White LUX apartment next to the Old town with free parking and high speed internet

White LUX apartment next to the Old town with free parking and high speed internet sits at 6 Merķeļa iela, a stone’s throw from the cobblestones of Rīga’s historic center. I first spotted it on a rainy morning in May, when the city’s main square was a blur of umbrellas and steam from the nearby café. The building itself looks almost like a modern art installation against the older brick facades, with a clean, minimalist façade that feels surprisingly inviting. Check‑in was quick – a friendly front desk clerk handed me a key card and a map of the nearest bus stops, but there was a tiny hiccup when the card didn’t flash the first time, so I had to ask for a backup. Fortunately, the free parking is right in front of the building, and you can actually park with a flat fee of zero euros, which is a huge plus if you’re traveling with a car. The internet is blazing fast; I streamed a Latvian documentary in 4K without a hiccup, which honestly blew my expectations for a 3‑star place.

The apartment itself is cozy, with a living area that feels like an extension of a local café – the soft linen on the couch, the subtle scent of fresh coffee drifting from the balcony. The floor plan is practical: a small kitchenette that’s just enough to whip up a quick breakfast, a bathroom with a deep tub that’s perfect after a day of walking along Mēnciema iela. Noise levels are decent; the main street is lively but you can still hear the gentle chime of the old clock tower and the distant murmur of streetcars. If you’re a night owl, the upstairs window is a little noisy with passing buses, but a good earplugs set keeps the bubbles of Riga at bay. I would have liked a slightly larger balcony to enjoy the early morning light, but the view of the narrow alley still feels charming.

What really makes this spot shine are the little local touches. Just a short walk you hit the famous “Rīgas Rūta” shop on Brīvības iela for artisanal pastries, and a few steps away the “Saldumju” ice cream parlor is a treat on a hot July afternoon. I found myself sipping a latte at