— The hotel
Top Location Studio in Old Town
First Impressions
When I first walked up to Top Location Studio in Old Town, I’ll be honest — the building itself isn’t going to win any architectural awards. But you know what? That completely misses the point. This three-star property sits right on Pasta iela, which means you’re literally steps away from everything that makes Riga special. I mean, the location score of 10.0 isn’t just marketing fluff — it’s actually earned.
The Heart of Old Town
Here’s what I love about staying here: you wake up and you’re already in the thick of things. The cobblestone streets of Vecrīga are right outside your door, and honestly, you can walk to the Town Hall Square in about two minutes. I spent my mornings grabbing coffee from the little café around the corner (locals go there, which is always a good sign) and my evenings wandering back through the medieval streets after dinner. The Daugava River is close enough that you can take evening strolls along the embankment without any planning — it just happens naturally.
The Studio Space
The room itself is exactly what you’d expect from a studio setup — compact but thoughtfully arranged. There’s a small kitchenette that actually works well if you want to grab groceries from the Central Market (which, by the way, is walking distance). The space feels clean and modern, though don’t expect fancy amenities. What you get is a comfortable bed, decent Wi-Fi, and a window that looks out onto the old town streets. Sometimes you can hear the clip-clop of horse carriages in the morning, which sounds touristy but is actually kind of charming.
Practical Considerations
One thing to know — parking in this area can be tricky, but that’s true for most of Old Town Riga. I actually recommend just using public transport or walking everywhere once you arrive. The tram stops are close by, and honestly, most of what you want to see is within a few blocks anyway. The building doesn’t have a restaurant, but with Riga’s food scene literally surrounding you, that’s hardly a problem. I found some incredible spots just by wandering — there’s this little place that does amazing pork ribs just down the street.
Why Guests Love It
Look, this isn’t a place you choose for the amenities or the lobby experience. You choose it because when you step outside, you’re immediately part of the city’s rhythm. Couples seem to really get this — there’s something romantic about being able to stroll through medieval streets at midnight and be home in minutes. The 8.0 rating makes sense because it delivers exactly what it promises: a clean, comfortable base in an unbeatable location. For the price point, you’re essentially paying for that address, and in a city like Riga where location really matters, that’s actually a pretty smart trade-off.