— The hotel
Merkela Apartments in the center with balcony
First Impressions
Merkela Apartments in the center with balcony sits on one of Riga’s quieter streets, but don’t let that fool you — you’re literally a three-minute walk from the Old Town’s cobblestones. I honestly wasn’t expecting much from the building’s exterior (it’s got that typical Soviet-era look), but step inside and it’s a completely different story. The four-star rating makes sense once you see how thoughtfully these apartments have been designed.
The Space That Matters
Each apartment feels more like staying in a friend’s well-appointed flat than a typical hotel room. The balcony — which every unit has — overlooks the street and gives you this nice slice of local life to watch while having your morning coffee. I spent way more time out there than I expected, just people-watching and getting a feel for the neighborhood rhythm. The kitchen is actually functional too, not one of those token hotel kitchenettes where you can barely boil water.
Location Reality Check
Here’s what you need to know about Merķeļa iela: it’s residential enough that you won’t hear tourist groups at all hours, but close enough to everything that matters. The Daugava River is maybe a seven-minute walk, and you can reach most of the main sights without ever needing transport. What I really appreciated was having a proper grocery store (Rimi) just around the corner — makes a difference when you’ve got that kitchen to use.
The Details That Work
The WiFi actually works properly (tested it on video calls), and there’s decent parking nearby if you’re driving. Each apartment has this clean, minimalist vibe without being sterile — think Scandinavian meets Baltic practicality. The bathrooms are modern and the water pressure is solid, which honestly matters more than you’d think after a long day of wandering around Riga’s medieval streets.
Why Guests Love It
That 9.5 rating isn’t just numbers — it reflects what happens when someone puts real thought into the guest experience. You’re not getting a fancy lobby or a restaurant, but you are getting independence, space, and a genuine taste of how locals live in this part of the city. For the price point, especially considering you’re getting a full apartment with that balcony in the heart of Riga, it’s pretty hard to beat.
