Exclusive Rīdzenes rezidence

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed in my fair share of boutique hotels in Riga, and Exclusive Rīdzenes rezidence on Kungu iela is honestly one of those places that gets it right without trying too hard. You know what I mean? It’s tucked away on this quiet cobblestone street in the Old Town – and I mean actually quiet, not the fake quiet you get when hotels claim they’re “peaceful” but you can still hear every tram rattling by at 6 AM.

The building itself has this understated elegance that feels authentically Latvian rather than some generic European boutique vibe. When you walk in, there’s this immediate sense that someone actually thought about the details – the way the light hits the lobby in the afternoon, how the old wooden floors creak just enough to remind you you’re in a historic building but not so much that you’re annoyed. The staff here actually knows the neighborhood, which is rarer than you’d think. I asked about where to find proper black balsam (you know, the local herbal liqueur), and instead of just pointing me to the tourist shops on Kalķu iela, they sent me to this little place where locals actually go. That’s the kind of insider knowledge that makes a difference.

The rooms are what I’d call thoughtfully designed – not Instagram-perfect but comfortable in a way that matters when you’re actually living in the space for a few days. The beds are legitimately comfortable (I’m picky about this), and the bathrooms have that perfect water pressure that makes you want to take longer showers than necessary. What really impressed me was how they’ve managed to blend modern amenities with the character of the building. The WiFi actually works everywhere – and I tested it thoroughly since I was working remotely during part of my stay. There’s this attention to practical details that you only notice when it’s done well: proper lighting for reading, enough outlets near the bed, blackout curtains that actually block out the light from those summer nights when the sun barely sets.

Honestly, the location is what seals the deal for me. You’re a two-minute walk from Doma laukums and all the main sights, but Kungu iela itself feels residential and calm. I could walk to Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs for live music, hit up the Central Market for breakfast, or just wander along the Daugava when I needed to clear my head. The neighborhood has this lived-in quality – you’ll see locals heading to work in the morning, not just tourists with maps. Parking can be tricky if you’re driving (like most of Old Town), but the hotel staff will sort you out with options nearby.

The 9.1 rating makes sense once you’ve stayed here. It’s not trying to be the fanciest place in Riga, but it delivers on the things that actually matter: comfort, location, and that feeling that someone cares about your experience. I’d definitely stay here again, which is honestly my highest recommendation for any hotel.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $91. Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Good value, clean and ideal for sightseeing. – Carmel from United Kingdom – 21 May 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely apartment… easy to get around from there and nice views if you look at the side of the library. Comfortable and clean, well equipped kitchen and bathroom shower very good. Perfect for sightseeing
  
  What could be improved: These things I think could make it more comfy..but didn't detract from it being a great apartment..just suggestions
  Put in a proper ironing board..the small one is dangerous and where do you place it when using it?
  I would have liked basic instructions for washer and cooker.. washer I managed to find online..cooker was a guess …
  A throw blanket for the sofa would be nice ( this is probably just a me thing but it's nice to wrap up and read on an evening..but the apartment was still wonderful)

• Amazing – Luísa from Italy – 16 September 2024 (10/10)

  Amazing
  
  What could be improved: Not declare

• An ideal base to explore Riga – Anne from United Kingdom – 10 September 2024 (9/10)

  Very clean, great area in the old town but in a quiet position. Well equipped and very comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

• Very nice apartment in the old town center – Ryszard from United States – 11 August 2024 (9/10)

  Perfect location, right in the old town. Very nice and clean apartment with a big shower and a nice kitchenette. Good sofa bed – comfortable to sit on and reasonably comfortable to sleep. Bed in the main bedroom was very good.
  
  What could be improved: Missed a coffee machine or espresso machine (there was a french press and an old fashioned stovetop coffee maker). Since the main room can be used for sleeping it could use darker shades on the window/door. The wifi occasionally slowed down and dropped off so we saw some spinning wheels while streaming the Olympics. All minor issues.

• Exceptional – Ann from Norway – 21 May 2024 (10/10)

  The apartment is centrally located in the Old City in Riga. It is close to the Market Hall, railway station, shopping and restaurants. The apartment is spacious, and you have a full kitchen. The bathroom has a laundry machine, good for longer stays. I like that there was soap and toiletries in the bathroom, which is convenient for a weekend stay. Access to the apartment is easy with codes and key box.
  The support and response from the owner is quick and helpfull.

• Great place to stay in Riga! – Sam from United States – 17 September 2023 (9/10)

  Marco’s apartment had all the modern conveniences and is well situated for exploring the beautiful historic old town. It’s also very close to the highly recommended restaurant Folksklub. Marco was also extremely accommodating in trying to arrange car parking for our car rental.
  
  What could be improved: Although only a minor inconvenience, the apartment did feel a bit stuffy. However, the apartment does have a mini split wall air conditioner in the living room and a powerful Dyson fan to alleviate it.

• Nice apartment with great location – Ann from Norway – 9 May 2023 (9/10)

  Perfect location. The apartment was everything I expected. Location is close to start and finish of the Riga marathon.
  
  What could be improved: Centeal heating is turned off during summer. This can make concrete buildings a bit cold.

• Superb – Terry from New Zealand – 28 February 2023 (9/10)

  It was very clean and had a lift – we are glad of this as we had lots of luggage. There was plenty of hot water and it was usual to have a washer/dryer. The place was spacious & the bed was very comfy.
  
  What could be improved: There isn't much to fault….the only think it lacked that I would have liked to have is a toaster.

• Great location, new building. – Andrii from Ukraine – 20 January 2023 (8/10)

  Location is convenient, the building is new.
  
  Even though noise isolation is not the best, considering that neighbors have a small dog. Maybe though that apartment is also rented out and it was a "temporary" dog.
  
  What could be improved: Artificial flowers are excellent dust-catcher. In my opinion it is better to replace with something that can be cleaned easier.

• Great location, good sized apartment. – Devala from United Kingdom – 29 June 2025 (8/10)

  Great location in the old city and it's a well equipped spacious apartment.
  We could easily walk to all the key attractions
  
  What could be improved: It's clear from the guardian that guests are unlikely to be able to park in the underground car park.
  Having a coffee table would have meant sitting on the sofa with a drink would have been easier.
  An old chair in the bedroom had no seat in it, just a soft cushion so was dangerous to sit on.
  If we had realised there was a 'no shoes' policy we would have brought slippers. The crocs provided were too big.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities