Home is where the heart is

Home is where the heart is Overview

Home is where the heart is sits on 4 Krāmu iela, tucked just off the bustling streets that lead to Rīga’s Old Town. I first walked there on a crisp autumn morning, the city still humming from the last of the summer tourist crowds. The building itself is a modest three‑star gem, with a simple brick façade that gives off a warm, almost homely vibe. When I stepped inside, the lobby smelled faintly of freshly brewed coffee and the faint tang of Baltic sea breeze that somehow permeated through a cracked window left open for ventilation. The check‑in was quick and surprisingly personal—one of the front desk clerks, a young woman named Ieva, greeted me with a smile that felt like a local’s welcome and handed me a handwritten guide highlighting hidden cafés and the best spots for a quick stroll.

The rooms are cozy, not overly lavish but with thoughtful touches: a soft, linen duvet, a small balcony overlooking a quiet courtyard where you can hear the distant chime of the Freedom Monument’s bells. The bed is surprisingly comfortable—firm but not too rigid, just enough to promise a good night’s sleep after a day of exploring. I found the noise level surprisingly low for a city centre hotel; the only sounds that seep in are the occasional traffic rumble and the distant clatter from the market. Speaking of the market, just a two‑minute walk brings you to the Central Market, where the smell of fresh rye bread and local cheeses will have you salivating before you even think about breakfast. During the summer, the market is a hive of activity, and the street outside the hotel can get a bit crowded, but in the evenings it settles into a pleasant, lively hum that’s perfect for a casual walk.

Parking is a bit of a hassle if you’re driving. There’s a small, paid lot behind the building, but it fills up fast on weekends and during the Song Festival in August. My best bet is to park on Krāmu iela itself—there are a few street spots, but you’ll need to be quick before the city’s parking meters kick in. If you’re staying in the city center, I’d recommend taking a short walk to the nearby bus stop and riding the tram to any of the main attractions—you’ll save both money and the hassle of finding a spot.

One thing I noticed that I think travelers often overlook: the staff’s genuine enthusiasm for local culture. Ieva, for instance, shared tips about the best ice‑cream place on Lībiešu Street and even offered me an invitation to a small family‑run bakery on Āgenskalns Avenue. That personal touch made the stay feel less like a hotel and more like a temporary home. The only minor critique—well, I mean, honestly, it’s not a huge deal—was that the elevator in the lobby was a bit slow, and the hallway lights flickered a few times, but that’s a small price to pay for the overall charm.

If you’re planning a trip to Rīga, especially during the peak of the summer or the Song Festival, Home is where the heart is provides a solid base. The location is close enough to the Old Town to step out and soak in the historic streets, yet tucked away enough to avoid the constant rush. The hotel’s atmosphere, the staff’s friendliness, and the subtle details—like the scent of coffee, the gentle night sounds, and the personal recommendations—combine to create a stay that feels like you’re staying with a local friend, not just a hotel guest. So pack your bags, bring your curiosity, and get ready to experience Rīga from a perspective that only someone who knows the city’s pulse can offer.

Home is where the heart is Accommodations

Reviews of Home is where the heart is

• Superb – Foodartist from Finland – 2 July 2025 (9/10)

  This place is nearby everything you'll ever need from old city holiday on Riga! Very authentic atmosphere If you appriciate old buildings. So nice view from the window. This was my second visit at this apartment and I'll return for sure.
  
  What could be improved: Air-conditioner would be nice at summer.

• Superb – Elizabeth from United Kingdom – 8 May 2025 (9/10)

  Great location
  
  What could be improved: No smoke alarm and this is necessary considering the only exit is three flights of very old wooden staircases

• Perfect for a budget stay – Anna from Israel – 16 April 2025 (7/10)

  The location is the best ever. The room is small, but cozy. The bed is comfortable with soft mattress.
  
  It can be hard to get organised in the room with a couple of big suitcases. The kitchen is equipped with microwave oven, no stove.
  
  Sitting our stay We had no wi-fi because previous guests had switched off the router for some strange reason and the host never told us where the router was and the fact that it can actually be turned on back, although we contacted them several times about the matter. We also got no answer about possibility of earlier check in or luggage storage. (We would have accepted “no” for an answer, but never got any answer…) So, we had to walk to walk around with suitcases for several hours before we checked in.
  
  These issues can easily be solved with better communication with the hosts. All the rest was great.

• Worth the value of the apartment – Monique from Spain – 1 April 2025 (9/10)

  The location,price and the host are all perfect
  
  What could be improved: The stairs going to the apartment room is a little bit steep and small especially if you have a luggage

• I would repeat with no doubt – Nicolas from Spain – 24 February 2025 (9/10)

  Very cozy apt with a confortable double bed and a huge nice shower.
  The location couldnt be better
  The host was very kind and comunication was great with quick response.
  
  What could be improved: Its a very old building and stairs could be not suitable for everyone.
  The television is lower than the bed, so it is quite uncomfortable to watch it.

• Very good – Lah from Denmark – 1 February 2025 (8/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: Steps

• Loved it. – Kirstie from United Kingdom – 5 November 2024 (9/10)

  Perfect location, full of character, just what we needed for a two night stay. Would definitely rebook if we ever came back to Riga.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing – It was ideal for what we wanted.

• Fantasic location. Great accommodation at a very reasonable price. – Vincent from United Kingdom – 27 September 2024 (7/10)

  Location was fantastic. Absolutely central in the old town and with easy walking distances to all the major tourist places. The apartment is modern and clean. Excellent base for the 5 nights I stayed. I intend returning early 2025 and will hopefully book the same apartment. Great value for money.
  
  What could be improved: All good.

• Good location with all The things you actually need – Janne from Finland – 22 April 2024 (9/10)

  Location and The room itself
  
  What could be improved: The lock was a little bit tricky at Times and The stais uneven, but i got used to them.

• Lovely💗 – Dominyka from Lithuania – 10 March 2024 (9/10)

  Everything was really great. The place is amazing.
  
  What could be improved: We had a little problem with the sink, the water was not going down, but we fixed it.

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Facilities