Exclusive Golden Sands apartment

First Impressions

When I first walked up to Exclusive Golden Sands apartment on Ozolciema iela, I’ll be honest — it doesn’t scream “hotel” from the outside. It’s tucked into a residential building in Riga’s Imanta district, which actually turned out to be one of its biggest charms. This is one of those unique boutique properties that feels more like staying at a well-connected friend’s place than checking into a traditional hotel.

The Space Itself

The apartment is surprisingly spacious, and you can tell someone put real thought into making it work for travelers. The kitchen is actually functional — not just a mini-fridge and microwave situation — which means you can grab groceries from the nearby Maxima and cook if you want to save some euros. The living area flows nicely into the sleeping space, and there’s enough room to spread out your stuff without feeling cramped.

Location & Getting Around

Imanta might not be Old Town, but honestly, that’s what I loved about it. You’re in a real Riga neighborhood where locals actually live, with tree-lined streets and none of the tourist crowds. The tram connections are solid — you can get to the city center in about 20 minutes, and there’s something nice about coming “home” to a quieter area after a day of sightseeing. Plus, parking here is way easier than anywhere central.

What Makes It Special

The host clearly knows what they’re doing — everything from check-in instructions to local recommendations was spot-on. You know what really impressed me? The little details like proper hangers in the closet, decent Wi-Fi that actually works, and a coffee setup that doesn’t make you question your life choices. It’s the kind of place where someone has actually stayed there themselves and fixed all the annoying bits that usually drive you crazy.

Why Guests Love It

With a 9.4 rating, this place is doing something right, and I get it. It’s not trying to be fancy — it’s just trying to be really good at what it does. You get the independence of having your own space, the local experience of staying in a residential area, and the peace of mind that comes with a host who actually cares about your stay. For the price point in Riga, it’s honestly hard to beat if you want something different from the standard hotel experience.

Locals suggest to book apartments in Riga around the Old Town for riverside dining, market stops, and easy tram rides to Mežaparks.