Oldtown apartment / New house + elevator

Oldtown apartment / New house + elevator sits tucked behind a row of old timber houses on Smilšu iela, right where the old town’s cobblestones meet the modern pulse of Riga. I first spotted it from a corner café on Koknese Street – a little espresso place that still serves the same thick, dark coffee you get from the old tram stops. The building itself is a 3‑star feel, not too flashy but definitely feeling like home. When I walked in, the front desk was manned by a friendly lady who greeted me with a warm smile and handed a key card that looked like it might double as a coaster. I mean, check‑in was quick, no long lines, and you get a little welcome note that says, “Enjoy your stay, and if you need anything, just call us.” The elevator was a small, almost nostalgic lift that gave me a sort of mini‑adventure each time I pressed the button – it rattled a bit, but that’s part of the charm, right?

The apartment itself is cozy, with a living area that opens onto a small balcony overlooking the quiet corner of Smilšu iela. The floor is a worn pine that smells faintly of the old timber, and the walls have been painted in neutral tones that let the light from the street spill in. I found the Wi‑Fi decent, but if you’re a digital nomad, you might want to plug in the Ethernet for a steadier connection. Parking is a bit of a hassle – there’s no onsite lot, but a public car park a block away charges a reasonable fee. If you’re a pedestrian, you can just stroll over to the main square in about fifteen minutes, which is great if you like the idea of walking back to the city center. The noise level is the thing: early mornings are quiet, but by 10 p.m. the traffic on Smilšu iela starts to echo through the building, and the old stone walls don’t do much to muffle the car horns. Still, the soundproofing is decent, and you can push a blanket over the window if you’re a light sleeper. The next morning, the smell of fresh bread from the bakery on Jāņa Pujāts Street drifts in through the open window – a little taste of Riga’s culinary scene right at your doorstep.

Honestly, if

Hotels near me in Riga offer convenient access to the city center, where guests can easily walk to Riga Cathedral, House of the Blackheads, and the famous Art Nouveau district.