Modern Gem in Riga’s Old Town

Modern Gem in Riga’s Old Town Overview

You know those places that surprise you? Modern Gem in Riga’s Old Town is exactly that kind of spot. I mean, when you first walk up to Smilšu iela 14 (which honestly translates to “Sand Street” – love that detail), you’re literally surrounded by cobblestones and medieval architecture, so finding this sleek, contemporary space feels like discovering a secret. The building itself has this interesting thing going on where it’s clearly been updated but still respects the neighborhood’s character – no tacky modern glass disrupting the streetscape.

What really got me was how they’ve managed to nail that sweet spot between old-world charm and actually functional amenities. The rooms are genuinely modern without being sterile, and honestly, for a 3-star place, the attention to detail surprised me. You’ll find proper blackout curtains (crucial if you’re visiting during those endless summer nights when the sun barely sets), solid Wi-Fi that actually works, and bathrooms that don’t make you feel like you’re roughing it. The staff clearly knows their stuff too – they gave me walking directions to places I hadn’t even heard of yet, including this little café around the corner that serves the best coffee in the area.

Here’s the thing about the location though – and this is where it gets really good – you’re about a two-minute walk from Doma laukums (Cathedral Square) but tucked away enough that you won’t be dealing with tourist crowds right outside your window. I stayed here during peak summer season, and while the main squares were packed, Smilšu iela stays relatively quiet, especially in the evenings. You can actually hear the church bells without the constant chatter of tour groups. Plus, if you’re the type who likes to explore on foot, you’re positioned perfectly to wander into Vecrīga’s maze of narrow streets without having to navigate back to some generic hotel district later.

The 9.3 rating honestly makes sense once you spend a night there – it’s one of those places that just works. No major complaints, reasonable prices for what you get, and the kind of location that makes you feel like you’re experiencing Riga properly rather than just passing through it. I’d definitely stay here again, especially if I wanted to be in the heart of things without paying Old Town premium prices.

Modern Gem in Riga’s Old Town Accommodations

Reviews of Modern Gem in Riga’s Old Town

• Superb – Yal from Spain – 29 June 2025 (9/10)

  What could be improved: Really bad curtains, don’t block the light at all

• Loved our stay in Riga – Angela from United Kingdom – 5 June 2025 (10/10)

  Great location, comfortable, spacious, stylish. Cleaner we met was so lovely and helpful.
  
  What could be improved: Curtains in the bedroom didn’t fully cover window – host says they will look into that.

• Perfect place to stay long or short. – Robert from United Kingdom – 15 December 2024 (10/10)

  Location is spot on.
  Nice spacious apartment.
  Quiet.
  Everything you need.

• Superb – Gabriel from Peru – 16 October 2024 (9/10)

  This appartment is spacious, well kept, comfortable, well lit and tidy. The building is a historical construction with an Art Nouveau façade situated very conveniently in a quiet street in the old town/central district of Riga. The appartment is in the third floor so you get a good view of life below. Great stay in a great city.
  
  What could be improved: It would be a great help from the host to offer shampoo and shower soap in the bathroom.

• Very good – Lucas from United Kingdom – 25 November 2024 (8/10)

  Difficult to use the code on key box at first but better once accessed
  
  What could be improved: Sofa bed would be nice in the main room and a TV

• Pleasant – Andreja from Lithuania – 7 April 2025 (6/10)

  View
  
  What could be improved: No parking, no knifes or forks or bottle opener. Had to leave at 10am.

• Отличная квартира для знакомства с Ригой и окрестностями. – Iryna from Belarus – 2 July 2025 (10/10)

  Прекрасная квартира-чистая, светлая, просторная. Расположена отлично, рядом с Домским собором и до вокзала мы ходили пешком, можно подъехать на трамвае одну остановку. Недалеко мини Rimi, Лидо и очень большой выбор кафе. Кухня оборудована всем необходимым , можно готовить, есть кофемашина и кофе! Кровать удобная. Хозяин был очень любезен и разрешил нам ранний заезд, это очень здорово! Не пришлось ждать, а сразу оставили вещи и пошли гулять! Спасибо! Рига прекрасна!
  
  What could be improved: Все было замечательно.

• Rent, sentralt og behagelig opphold hvor det ikke manglet noe – Lisa from Norway – 9 June 2025 (10/10)

  Beliggenheten og komforten

• Exceptional – Laura from Latvia – 12 June 2025 (10/10)

• Exceptional – Bernardo from United Kingdom – 11 March 2025 (10/10)

Surroundings

Facilities