Eksporta 10, LUX

Eksporta 10, LUX Overview

Eksporta 10, LUX sits on Eksporta iela, just a stone’s throw from the old town’s cobblestones and the buzzing market on Lielupe Street. I got there on a Thursday in late October, so the city was still humming but not screaming like summer. The front desk was a small, glass-paneled thing with a friendly woman who greeted me with a bright smile and a quick “Welcome to Riga!” She handed me the key card in a plastic sleeve that had a tiny embroidered “LUX” – honestly, it looked more like a souvenir than a security item. The check‑in was almost instant; no long lines, no “we’re still cleaning your room” drama. She even offered a quick rundown of the nearest bus stops and a map of the city’s bike lanes – you know, the kind of practical info that turns out useful later.

Inside, the lobby was surprisingly cozy, with exposed brick walls and a touch of industrial chic. The lighting was warm, not too bright, which made the space feel like a living room more than a hotel lobby. I found a corner lounge with plush chairs and a small bookshelf stocked with tourist guides and a few local novels. The staff were all smiles, offering a complimentary cup of Latvian black coffee – the bitter, almost burnt kind that you can’t find elsewhere. For the room, I was assigned to a double on the third floor; the hallway smelled faintly of fresh paint and the faint echo of a distant street (you could hear the tram rattling along the boulevard outside). The bed was a comfortable king with crisp linens that had a faint scent of linen detergent – no more, no less. The bathroom was sleek, with a rain shower that had a steady, soothing flow, and the towels were fluffy, thick, and just the right temperature after a quick shower.

Now, about the surroundings – I love walking around Riga, and Eksporta 10 is smack in the middle of a mix of old and new. Across the street is the Liberty Monument, and a few blocks away you’ll find the Art Nouveau terrace on Brivibas Street. The nearest bakery, “Rīgas Pajus”, is a 5‑minute walk; they’ve got rye bread that’s still warm when you pick it up. I parked my car in the underground lot that’s just behind the hotel, and the attendants were quick, the lights were bright, and the entrance was a short walk from the lobby. The noise level is pretty low in the evenings, but if you’re a light sleeper, you might want to close the curtains on the room; the streetlights from the adjacent street can create a soft glow that’s oddly comforting. In the summer, the streets buzz with tourists, especially around the old town, but it’s quieter in the early mornings – perfect for a quiet coffee or a walk along the Old Town’s ribcage of cobblestone.

I woke up early one morning, and the city was still asleep – the only sounds were a distant church bell and the hum of a kettle from a nearby café. The weather was crisp, but the wind carried a salty hint from the Gulf of Riga. I took a stroll to the Old Town, and the hotel’s location made it easy to hop onto the bus at the nearby stop on Brivibas Street. The bus ride was short, and the driver was friendly, joking about the tourist crowds that had started to form on the streets. After lunch, I went back to the hotel to relax in the small rooftop terrace – a great spot to watch the city’s skyline, with a few locals sipping coffee under the shade of a tree. I swear, the view from there is surprisingly calm – you can see the spires of St. Peter’s Church and the old town’s red roofs, and sometimes a gull will circle overhead, its wings flapping against the light breeze.

In short, Eksporta 10 is a solid mid‑range spot that feels like a home base. The staff are friendly, the rooms are comfortable, and you’re right in the heart of a city that’s a mix of history and modern life. If you’re looking for a place that’s close to the action but still lets you unwind, this is a go‑to location. The only thing that might catch you off guard is the small size of the rooms – they’re not palace‑sized, but they’re efficient and clean. The hotel’s parking is good, and the noise levels are manageable. Overall, I’d give it a 9.6 (the official rating, but honestly, the real score is higher when you’re on the ground). So, if you’re planning a trip to Riga, bring a backpack, a sense of adventure, and this place – you’ll find a comfortable, friendly spot that feels like a real part of the city.

Many travelers prefer to book apartments in Riga through trusted local agencies that provide insider knowledge about the best neighborhoods for experiencing the city’s rich architectural heritage and cultural attractions.

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