— The hotel
New Exclusive 2 Bedroom Apartment in OldRiga
New Exclusive 2 Bedroom Apartment in OldRiga is tucked away on Vaļņu iela, a narrow street that feels like a secret passage into the heart of the city. When I first walked in, the front desk was a single counter with a handwritten welcome sign that smelled faintly of fresh coffee – the kind of local touch that instantly signals you’re not in a chain hotel. The check‑in process was quick and friendly; the staff handed me a keycard that folded like a postcard, and a map that actually highlighted the best coffee spots within a block. They mentioned the nearest parking spot – a small municipal lot two streets over that’s free on weekdays – which saved me a lot of hassle later.
The apartment itself is a modern reinterpretation of an old Rīga flat. The living room is airy, with floor‑to‑ceiling windows that let the morning light spill onto a soft, cream‑tiled floor. I mean, the sound of early birds outside is kind of soothing; you can hear the faint rustle of leaves on the tree-lined street. The kitchen is surprisingly spacious for a two‑bedroom setup – stainless steel appliances, a decent-sized fridge, and a small island that serves as both a prep space and a casual dining spot. I tried the local rye bread from the nearby bakery on Vaļņu iela and it paired perfectly with the home‑made jam that the host left as a welcome gift. The bathroom is a clean, minimalist space with a rainfall shower that feels surprisingly luxurious; the only downside is that the shower head is a bit far from the door, so when it rains outside, the tiles can get a little damp.
The bedrooms are a good size, with double beds that have linens that feel like clouds – the kind that make you want to stay in bed till noon. The second bedroom has a small walk‑in closet, which is a lifesaver if you’re traveling with a few pairs of shoes. I noticed the windows face south, so the rooms are bright even in the winter. The Wi‑Fi is strong, but I did have to try a couple of passwords – the host sends the details in a text that’s easy to follow. The only glitch was that the TV’s remote was slightly unresponsive, but they had a spare remote in the drawer, so no big deal.
Location-wise, this place is a gold mine if you want to soak up Old Rīga. From the apartment, you can walk a 10‑minute stroll to the Freedom Square, where the iconic statue of Kārlis Lembergs stands. The next block takes you to the historic Old Town – cobblestone streets, medieval facades, and the smell of fresh pastries from a bakery on Lielupe Street. I had a coffee at a tiny café called “Kafija” on the corner of Lielupe and Vaļņu – they serve the best flat‑baked rye bread, and the barista knows how to pull a perfect macchiato. For a quiet night, you might want to avoid the main plaza’s evening crowds, but the apartment’s window views are still pretty chill. If you’re traveling during the summer, the street is lively with locals and tourists alike; in the winter, it’s almost serene, and the city’s lights cast a magical glow on the old stone walls.
One small critique: the apartment’s air conditioning is a bit noisy at night – it’s a small unit, so it rattles a bit when it kicks on. Also, the parking spot I mentioned is only free on weekdays; on weekends, you’ll need to pay a modest fee, which the host reminds you in a friendly note. Other than that, everything else is spot on. The host’s local recommendations were spot‑on – the best place for a midnight pizza is a tiny pizzeria on the corner of Vērmanes, and for a peaceful walk, try the walk along the Daugava River that’s just a couple of blocks away.
All in all, staying at this place felt like having a home base in the middle of Rīga’s pulse. You get a private, well‑furnished apartment, a welcoming host, and a location that lets you step into the city’s history and modern life with ease. If you’re looking for comfort, authenticity, and a genuine Rīga experience, this is the spot you’ll want to check out.
