn, but it adds character, you know? The kitchen area is small but fully equipped: a kettle, a coffee maker, a few essential utensils, and a tiny fridge that’s always stocked with fresh milk and berries from the local market on Līvbērze. The only real cramp is the counter space, so you’ll have to be a bit mindful if you’re cooking a full meal.

Honestly, the vibe here is genuinely local. In the mornings, you’ll hear the street musicians on Āķu Street, and in the evenings, the smell of roasted chestnuts drifts from the bakery on Rūpniecības Street—a scent that instantly tells you you’re in the right place. I walked to the nearby cathedral after dinner, and the quietness of the night was almost like a secret whispered between the stones. The noise level in the apartment is pretty calm, even when the city is alive outside, probably because of the thick walls that keep the distant traffic at bay. The only minor gripe is that the Wi‑Fi signal can be a bit spotty when the tram lines are jammed during the summer festivals, but a quick reset usually does the trick. Overall, staying at B&W Apartment felt less like a tourist stop and more like a cozy, well‑kept slice of Riga life—you get the city’s rhythm, the local flavor, and a place to unwind without the corporate feel. If you’re looking for a real, unfiltered taste of Riga, this is where you’ll want to land.

Facilities