Joya Mia – the soul of Riga & free parking

Hotel Description

I’ll be honest – when I first saw the name “Joya Mia – the soul of Riga & free parking,” I thought it sounded a bit over the top. But after actually staying there on Rūpniecības iela, I get it. This place really does capture something special about Riga, and honestly, that free parking promise isn’t just marketing fluff – it’s a genuine lifesaver in a city where finding a decent parking spot can eat up half your afternoon.

The location is what really makes this work. You’re tucked away in this interesting part of town that feels properly Latvian without being touristy – I mean, you can walk to the central market in about fifteen minutes, but you’re not dealing with all the cruise ship crowds right outside your window. The building itself has this solid, unpretentious feel that I actually prefer to some of the flashier hotels closer to Old Town. What struck me most was how the staff genuinely seemed to know their city – not just the obvious tourist spots, but places where locals actually go for dinner or where you can find good coffee at 7 AM (which, let’s face it, is crucial information).

The rooms have this understated comfort that works really well. Nothing too fancy, but everything you need is there and it’s done thoughtfully. The beds are properly comfortable – not too soft, not too firm – and the windows actually open, which is something you don’t always get in newer hotels. I stayed there during one of those warm May evenings when you want fresh air but don’t want street noise, and it worked perfectly. The neighborhood gets pleasantly quiet after about 9 PM, so you can sleep with the windows cracked open. You know what impressed me most though? The little details – decent water pressure in the shower, enough electrical outlets near the bed, proper blackout curtains that actually block light. These things matter when you’re trying to recover from a long travel day or adjust to a new time zone.

The 9.3 rating makes perfect sense once you’ve been there. It’s not trying to be the fanciest place in Riga, but it delivers exactly what it promises. The free parking alone probably saves you 15-20 euros a night compared to other places, and when you factor in the genuine local knowledge from the staff and the fact that you’re staying somewhere that feels authentically Latvian rather than generically European, it’s actually quite a find. I’d definitely go back – sometimes the best travel experiences come from places that don’t feel like they’re performing for tourists, and Joya Mia gets that balance just right.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $105. Deluxe Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed, 1 sofa bed and 2 sofa beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Great apartaments. – Agnė from Lithuania – 6 November 2024 (10/10)

  Helpful service, great apartment, a little further from the heart of the old town, but this is not necessarily a disadvantage. Free parking, the facilities have everything you might need during your stay. There are things that you don't even expect to find in rented apartments – for example, a shower-sauna. We really liked it and I believe we'll come back again.
  
  What could be improved: We liked everything.

• Overall a very pleasant stay at Hoya Mia and in Riga – Pierre from Australia – 12 September 2024 (8/10)

  The stay at Joya Mia was very comfortable, the apartment is very well equipped and suited us very well. We were about 20min walking distance from the old city and about 10 min from the river. There are lots of restaurants around the location and there is a well stock Maxima shop 10 minutes away. Lidya welcomed us to the apartment at the time we said we were coming and came right on time at the time we said we would be leaving. The apartment and the parking is secured.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Tomas from Czech Republic – 4 September 2024 (10/10)

  The flat has everything you need for your stay- in kitchen, bathroom etc. It is walking distance to historic center, has dedicated parking lot in inner court. Food shops are very close.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was fine

• Lovely apartment in a great location – Jukka from Finland – 19 August 2024 (10/10)

  Great location, nice and clean apartment. Had a lovely stay. EV charger a big plus!

• Exceptional – Thomas from Finland – 9 June 2024 (10/10)

  Great communication, EV charging was great and apartment was very nice. Location 5/5.

• Great apartment! – Dovilė from Lithuania – 19 February 2024 (10/10)

  The apartment is very cosy, quiet, fully equipt, it seems like owners thought about every detail. Absolutelly felt like home 🙂
  It also has private parking, and the location is really good. City center is about 20min walk. Supermarket 5min walk.

• The accommodation was perfect! A great place to come ‘home’ too after a day exploring the city. – Anna from Jersey – 7 August 2023 (10/10)

  Clean accommodation, great kitchen and staff on hand with any queries. Really central location. Felt like a home from home. Having secure parking and aircon was great.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing – can’t find fault.

• Exceptional – Sih-siou from United Kingdom – 5 July 2023 (10/10)

  Really nice hosts, had very nice conversations.
  Equipped with everything you can and cannot expected.
  
  What could be improved: No

• Exceptional – Karolina from Lithuania – 3 May 2023 (10/10)

  Great place, really cozy, not so far from the Old Town. Everything we needed was in the apartament. 10/10 would recommend!

• Exceptional – Philip from France – 28 November 2022 (10/10)

  Dear hosts. Thank you so much for giving me and my friend the opportunity to have a relaxing and quality holiday
  We were in Riga not for the first time and were delighted with the location of the house, everything is nearby: a supermarket, a pharmacy the beautiful parks. We did a jog along the embankment, it turned out to be very close and, of course, used sports equipment in the apartment itself. Well, then the steam sauna in the bathroom was very surprising and handy.
  Special thanks for the comfort and convenience of the apartment and for the parking of course. We will recommend to our friends!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities