— The hotel
Sunset view apartment
Sunset view apartment is tucked into the quieter side of Grēcinieku iela, just a stone’s throw from the old city’s cobbles. When I first stepped into the lobby, the staff—two locals with friendly smiles—checked me in with a speed that made me feel like a regular, not a tourist. The reception desk is modest, no bling, but the handwritten welcome note in Latvian gave it an instantly personal feel. I mean, you get the sense that the apartment owners actually live here and care about guest experience. Parking was a breeze; there’s a small, paid spot behind the building that never gets full even during the summer rush. The first thing I noticed was the aroma of fresh bread drifting from a bakery on Lielā iela, just three minutes away on foot. You know what, the street’s noise is surprisingly low—mostly the hum of traffic, not the clatter of tourists.
Inside, the apartment feels like a loft with high ceilings, exposed beams, and plenty of natural light that makes the space feel airy. The living area is cozy, with a sofa that actually cushions well and a view that frames the sunset over the Daugava River—hence the name. I spent an evening watching the sky change colors while sipping coffee from the small kitchen. The kitchen is surprisingly well-equipped: a double-basket coffee maker, a ceramic kettle, and a fridge that keeps things cool without the constant whirr you find in some hotels. The bathroom is a minimalist aesthetic with a deep soaking tub that’s perfect for unwinding after a day walking to the nearby Riga Central Market. The only downside I found was the slight creak in the wooden floorboards when I walked, but honestly, it’s almost charming—like a secret whisper of the building’s age.
Noise-wise, the apartment stays quiet past midnight, which is great if you want to sleep after a late night at the Old Town. The only issue is that the front entrance is a bit close to a small café that stays open late, so if you’re a light sleeper, you might catch the sound of espresso machines. But that’s a small trade-off for staying so close to things like the Riga Concert Hall
