Penthouse with Private Rooftop

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first heard “penthouse” for a 3-star place, I was skeptical. But this little gem on Smilšu iela actually delivers on that promise in the most charming way possible. You’re basically getting the top floor of this gorgeous old Riga building, and yeah, it really does feel like you’ve scored something special. The moment you step out onto that private rooftop (and I mean completely private – no sharing with other guests), you get this incredible view over the Old Town’s terracotta roofs that makes you forget you’re not paying five-star prices.

The location is pretty much perfect if you want to be in the thick of things without the tourist circus. Smilšu street is one of those cobblestone beauties that locals actually use – you’ll see people heading to work in the morning, not just cruise ship groups with selfie sticks. You’re maybe a three-minute walk from the Town Hall Square, but far enough that you won’t hear the late-night revelry echoing off the medieval walls. I mean, Riga’s Old Town isn’t huge anyway, but being on this particular street puts you right in that sweet spot where you can walk to Dome Cathedral or the Freedom Monument without breaking a sweat, yet still duck into proper local spots for dinner. There’s this fantastic little café called Miit just around the corner that serves the best coffee in the area – trust me on this one.

What really sets this place apart is how they’ve managed to make it feel like a real home rather than a hotel room with a view. The space itself is surprisingly spacious (those old buildings have character, you know?), and honestly, I spent more time on that rooftop than I planned. Morning coffee up there while watching the city wake up, evening wine while the sunset hits St. Peter’s Church spire – it’s the kind of thing that makes you extend your stay. The 9.4 rating makes total sense once you’re there. Sure, it’s not going to have a concierge desk or room service, but the host really knows their stuff about the city and the whole experience feels more authentic than those big chain hotels near the train station. Just a heads up though – it’s on the 5th floor and I don’t remember seeing an elevator, so pack light if you’re not up for hauling luggage up some stairs. But honestly? That minor inconvenience is totally worth it for what you get.