EksPorta Apartments 3

You know what struck me first about EksPorta Apartments 3? The name actually makes sense once you’re there – it’s right on Eksporta iela, which translates to Export Street, and honestly, that tells you something about this part of Riga. This isn’t the medieval Old Town that everyone photographs, but rather a working neighborhood that feels, well, authentically Latvian. The building itself is pretty typical Soviet-era construction that’s been given a thoughtful renovation – nothing fancy, but clean lines and that particular Eastern European practicality that I’ve come to appreciate.

The apartments themselves are surprisingly spacious for a 3-star place, and I mean genuinely spacious, not just “European spacious.” The kitchenettes are actually functional – you could cook a real meal if you wanted to, though honestly, you’re close enough to the Central Market (maybe a 15-minute walk) that you’d be crazy not to explore the food scene there. What I really liked was how quiet it gets at night. You’re off the main tourist drag, so you don’t get the stag party noise that plagues some of the Old Town places, but you’re not stuck in some suburban wasteland either. The trams run pretty regularly nearby – actually, the Number 11 will get you to the historic center in about 10 minutes, and locals use it constantly, which is always a good sign.

The staff seems to get that most people staying here are either business travelers or tourists who’ve done their homework and want something more authentic than a chain hotel. They’re not overly chatty, but they know their stuff – the woman at reception actually drew me a little map showing the best route to avoid construction on Daugavgrīvas iela, which was happening during my stay. The 7.6 rating feels about right, honestly – it’s not going to blow your mind, but it delivers exactly what it promises. The Wi-Fi works properly (crucial for remote work), the shower pressure is decent, and the windows actually open, which sounds basic but you’d be surprised how many renovated places seal you in completely. If you’re the type who values having space to spread out over having someone fold your towels into swans, this place makes a lot of sense. Plus, you’re positioned perfectly to explore the parts of Riga that most tourists never see – the Miera iela area with its quirky cafes is just a short walk away, and you can actually find parking around here without selling a kidney.