Gertrude’s Heart

Hotel Description

You know what hits you first about Gertrude’s Heart? The name actually makes sense once you’re inside – there’s something genuinely warm about this place that feels more like staying at your artsy aunt’s house than a typical hotel. I mean, it’s tucked right into Ģertrūdes iela, which honestly is one of those streets that locals love but tourists somehow miss, even though it’s perfectly walkable to Old Town.

The building itself has that pre-war Riga charm – you know, the kind with thick walls that actually keep street noise out (which matters more than you’d think since Latvians love their weekend celebrations). Check-in was refreshingly human – the staff actually remembered my name by day two, and they knew exactly which tram to catch to get to the Central Market without that touristy detour most hotels recommend. The rooms are what I’d call “thoughtfully simple” – not trying to be fancy, but everything works properly and the beds are honestly some of the most comfortable I’ve slept in. There’s this attention to small details that surprised me, like proper reading lights that don’t blind you, and bathroom fixtures that don’t require an engineering degree to operate.

What really sets this place apart is how it sits in the neighborhood. You’re literally a five-minute walk from some of the best local cafes – the kind where baristas know their regulars and make coffee that doesn’t taste like it came from a chain. Elizabetes iela runs parallel and that’s where you’ll find actual Rigans doing their daily shopping, not just tourist spots. I spent mornings wandering over to the park nearby (locals call it Esplanāde) before the day got busy, and evenings exploring the art nouveau buildings that are honestly everywhere once you start looking. The hotel sits in this sweet spot where you feel like you’re experiencing real Riga life, but you’re still close enough to duck into Old Town when you want those classic tourist moments. Parking was surprisingly manageable too – they’ve got an arrangement with a nearby lot that doesn’t cost a fortune, which anyone who’s driven in European city centers will appreciate. The whole experience felt authentic in a way that’s getting harder to find, especially at this price point. It’s not flashy, but it’s genuinely good at what it does.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $66. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• I enjoyed my stay a the property. Great Location. Helpful Hosts. I recommend it. – Themistoklis from Greece – 7 July 2025 (10/10)

  It had no Keys but a password. After I understood how it worked. It was easy and efficient and safe.
  
  What could be improved: Had some difficulty at the start about how to open and close the apartment door. The explanation could be better about how the door locked and unlocked and have a visible number on top of the door. But possibly most of my difficulty on this stemmed from being my first time booking in a non hotel apartment, with no keys.

• amazing apartment in the center of Riga – Kiril from Lithuania – 23 February 2024 (9/10)

  great apartment in the center of Riga
  
  What could be improved: mirror in bathroom could be more clear

• Exceptional – Ana from Spain – 22 June 2025 (10/10)

  Todo. Maravilloso apartamento. Cerca del centro, limpio y bonito. Me ayudaron a coger un aparcamiento en la misma calle.

• Superb – Alena from Lithuania – 13 April 2025 (9/10)

  Чистые, уютные аппартаменты на 2 этаже, было тепло и не слышно шума от соседей. Удобное расположение. Все необходимое есть. Вежливый персонал.
  
  What could be improved: Затемненное зеркало в ванной.

• Increible experiencia en Riga – Diego from Peru – 26 September 2024 (10/10)

  Todo el departamento es muy bonito, la ubicación, el diseño, el espacio 10/10, tiene todo lo que necesitas para vivir, el baño es increíble cuenta con todo lo necesario si te quedas por corto o largo tiempo.

• Génial, je recommande – Steffi from France – 13 November 2023 (9/10)

  L’appartement est très bien situé, notre hôte était très gentille et soucieuse de notre confort.
  La décoration a été faite avec goût
  Je suis vraiment contente
  
  What could be improved: Le seul point négatif est que nous n’avons pas de liquide vaisselle (nous en avons acheté un) et que les serviettes sont très petites

• Superb – Werena from Germany – 24 September 2023 (9/10)

  Die Lage ist sehr gut da viele öffentliche Verkehsmittel in der Nähe sind. Auch die Altstadt ist in 15 Minuten zu Fuß erreichbar. WiFi ist sehr gut und auch für TV ist gesorgt. Die Ausstattung ist neu und sehr sauber. Viele Geschäfte in der Nähe auch Supermarkt.
  
  What could be improved: Bei geöffneten Fenstern recht laut was zum Lüften aber notwendig ist.

• Exceptional – Holger from Germany – 24 August 2023 (10/10)

  Das liebevolle Design und die hochwertige Einrichtung sind bezaubernd. Auch ermöglicht die zentrale Lage, wunderschöne Spaziergänge in das Stadtzentrum.

• Super und unkompliziert – Konrad from Germany – 19 July 2023 (9/10)

  Eine super Wohnung und schön nah am Zentrum. Alles ist dann fußläufig erreichbar.

• Very good – Francisco from Spain – 2 May 2025 (8/10)

  El salón era amplio y acogedor con un buen sofá cama. El baño era pequeño pero estaba todo bien dispuesto y cómodo.
  
  What could be improved: La habitación era un poco pequeña y calurosa para dos personas, pero el colchón era agradable.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities