— The hotel
M4 Modern City Centre Studios – 3 min Central Station
First Impressions
When I first spotted M4 Modern City Centre Studios – 3 min Central Station on Marijas iela, I honestly wasn’t expecting much from the unassuming entrance. But you know what? Sometimes the best finds are the ones that don’t shout about themselves. This three-star property sits right in the heart of Riga‘s Old Town area, and that three-minute walk to Central Station claim? They’re not exaggerating — I timed it myself with luggage in tow.
Location Magic
The location is actually pretty brilliant once you understand Riga’s layout. You’re literally surrounded by cobblestone streets leading to medieval churches, but you can also grab a tram or bus within minutes to anywhere else in the city. I mean, having Central Station so close means you can easily do day trips to Jurmala’s beaches or even pop over to Tallinn if you’re feeling adventurous. The Old Town’s main sights — like the House of the Blackheads and St. Peter’s Church — are all within a comfortable walking distance.
The Studios
These aren’t your typical cramped hotel rooms, and that’s where M4 really delivers. Each studio apartment comes with a proper kitchenette (which saved me a fortune on breakfast), and the modern furnishings actually live up to the name. The bed was surprisingly comfortable, and I loved having space to spread out my stuff without feeling like I was living out of a suitcase. The Wi-Fi worked perfectly, which matters when you’re trying to navigate a new city or upload those inevitable cathedral photos.
Practical Perks
What I appreciated most was how functional everything felt — like someone actually thought about what travelers need. The kitchenette meant I could grab groceries from the nearby Rimi supermarket and have coffee ready before heading out each morning. The shower had proper water pressure (honestly, you never know in older European buildings), and there’s even a washing machine in some units, which was a lifesaver during my week-long stay.
Why Guests Love It
That 9.3 rating makes complete sense once you’ve stayed here. It’s not trying to be fancy — it’s just really, really good at being exactly what most travelers actually want. You get independence with the studio setup, you’re perfectly positioned to explore Riga on foot, and you’re not paying premium prices for services you probably won’t use anyway. The staff keeps things simple and efficient, and honestly, after staying in overpriced “boutique” places that charge extra for everything, this straightforward approach was refreshing.
