— The hotel
Colorful Apartments Y
First Impressions
Colorful Apartments Y sits on Tallinas iela in a quiet residential area that feels refreshingly removed from the tourist chaos of Old Town. I’ll be honest — the name doesn’t lie about the colorful part. The building has this cheerful yellow facade that somehow works perfectly with the tree-lined street, and you get the sense right away that this isn’t your typical corporate hotel experience.
The Neighborhood
What I really appreciate about this location is how it puts you in actual Riga rather than tourist Riga. You’re about a 15-minute walk from the Old Town, but here on Tallinas iela, you’ve got local cafes, a small grocery store just down the block, and real Latvians going about their daily lives. There’s something oddly satisfying about grabbing morning coffee from the place next door where the barista remembers your order by day three.
The Apartment Experience
Each apartment feels like staying in someone’s well-designed home rather than a hotel room. The kitchenette is actually functional — I mean, you can cook a proper meal here, not just reheat leftovers. Mine had this compact but clever layout with a small dining table by the window where I ended up working most mornings. The wifi is solid, which matters if you’re trying to get anything done.
Practical Details
The three-star rating might make you expect basic accommodations, but honestly, these apartments punch above their weight. The bathroom was modern with good water pressure (always a relief in older European buildings), and there’s decent storage space for longer stays. Parking is available if you’re driving, though I’d recommend just walking everywhere — Riga’s compact enough that you rarely need a car in the center.
Why Guests Love It
You know what really sets this place apart? It’s that 9.3 rating, and after staying here, I get it completely. The owners clearly care about details — fresh linens, spotless surfaces, and they’re genuinely helpful without being intrusive. Plus, for families or anyone staying more than a couple nights, having a proper kitchen and living space makes such a difference. It’s not fancy, but it’s thoughtful and comfortable in all the ways that actually matter when you’re traveling.
Locals suggest to book apartments in Riga around the Old Town for riverside dining, market stops, and easy tram rides to Mežaparks.