Old Riga – Kalku apartment

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much from a 3-star place right in the heart of Old Town, but this little apartment on Kaļķu street completely surprised me. I mean, when you’re literally two minutes from the Town Hall Square and Dom Cathedral, you usually pay tourist prices for mediocre everything – but honestly, this place gets it right.

The location is actually perfect if you want to be in the thick of things without the chaos. Kaļķu is one of those cobblestone streets that feels authentically medieval (because, well, it is), and you’re close enough to hear the church bells from St. Peter’s in the morning – which sounds romantic until you realize they start pretty early on Sundays. But here’s the thing: step inside this apartment and it’s surprisingly quiet. The old buildings here have thick walls, so even when there’s a bit of street activity or tourists wandering around with their rolling suitcases on the cobblestones, you won’t really hear much. The apartment itself feels like someone actually lives there, not like a sterile hotel room. There’s character in the details – I’m talking about things like the way the morning light hits the windows and how the floors creak just enough to remind you you’re in a 700-year-old building, but not so much that it’s annoying.

What really sold me was how easy everything was. Check-in was smooth (they actually answer their messages quickly), and they seem to understand that travelers need practical stuff – good wifi, a kitchen that works if you want to grab some local bread and cheese from the Central Market, decent water pressure. The Central Market, by the way, is maybe a 10-minute walk, and it’s where you’ll find the best local produce and those smoked fish that Latvians are obsessed with. The apartment’s location means you can walk to basically everything worth seeing in Old Town, but you’re also close enough to venture into the newer parts of Riga if you want. There’s a tram stop nearby if your feet get tired, though honestly, the old town is small enough that you’ll probably just walk everywhere anyway. I stayed there in late spring, and the whole area comes alive in the evenings – not crazy nightlife, but people sitting at outdoor cafes, street musicians, that sort of thing.

The fact that this place has a 9.5 rating makes total sense once you’re there. It’s not trying to be fancy or boutique-y, it’s just… really well done. The kind of place where you can imagine staying for a week and actually feeling like you’re living in Riga instead of just passing through. And let’s be honest, when you’re paying reasonable prices to stay in one of the most beautiful medieval city centers in Europe, with everything working properly and hosts who seem to care – well, that’s pretty much the dream, isn’t it?

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $118. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Great apartment, host, and Old Town location. – Alan from United States – 11 September 2024 (10/10)

  The wonderful host, Jelena, met me at the door with the keys and then gave me an informative tour of the apartment.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing comes to mind.

• loved – Charlene from United States – 10 June 2024 (10/10)

  everything especially the location. It's in the square but no noice. We were able to park our car in the backyard. Which is amazing.
  
  What could be improved: We had to meet with owner for the key access. We had trouble to figure out how to call her number. We had to ask a l local people to help. Also she didn't accept credir=t cards. We had to find cash machine. Luckly, there was one nearby.

• Great trip, we'd like to come again! – Martin4533 from Czech Republic – 14 December 2023 (8/10)

  Jelena was very nice and helpfull, waiting for us at the appartment, give us the keys and great restaurant tips. Location is perfect! It was in the very center so all was near 🙂
  
  What could be improved: The tempeture could had been slightly higher, otherwise was all OK

• A 10/10 – Yuna from Israel – 8 June 2023 (10/10)

  The location is perfect, in the center of the old town, close to any attractions. Clean, quiet, has everything you need. comfortable bed, many TV channels for every taste. The hostess is friendly and punctual.

• Exceptional – Michal from Slovakia – 23 September 2022 (10/10)

  Perfect location in the old town and also very quiet. We really appreciated kidness of the owner who was willing to wait for us later in night as our flight was delayed.

• 🥳 – Mario from Belgium – 12 September 2022 (8/10)

  Everything

• Superb – Faina from United States – 29 September 2022 (9/10)

  Location was excellent, all restaurants, shopping, grocery store were right next door. We did not have to use public transportation for sightseeing
  
  What could be improved: It was really cool in the morning and night at the end of September in Riga and was no heating available,so was little uncomfortable

• Excellent location, cheap price for a cheap apartment – Jaber from France – 20 August 2022 (5/10)

  Location was very central. The apartment was rather clean. AC was helpful to cope with the heat. Price is cheaper than other places around.
  
  What could be improved: The building is dirty with many flies in the staircase. The main bed is very poor quality. I could not sleep on it. The convertible bed was rather new and firm but I had to sleep near the (old) fridge which is noisy. the place is also noisy until past midnight

• Exceptional – Gražina from Lithuania – 31 December 2024 (10/10)

  Ypatingai gražus ir jaukiai įrengtas butas senoviniame name, aukštos lubos. Puikioje vietoje, vidury Senamiesčio. Iki Domus aikštės vos 3 minutės pėsčiomis, iki Operos teatro 10 min, per langą matosi, beveik kieme stovinti žymioji Rygos bažnyčia, iš kurios atsiveria visa Rygos panorama. Šiame bute, net neišeidamas iš jo gali pajusti visą Rygą, Butas ypač tvarkingas, jaukus. Patogiai veikai visa buitinė technika. Ypač patogi didžiulė lova. Labai maloni šeimininkė, kuri pasitiko, viską aprodė. Įspūdis toks šiltas ir jaukus, kad atrodo jog atvykome į namus. Ačiū, dar tikrai grįšime 🙂

• Superb – Tuula from Finland – 15 November 2024 (9/10)

  Loistava sijainti. Rauhallinen tilava asunto
  
  What could be improved: Pysäköintialueella pahoja kuoppia

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