— The hotel
Elegant Riverside Flat
First Impressions
Walking up to Elegant Riverside Flat on Ķīpsalas iela, I’ll be honest — the building itself won’t blow you away from the outside. But that’s kind of the point with these converted riverside properties in Riga. What matters is what’s inside and, more importantly, what’s just outside your window. This three-star apartment sits right along the Daugava River, and once you see that view, you’ll understand why it scores a 9.7 rating.
The Space
The room is actually more like a proper flat — hence the name, I suppose. You get a full kitchen setup, which honestly saved me a fortune on Riga’s sometimes pricey restaurant scene. The living area flows nicely into the bedroom space, and everything feels surprisingly spacious for what you’d expect in this part of town. The decor is modern without being sterile, though I wouldn’t call it particularly Latvian in character — it’s more international apartment chic.
Location & Neighborhood
Here’s where things get interesting. Ķīpsala island isn’t exactly central Riga, but that’s actually what makes it special. You’re about a 15-minute walk to Old Town across the railway bridge, or you can catch the tram that runs regularly. The area feels residential and peaceful — I mean, you’re literally surrounded by water on three sides. There’s decent parking nearby, which anyone who’s tried to park in Riga’s city center will appreciate.
River Views & Atmosphere
The riverside location is really the star here. My apartment faced the water, and I spent way too much time just watching the boats and the way the light changes on the river throughout the day. Early mornings are particularly nice — you get this misty, almost romantic view of the opposite bank. The sound of water is surprisingly soothing, especially after a day exploring the busier parts of the city.
Why Guests Love It
You know what works about this place? It gives you space to breathe while still being connected to everything Riga has to offer. The kitchen means you can grab groceries and have a proper breakfast before heading out, or cook dinner while watching the sunset over the river. It’s also incredibly quiet — no traffic noise, no late-night bar crowds. For the price point of a three-star property, you’re getting an experience that feels much more premium, which explains that outstanding rating.