Enjoy Old Town vibes in 1716 Laipu Residence with 4 stylish Apartments and 1 Penthouse

You know what’s interesting about this place? The name basically tells you everything – it really does capture that old Riga feeling, especially when you’re wandering around Laipu Street at dusk with the cobblestones clicking under your feet. I mean, the building itself dates back to 1716, which honestly makes you feel a bit ridiculous complaining about modern inconveniences when you’re literally sleeping in a place that’s survived three centuries of… well, everything.

The setup is pretty smart actually – they’ve carved out four apartments plus a penthouse from what used to be a traditional townhouse, and each one has its own personality. I stayed in one of the middle-floor units and was surprised by how much character they managed to preserve while still making it feel livable. The ceilings are higher than you expect, there’s original woodwork that creaks in a good way (not the annoying kind that keeps you up), and the windows are these massive things that flood the place with light during those long Baltic summer days. The penthouse looked tempting from the outside – I caught glimpses of people having coffee up there in the mornings – but honestly, the regular apartments have plenty of charm without the extra climb.

What really sold me on the location was discovering that morning routine where you grab pastries from the little bakery two blocks down on Kalēju Street, then circle back through the quieter side streets. You’re right in the thick of Old Town but on one of those streets that tourists somehow miss, which means you get the medieval atmosphere without the constant tour groups. The 8.4 rating makes sense once you spend a few days there – it’s not trying to be fancy (it’s a solid three-star setup), but everything works and the details feel thoughtful rather than rushed. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward, no hovering or overselling, just keys and practical info about the neighborhood. I will say the stairs get a bit much if you’re hauling heavy luggage, but that’s sort of the trade-off for staying in a building that predates elevators by, oh, about two hundred years. The walls are thick enough that street noise isn’t really an issue, though you’ll definitely hear church bells – which honestly becomes part of the charm after the first morning. If you’re looking for that authentic Riga experience without sleeping in a hostel or paying boutique hotel prices, this hits the sweet spot.