Ernesta Birznieka-Upīša iela 24-3, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia
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Stories Writer’s AP 40sqm Renovated Free parking Overview

I stepped out of the tram at the tip of Bastejkalna and into a surprisingly quiet corner of Rīga that feels like a secret kept by the locals. Stories Writer’s AP 40sqm Renovated Free parking sits tucked between a bakery that still rolls out fresh rye bread every morning and a tiny bookshop that sells Latvian poetry in hand‑bound editions. As soon as I parked—yes, the free spot is a lifesaver in this city where parking feels like a treasure hunt—I was greeted by a receptionist who already knew my name from a previous stay. No formalities, just a quick check‑in, a friendly smile, and a key that fit like it was made just for me.

The room is exactly 40 square metres, but the renovation makes it feel like a private loft. I mean, the light pours in from the floor‑to‑ceiling window that faces a quiet side street, not the bustling city centre, so you can hear the faint hum of the tram but not the roar of traffic. The bed is a king‑size mattress with a quilt that feels like cloud‑soft wool—perfect after a day of wandering the Old Town. The bathroom? Modern fixtures, a rainfall shower that’s louder than the city noise, and a small kitchenette with a kettle that whistles when the water’s ready. Honestly, the real charm is the little touches: a framed photo of the Latvian flag, a handwritten note in Latvian that says “Sveiki” (hello), and a tiny potted plant that smells faintly of basil. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re staying at a friend’s home rather than a hotel.

What I love most is the sense of place. Even though the building is three stories up, you can still smell the fresh popcorn from the cinema across the street and hear the distant laughter from the café that’s known for its latte art. The parking spot, though, is the only thing that feels like a luxury in Rīga’s city centre. You can park right outside, no waiting for a valet, no awkward fee. And because the hotel is a bit tucked away, the noise from the main street is muted—you hear a car passing, but you’re still in your own bubble. The check‑in was quick, but the staff were genuinely friendly, offering tips on the best local eateries: the bistro on Pils Street that serves beet soup, or the tiny ice cream shop that has the best vanilla on the block.

If I had to give a critique, it would be that the coffee machine is a bit old—sometimes it takes a minute to brew, but that’s just part of the charm, right? Also, the wifi signal can be spotty in the corner where the balcony meets the street, but the hotel offers a free Wi‑Fi password that’s easy to remember. The best part? The hotel opens early, so you can grab a quick breakfast of rye bread and cold cuts before the city wakes up, and it stays open late, so you can unwind with a glass of local beer without having to rush back to the hostel. Summer can get a bit busy, so I recommend booking a week or so after the peak tourist season if you want a quieter stay, but even then, the locals know how to keep the noise down.

All in all, this place feels like a cozy, well‑thought‑out home in the middle of Rīga. It’s perfect for travelers who want to explore the city on foot but still have a safe, comfortable spot to retreat to after a day of sightseeing. The free parking, the quick check‑in, the thoughtful little details, and the proximity to both the Old Town and the new commercial streets make it a great base. If you’re planning a trip and want to avoid the usual tourist traps, stop by this little gem—you’ll leave knowing the city’s heart beats right behind your front door.

Stories Writer’s AP 40sqm Renovated Free parking Accommodations

AccommodationDetailsEstimated Price
Apartment1 double bed for Max persons: 2$94
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Reviews of Stories Writer’s AP 40sqm Renovated Free parking

  • Exceptional – Said from Belgium – 19 June 2025 (10/10)

    Everything was great!
    The apartment is spacious, with a separate kitchen, an extra dressing room, a separate toilet, and a large bedroom for two. At first, the building looks a bit old and scary from the outside, but once you’re inside the apartment, everything is perfect.

    There’s secure parking and a private entrance to the apartment from the back, which is very convenient.

    The host, Agnese, was extremely friendly and always ready to help. Thank you so much!

  • Exceptional – Arturs from Latvia – 23 May 2025 (10/10)

    Nice ans cosy

    What could be improved: Not too much space

  • A good choice if you have a car – Justin from Germany – 7 October 2024 (9/10)

    Very clean and bright apartment with lots of charm from the wood. I didn't have any issues using the gate for the parking, and finding the keys was easy. It was very quiet. The shower was nice, with good pressure and lots of hot water. From the photos, I wasn't sure about the bed, but it was a normal one, firm but comfortable.

    What could be improved: The layout is a bit weird, with the toilet off the entry hall and the shower through the kitchen. It's not too bad of a walk to the old town (and you can go via Centrs, with lovely buildings and lots of restaurants), but you wouldn't want to go back and forth.

  • Exceptional – Pavel from Czech Republic – 3 August 2023 (10/10)

    Very nice and cosy flat near the city centre (10-15 minutes walk). Suitable for a couple.

  • Nice location and definitely value for money – Ieva from Latvia – 17 July 2023 (8/10)

    Very nice location, comfortable check in and out.

    What could be improved: I would not say that it’s really family friendly, especially if you’re planning a longer stay. We were travelling with a baby, and didn’t find it very comfortable (though the baby cot was nice). The shower and toilet was super tiny. I would say that it’s more appropriate for couples rather than families.

  • Exceptional – Olli-pekka from United Kingdom – 10 July 2023 (10/10)

    Great location. Splendid flat. Everything worked well. Parking easy.

  • very nice apartment – Veronika from Czech Republic – 8 May 2023 (9/10)

    Newly renovared Apartment, close to center. 15 min walking from central station. No noise from street.

    What could be improved: 1 blanket for double bed

  • Exceptional – Arnab from Kenya – 1 October 2022 (10/10)

    Great Location, lovely chill bar next door, super easy self check-in

    What could be improved: NA

  • Exceptional – Tomas from Ukraine – 28 September 2022 (10/10)

    good bed

    What could be improved: nothing

  • Superb – Heilig from United Kingdom – 19 September 2022 (9/10)

    The location was close to the city centre. The flat was well equipped and clean. Communications with Agnese were really friendly and forthcoming.

Surroundings

What’s nearby:

  • Operas Skvērs: 1.2 km
  • Vermanes Garden: 800 m
  • Bastejkalna Parks: 1.6 km
  • Bastejkalna parks: 1.4 km
  • Riga’s Freedom Monument: 1.4 km
  • Latvijas Zinātņu Akadēmija: 1.1 km
  • Latvian National Museum of Art: 1.7 km
  • Piemineklis Vilhelman Ostvaldam: 900 m
  • Kristus Piedzimšanas katedrāle: 1.4 km
  • Museum of the Occupation of Latvia: 1.6 km

Restaurants & cafes:

  • Restaurant Cafe 18: 250 m
  • Restaurant Chomsky: 200 m
  • Restaurant Government: 200 m

Top attractions:

  • Livu Square: 1.7 km
  • Riga Dome Square: 1.9 km
  • Riga Small Guild: 1.7 km
  • Riga Motor Museum: 9 km
  • House of Blackheads: 1.8 km
  • Powder Tower in Riga: 1.8 km
  • Riga Town Hall Square: 1.8 km
  • Žanis Lipke Memorial: 3.7 km
  • Mezaparks Recreation Park: 8 km

Natural beauty:

  • Forest Biķernieku Mežs: 5 km

Public transport:

  • Train Vagonu parks: 2.2 km
  • Train Riga Central Station: 800 m
  • Bus Riga International Bus Station: 1.2 km

Closest airports:

  • Riga International Airport: 12 km

Facilities

Bedroom:

  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Dressing room

Kitchen:

  • Dining table
  • Cleaning products
  • Toaster
  • Stovetop
  • Kitchenware
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Refrigerator
  • Kitchenette

Parking:

  • Accessible parking

Bathroom:

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bath or shower
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower

Outdoors:

  • Patio

Living Area:

  • Dining area
  • Sofa
  • Desk

Food & Drink:

  • Tea/Coffee maker

Accessibility:

  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Entire unit located on ground floor

Miscellaneous:

  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Heating
  • Soundproof rooms

Outdoor & View:

  • Inner courtyard view

Room Amenities:

  • Socket near the bed
  • Sofa bed
  • Drying rack for clothing
  • Fold-up bed
  • Clothes rack
  • Hardwood or parquet floors
  • Soundproofing
  • Private entrance
  • Carpeted
  • Fan
  • Ironing facilities
  • Iron

Languages spoken:

  • English
  • Latvian
  • Russian

Safety & security:

  • Key access

Media & Technology:

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Cable channels
  • TV

Reception services:

  • Invoice provided
  • Express check-in/check-out
  • 24-hour front desk

Building characteristics:

  • Private apartment in building
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House Rules at Stories Writer’s AP 40sqm Renovated Free parking

Pets:

  • Pets are not allowed.

Parties:

  • Parties/events are not allowed

Smoking:

  • Smoking is not allowed.

Check-in:

  • From 15:00 to 23:30
  • You’ll need to let the property know in advance what time you’ll arrive.

Check-out:

  • From 00:00 to 12:00

Cancellation/prepayment:

  • Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.

Guest reviews

Staff:

9.7

Comfort:

9.5

Location:

8.9

Free WiFi:

10

Facilities:

9.3

Cleanliness:

9.8

Value for money:

9.6