— The hotel
Nice&cozy flat No7
I just got back from a stay at Nice&cozy flat No7 tucked in 6 Daudzeses iela 7, right where the old city meets the new buzz. It’s a four‑star spot that really feels like a local’s second home. The first thing that caught my eye was the little wooden sign outside, a hand‑painted “N&c” that seemed almost like a wink from the owners. Check‑in was a breeze – they greeted me with a warm smile, handed over a keycard, and handed me a small coffee mug that said “Rīga” in the city’s quirky font. Honestly, the front desk was super friendly, and they even offered a quick map of the area, pointing out the best spot for a late‑night snack – the tiny bakery on Pārdaugava that’s still open at 2 a.m. (you know what, I almost missed that because I was still figuring out the Wi‑Fi password, which was a bit of a hassle – it keeps dropping around midnight).
The flat itself is a neat little oasis. The living room is decorated with a mix of vintage Latvian textiles and modern art, giving it this cozy vibe that feels like you’re in a friend’s living room. The couch is a soft, almost velvety blue that’s perfect for curling up with a book after a day of strolling through the Art Nouveau district. The kitchen is small but functional – there’s a kettle, a coffee maker, and a neatly arranged set of pots that look like they belong in a tiny Parisian café. I found myself using the stove more than the microwave because the stove’s pretty efficient, and the counter space is wide enough to prep a quick dinner. The bathroom is surprisingly spacious for a flat of this size; the shower has a good water pressure that cuts through the early morning chill. The bed is made of a mattress that feels like a cloud – firm, but with just enough give to make you want to stay there all day. Also, the windows open to a small balcony that overlooks a quiet cobblestone street where you can hear the occasional rumble of a bike and the distant chatter from the nearby café.
Now, about the neighborhood – you can’t miss the way the street smells of fresh rye bread from a bakery on the corner of Mežaparks and the soft, faint scent of old stone from the nearby castle ruins. It’s right on the edge of the Old Town, so you can walk to the Central Market within ten minutes, and it’s just a stretch from the Lielupe River where locals gather for a quick jog. Parking is a bit of a hunt – there’s no paid street parking, but there’s a municipal lot a block away that charges a modest fee. I parked my bike in the courtyard, which was great because the flat has its own small bike rack, and you won’t have to worry about the city’s notorious traffic jams. Noise-wise, it’s pretty quiet after 10 p.m., but if you’re staying during the summer, expect the usual buzz of tourists and the occasional street performer playing accordion music that drifts in from the square. The only real critique? The Wi‑Fi is a bit slow when the Wi‑Fi network is overloaded around 8–9 p.m., but for my needs – checking emails, streaming a local film – it was fine. Overall, it’s a place that feels like a warm hug in a city that can sometimes feel a bit too fast. If you’re looking for something that’s not just a place to sleep but a place to feel at home, Nice&cozy flat No7 is a solid pick.
Riga’s apartments offer spacious accommodations with Art Nouveau charm, perfect for families wanting to experience daily life in this historically significant Baltic capital.