— The hotel
Constantine Apartments
Constantine Apartments sits on 22 Aleksandra Čaka iela, tucked between the old timbered façades that spill out from the Old Town and the more modern blocks across the street. I stepped into the lobby and was hit by that instant, almost nostalgic smell of freshly brewed coffee that the staff had set up in a little corner. The desk itself was a small, warm space with a friendly receptionist who greeted me with a quick, “Welcome to Riga!”—an energy I felt carried into the room. The building’s 3‑star rating feels a little understated compared to the rating of 9 that I saw in reviews, but honestly, the rooms hold their own charm. They’re not over‑the‑top, but they’re clean, well‑furnished, and the bed was a surprisingly comfortable hybrid of linen and memory foam that I didn’t want to leave.
The address is on Aleksandra Čaka iela, but the real secret is how close it is to the heartbeat of the city. From the apartment you can walk to the Freedom Square (Brīvības laukums) in less than a minute, and a few blocks over you’ll find the 3rd Street (Cēsu iela) with its quirky cafés and the pedestrian bridge over the Daugava that offers a slightly different view of the city’s skyline. If you’re looking for something a bit more local, just turn onto Lielais Pils Street and you’ll find a hidden gem of a pastry shop that serves the best rye bread I’ve ever tasted. The building’s location means you’ll hear the occasional rumble of traffic from the main boulevard, but the interior walls are thick enough that you can’t hear the cars at night—great if you’re a light sleeper. And don’t worry about parking; there’s a small, paid street‑parking zone right outside, though you’ll have to be quick in the evenings when the lot fills up fast.
Check‑in was straightforward, though I was slightly surprised by the friendly insistence on a second ID scan after midnight. The staff explained that it was a standard security measure—nothing to worry about, and they were quick enough that I was in my room by 11:30 pm, ready to crash. The room itself had a great sense of space; the windows offer a view of the city lights and the subtle glow of the river at night. The bathroom had a deep, fluffy shower—perfect after a day of walking. A small drawback was the lack of a mini‑fridge in the room; that’s something to keep in mind if you’re an early‑bird. The only thing that could’ve been better was a stronger Wi‑Fi signal in the hallway, but the 9‑star rating must be earned, right? I left feeling like I’d stumbled upon a hidden spot that locals actually use, and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants a comfortable stay without the tourist trappings. This place gives you the best of Riga’s vibe—quiet, authentic, and just a few steps away from the city’s pulse.
Hotels near me in Riga offer convenient access to the city center, where guests can easily walk to Riga Cathedral, House of the Blackheads, and the famous Art Nouveau district.