— The hotel
Daugavpils Delux
The Daugavpils Delux sits on 41 Daugavpils iela, just a block from the lively Krišjāņa Valdemāra Street where you can grab a quick bite at that little café that serves the best rye bread in the city. I walked there after a long day of sightseeing, and honestly, the moment I stepped onto the polished lobby floor, I felt like I’d slipped into a cozy, slightly upscale version of my own apartment. The staff greet you with a warm smile and a quick “Sveiks!”—no long, formal introductions, just a friendly “Welcome back!” that instantly makes you feel at home. Check‑in is a breeze; they hand you a keycard right away, and the front desk clerk points out the best spots to shop for souvenirs—like the handmade ceramics stall on Lielupe Street, just a 10‑minute walk away.
The rooms are a pleasant surprise. They’re not outrageously fancy, but the bed is plush, the linens feel like a soft hug, and every window has a view of the Riga skyline that flickers with street lamps at night. The bathrooms, by the way, have that subtle, mineral‑rich scent from the local tap water—just a little different from the vanilla perfume you might find in a hotel in Paris. I found a small, but surprisingly well‑equipped, balcony area that’s perfect for a cup of coffee while you listen to the distant hum of the tram line that runs right past the building. Parking is a no‑stress affair; there’s a small, fenced parking lot in front of the hotel that fills up only during the peak summer months, and even then, it’s usually easy to spot a spot. If you’re arriving late in the evening, the hotel’s policy of allowing you to use the lounge for a quick snack before heading to your room is a real lifesaver.
Noise-wise, it’s fairly quiet. The building’s been sound‑sealed pretty well, so you won’t hear the traffic from the main road on the other side of the street. The only real buzz comes from the nearby street musicians who set up a couple of blocks away—an eclectic mix of jazz and folk that’s surprisingly soothing. I did notice that the hotel’s coffee machine is a bit of a clunky old model, but the barista knows exactly how to pull a proper espresso, and the barista’s personality—she’s a bright, talkative Latvian who’s been running the shop for over a decade—makes the whole experience feel like a local joint instead of a corporate chain. If you’re planning to stay during the festival season, be ready for a bit of extra foot traffic in the lobby, but otherwise it’s a relaxed, comfortable place to unwind after a day of exploring Riga’s historic center.
Apartments in Riga provide travelers with authentic local experiences, allowing them to explore traditional Latvian markets and cook with fresh Baltic specialties.