— The hotel
Old Riga Modern and Spacious 2 bedroom Apartment
Old Riga Modern and Spacious 2 bedroom Apartment sits at Vecpilsētas iela 3, right in the heart of Vecrīga. I remember stepping out of the front door on a crisp November morning, the scent of fresh coffee from a nearby café—Kafejs 7—still hanging in the air. The building itself is a charming blend of historic brick and contemporary lines, so it feels like you’re staying in a piece of the city’s past but with all the comforts of a 4‑star pad. Check‑in was surprisingly quick; the host was a cheerful local who gave me a map of the best hidden spots, like that tiny ice cream stand on Pils Street that nobody in the guidebooks talks about.
The apartment is, honestly, a breath of fresh air for someone who usually craves more space than a typical city studio. Two bedrooms are separated by a loft‑style hallway that lets you hear the faint hum of the city—like the distant traffic on Pārdaugava Street and, at night, the occasional laugh from a nearby bar. The living area is bright, filled with natural light from a large window that frames views of the old stone walls and the bustling market square. I found the floorboards a bit warm to the touch, but that’s just the charm of the old timber. The kitchenette is surprisingly well‑equipped; there’s a small induction hob, a decent fridge, and a set of copper pots that the host said were locally sourced. I spent an afternoon brewing tea with the kettle, listening to the city’s soundtrack—street musicians on Kalnciema Street, kids playing hopscotch near the fountain, and the occasional honk from a taxi.
Parking is a bit of a story. There’s a tiny, cobblestone alley behind the building that leads to a municipal parking spot, but you have to be quick on the weekend mornings—everyone in the neighborhood needs that space. On weekdays, the city’s free bike rack on the corner of Vecpilsētas and Brīvības is just a few steps away, so if you’re comfortable on two wheels, that’s a win. Noise-wise, the apartment is surprisingly quiet, even on a Saturday night when the street below is lively. The only sound that breaks the calm is the occasional creak of the old building settling—sort of like a gentle reminder that you’re in a place with history.
One thing I’d note, if I’m being honest, is that the Wi‑Fi can be spotty during the peak summer season. I had to move the laptop a few feet to get a stronger signal, but that’s a minor quibble for me. The only other hiccup was the small delay in the apartment’s smart lock system during a power outage, but the host was quick to help with a manual key. On the bright side, the local bakery on Brīvības Street opens at 6 a.m. and serves a rye loaf that pairs perfectly with a coffee—just a block away.
If you’re planning to visit Riga in late September or early October, you’ll find the city in a perfect sweet spot—cool enough to wander the cobblestones without breaking a sweat, but warm enough for a cozy evening in a spacious apartment like this. And if you’re staying a bit longer, the nearby Lielā Alu tavern offers a great spot for a nightcap, and the city’s art gallery on Rūsiņa Street is a hidden gem that most tourists miss. All in all, this place feels less like a hotel and more like a friend’s home in the middle of a historic city, with just enough local flavor to make your stay genuinely memorable.
Hotel in Riga booking should be done early, especially during White Nights season when the city hosts internationally celebrated cultural and music events.