— The hotel
Daugava Ice Hall apartment 65m2
First Impressions
When I first walked into Daugava Ice Hall apartment 65m2, I honestly wasn’t expecting much from what seemed like a sports facility conversion. But you know what? This four-star place completely surprised me. The 65 square meters feel way more spacious than you’d think, and there’s something really cool about staying in a building that’s connected to Riga’s ice hockey scene — you can actually hear the excitement from events sometimes, but it’s never disruptive.
Location & Neighborhood
Narvas iela isn’t exactly the touristy part of Riga, which I actually loved. You’re about a 15-minute tram ride from Old Town, but here’s the thing — this area feels like real Riga where locals actually live and work. There’s a decent grocery store just two blocks away, and I found this little café that serves amazing coffee for half the price you’d pay near the cathedral. The parking situation is stress-free too, which anyone who’s driven in European city centers will appreciate.
The Space
The apartment layout is pretty smart — they’ve managed to create distinct areas without making it feel cramped. The kitchen has everything you’d actually use (not just decorative appliances), and I ended up cooking breakfast most mornings because, honestly, it was more relaxing than hunting for restaurants. The main room doubles as living space and bedroom, but the way they’ve arranged the furniture makes it work really well. The bathroom is modern and the shower pressure is excellent — small details that matter when you’re staying somewhere for more than a night or two.
What Makes It Special
I mean, where else can you stay literally next to an ice arena? The whole building has this unique energy, especially on game nights when you can feel the buzz of the crowd. But during quiet times, it’s surprisingly peaceful. The apartment gets great natural light throughout the day, and the views aren’t spectacular but they’re pleasant — you’re looking out at a slice of everyday Riga life. The Wi-Fi is solid, which matters if you’re traveling for work or just want to stream something after a long day of sightseeing.
Why Guests Love It
The 9.6 rating makes complete sense once you spend time here. It’s that rare combination of good value, practical amenities, and something genuinely different from your typical hotel experience. You’ve got the independence of your own space but with hotel-level cleanliness and service. Plus, if you’re traveling with kids or you’re a hockey fan yourself, the location adds this fun element to your stay. The hosts clearly know what travelers actually need — from kitchen basics to local recommendations — and they deliver without any pretense or fuss.
Riga’s apartments welcome long stays with rooftop terraces over red-tile roofs, museum access, and bike routes to Kalnciema courtyards.