Old Town Kalēju Street

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Old Town Kalēju Street? It’s tucked right into one of those narrow cobblestone streets that makes Rīga’s medieval quarter feel like you’ve stepped back in time – but honestly, in the best possible way. Kalēju iela translates to “Blacksmith Street,” and there’s still this authentic craftsman vibe running through the whole area. The hotel itself sits in what looks like a beautifully restored merchant house, the kind where you can almost picture traders from centuries past haggling over amber and flax. I mean, you’re literally a two-minute walk from the Town Hall Square, and Dome Cathedral is right there when you step outside and turn left. The morning church bells actually become part of your wake-up routine (though they’re not annoyingly early, more like a gentle 8 AM reminder that you’re somewhere special).

What really gets me about this place is how they’ve managed to keep that old-world charm without making you feel like you’re roughing it. The rooms have this warm, lived-in quality – exposed wooden beams, brick walls that have clearly seen some history, but then you’ve got proper modern bathrooms and WiFi that actually works. The staff genuinely knows their stuff about the city too, not just the tourist traps. When I asked about where locals eat, they pointed me toward this little spot on Miesnieku iela that I never would’ve found otherwise. Parking can be a bit tricky since you’re in the heart of the old town – these streets weren’t exactly designed for cars – but there’s a garage about a block away, and honestly, once you’re settled in, you won’t need to drive anywhere anyway.

The 8.8 rating makes total sense when you spend a few days here. It’s not trying to be some flashy modern hotel with a rooftop pool and marble everything (which would feel totally wrong in this setting anyway). Instead, it’s got that perfect balance where you feel like you’re staying in someone’s well-appointed home in the most interesting part of the city. The breakfast area overlooks the street, and there’s something really satisfying about watching the old town wake up with your coffee – first the delivery trucks navigating those narrow streets, then the shop owners opening up, finally the tourists with their cameras. Summer gets pretty busy obviously, but even then, Kalēju Street keeps this residential feel that some of the main drags lose completely. If you’re the type who wants to feel like you’re actually experiencing a place rather than just visiting it, this is exactly what you’re looking for.

Rooms

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

Reviews

• Very good – Timtett from United Kingdom – 7 July 2025 (8/10)

  excellent location in the heart of the old town – walking distance to all you'd want to see.
  
  What could be improved: Noise from the bar below all night – I slept ok but my wife didn't

• Great apartment in the centre. – Philip_howe from United Kingdom – 6 September 2024 (10/10)

  Great location in the middle of the city. Lovely spacious apartment.

• Beautiful designer spacious apartment in the heart of Old Town – Sergei from Czech Republic – 17 July 2024 (10/10)

  Beautiful design, good furniture, excellent fully equipped kitchen, many mirrors, lots of space, good communication, many antique objects, very quiet during the day
  
  What could be improved: Music from the bar in the night (not so loud), no AC

• Freshly renovated, beautifully furnished, well equipped apartment in best possible location. – Seija from Finland – 27 June 2024 (10/10)

  Beautifully furnished apartment, very well equipped kitchen, very clean and cozy. A real home away from home.
  
  What could be improved: Some nights ( well it was Midsummer ) the music in the bar downstairs was rather loud and lasted long into the night. Earplugs helped though. Bars come and go, lets hope that this one goes as it is the only minus in this great accomodation.

• A Superbly Located & Excellently Appointed Apartment – Adam from Netherlands – 18 August 2023 (10/10)

  The property was in a superb location; right in the centre of Riga Old Town. It was also just the right size and it excellent condition. The property owner was extremely helpful and facilitated any queries I had immediately.
  
  What could be improved: The only minor downside was that when I was there (August 2023), it was extremely hot on some days (30c) and hard to sleep at night. Normally I would have opened the windows to let air in, but wasn't possible due to the noise level from the street.

• Superb – Carolin from Germany – 29 May 2023 (9/10)

  Exceptionally good! Highly recommend! Great location, clean, spacious apartment suitable for four persons.
  
  What could be improved: Unfortunately there is a bar downstairs which is so loud that you can hear the music in the apartment. It is bearable if you don't mind.

• Very good – Olivia from Australia – 15 May 2023 (8/10)

  lovely apartment in great location. Apartment has all facilities and hosts were helpful.
  
  What could be improved: there is a club next door which plays music loudly until 3am. hard to get to sleep

• Stylish and comfortable apartment in the Old Town Riga – Marja from Finland – 27 July 2023 (9/10)

  Beautiful apartment, all necessary amenities available. Stylish.
  Multitude of bars and restaurants near by. In general, Riga offers a lot to see and mostly in the walking distances.
  
  What could be improved: The bar next door used to play loud music until 3-6 in the morning. Persons with light sleep may feel it very disturbing.

• Passable – Popov from Russia – 7 April 2025 (5/10)

  Very good apartments if not for one BUT
  there is a night club nearby.
  you can hear the rhythm of the music all night long.
  If you settle in these apartments, take earplugs
  
  What could be improved: Very good apartments if not for one BUT
  there is a night club nearby.
  you can hear the rhythm of the music all night long.
  If you settle in these apartments, take earplugs

• Beautiful apartment, in beautiful, convenient location. – Kristine from United States – 6 August 2023 (7/10)

  Apartment is beautiful, simple and tasteful decor, and in the best location possible. I had trouble getting keys from lock box, they were stuck. But the owner was extremely helpful and accommodating, fast responding, and problem got resolved quickly.
  
  What could be improved: Apartment in on the second floor, which I loved, but right underneath is a bar, that blasts music from 11pm-6am. I ended up calling police every night, and later filing report, when I found out there’s a new law of a quiet hours starting in Latvia too.
  I hope that problem gets resolved, as I would love to stay there again, when next time in Riga.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities