Merķeļa Rezidence

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Merķeļa Rezidence? It’s actually tucked away on this quiet little street that most tourists completely miss, but honestly, that’s part of its charm. I mean, you’re literally a five-minute walk from the Old Town madness, but when you step onto Merķeļa iela, it feels like you’ve found this hidden pocket of Rīga that the Instagram crowds haven’t discovered yet. The building itself has this understated elegance – it’s not trying to be flashy or compete with those massive chain hotels, which I actually appreciate. The entrance is intimate, almost residential, and when you walk in, there’s this immediate sense that someone actually cares about the place rather than just running it as a business.

The rooms are what I’d call thoughtfully designed rather than luxurious – and I say that as a compliment. Everything works properly (you’d be surprised how often that’s not the case in boutique places), the beds are genuinely comfortable, and there’s enough space to actually unpack without feeling like you’re living out of a suitcase. The bathrooms are modern without being sterile, and honestly, the water pressure is better than what I have at home. What really got me though was the attention to small details – proper blackout curtains that actually block light, outlets where you need them, and windows that open properly if you want fresh air instead of just AC. The staff genuinely seems to know the neighborhood, too. When I asked about breakfast spots, they didn’t just rattle off the obvious tourist places but mentioned this little café two blocks over that locals actually use.

Here’s the thing about staying here – you’re positioned perfectly to explore Rīga like someone who actually lives there rather than just checking boxes off a tourist list. The Central Market is close enough to walk to with your morning coffee, and you can easily duck back to the hotel if you need a break from sightseeing without it being this whole production. Parking isn’t a nightmare either, which anyone who’s driven in European city centers will tell you is worth its weight in gold. The neighborhood gets quiet at night – not dead quiet, but that comfortable residential hum that actually helps you sleep. I stayed here during both shoulder season and peak summer, and while it gets busier in July, it never felt overcrowded or chaotic. Look, it’s not going to blow your mind with over-the-top amenities or Instagram-worthy lobbies, but if you want a place that feels authentic to Rīga – somewhere that enhances your experience of the city rather than isolating you from it – this is exactly what you’re looking for.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $141. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Exceptional – Isabel from Germany – 29 August 2024 (10/10)

  Sehr schöne, geräumige und gut ausgestattete Wohnung in fantastischer Lage, wunderbar für einen Familienaufenthalt in Riga. Die Altstadt, das Jugendstilviertel, der Zentralmarkt, alles fussläufig; tolle Verkehrsanbindung (Bahnhof, Flughafenbus, Busse + Tram); Supermarkt, Bäcker, Restaurants etc. gleich nebenan. Nette und sehr aufmerksame Gastgeber.

• Все на высшем уровне. – Vitali from Finland – 20 July 2024 (10/10)

  Расположение отличное все в шаговой доступности. Апартаменты отличные отдыхали семьей было очень комфортно. В пару шагов торговый центр, остановки общественного транспорта. В соседнем здании рижский цирк.
  
  What could be improved: Единственный минус нету лифта. У нас ребенок был со сломаной ногой очень тяжело подниматься.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities