— The hotel
S7 Apartment
S7 Apartment sits right on 7 Struktoru iela, a narrow cobblestone lane that you stumble upon after wandering down the Lielais Boulevard. The building itself has that old‑world charm—brick façade, a faint scent of fresh paint, and a brass door knocker that feels oddly nostalgic. When you step inside, the lobby feels more like a cozy living room than a hotel entrance: warm wood paneling, a hand‑woven rug, and a couple of vintage Latvian posters on the wall. The staff greet you with a quick “Sveiki” and a smile that makes you feel instantly at home. Their check‑in process is quick, and they hand you a keycard that opens not only the apartment but also the lounge where you can grab a free cup of coffee—another win for early‑morning travelers.
The apartment itself is a surprisingly spacious 45‑square‑meter flat. I mean, you’ll be able to spread out fully without feeling cramped. The living area doubles as a small kitchen, complete with a compact fridge, a single‑blade stove, and a little espresso machine that’s practically begging you to try it. The bed? A queen with a mattress that feels like a cloud, and the linens are crisp, not the cheap hotel stuff you might find elsewhere. The bathroom is bright and functional, with a rain shower that’s surprisingly soothing after a day of exploring. The real perk for me was the balcony—small, but it opens onto a quiet corner of Struktoru, where you can hear the distant hum of traffic and the occasional laughter from a nearby café. During sunset, the balcony light turns amber and the whole block seems to pause for a moment. I love waking up to the scent of fresh coffee and the faint smell of street‑food stalls from the corner of the marketplace (just a few steps away, if you’re into that kind of thing).
One thing you’ll notice right away is how quiet it gets after 10 pm, even though it’s right in the middle of town. The building’s insulation is top‑notch, so you won’t hear the subway or the bustling market noise that’s so close. There’s free street parking under the building, but it fills up fast during peak season, so if you’re traveling in summer, I’d get a parking permit or just walk—Riga is pretty walkable, and you’ll pass by the Daugava River and the Freedom Monument in no time. The staff were friendly about the parking arrangement, and they even suggested a few nearby cafés that open early, so you can grab a croissant before the city wakes up. Honestly, the only small critique I have is that the Wi‑Fi speed dips a bit during the early morning rush, but it’s still fast enough for checking emails or streaming a show. All in all, S7 Apartment feels like a true local hide‑away, and I’d definitely stay there again—just make sure you check the parking plan if you’re traveling during the busy summer months.
To book a hotel in Riga during major Baltic festivals, travelers need early planning as this medieval Hanseatic capital draws visitors eager to experience its UNESCO World Heritage old town and vibrant cultural scene.