— The hotel
White LUX apartments next to the Old town with free parking
First Impressions
When I first pulled up to White LUX apartments next to the Old town with free parking, I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical — the name sounds almost too good to be true, right? But honestly, this three-star property delivers exactly what it promises. The building itself is clean and modern, tucked away on a quiet residential street that somehow feels both peaceful and perfectly positioned. You know what struck me most? The fact that I actually found a parking spot right there without circling the block five times like I usually do in European city centers.
Location & Getting Around
Here’s the thing about staying on Merķeļa iela — you’re literally a 10-minute walk from Riga‘s stunning Old Town, but you’re not dealing with the tourist crowds right outside your window. I mean, you can grab coffee at a local café in the morning and still make it to the cathedral square before most day-trippers even finish breakfast. The neighborhood has that authentic Latvian residential vibe, with tree-lined streets and locals going about their daily routines. Plus, there’s a small grocery store just around the corner, which came in handy more than once.
The Apartment Setup
The apartment I stayed in was genuinely spacious — not just “European spacious,” but actually roomy. The kitchenette is properly equipped (I made pasta one night and it worked out perfectly), and the room has enough space to spread out your stuff without feeling cluttered. The décor is clean and minimalist, maybe a bit sterile for some tastes, but I found it refreshingly uncluttered after staying in overly decorated places. The Wi-Fi was solid, and the heating worked exactly as it should — small things that matter when you’re staying somewhere for more than just sleeping.
Practical Considerations
Let’s talk about that free parking situation because it’s actually a big deal in Riga. Most places either charge extra or leave you scrambling to find street parking that won’t result in a ticket. Here, you just park and forget about it. The staff was helpful when I needed directions, though check-in is pretty straightforward and self-sufficient. One thing to note — if you’re expecting hotel-style daily housekeeping, this isn’t that kind of place. It’s more like having your own temporary apartment, which I personally preferred.
Why Guests Love It
What really works about this place is how it strikes that sweet spot between independence and convenience. You’re not paying for services you don’t need, but you’re getting the essentials done right — good location, reliable amenities, and yes, that parking situation that saves both money and headaches. The 8.7 rating makes sense once you’re there; it’s not trying to be fancy, but it nails the practical stuff that actually matters when you’re exploring a city. If you want to experience Riga like a temporary local rather than a hotel tourist, this setup just works.