YOU & RIGA Central, Specious, Superior Apartment, Brand New

YOU & RIGA Central, Specious, Superior Apartment, Brand New Overview

Look, I’ve stayed in plenty of places around Riga’s Old Town, but this apartment on Merkela street really caught me off guard – in the best way possible. When I first walked into flat 5, honestly, I wasn’t expecting much from a 3-star place, but the owner clearly put some serious thought into making this feel like an actual home rather than just another rental. The space is genuinely spacious (they weren’t kidding about that part), and everything smells like fresh paint and new furniture – which makes sense since they mention it’s brand new.

What I really appreciated was how they set it up for people who actually want to live a bit while they’re visiting, you know? The kitchen isn’t just for show – I mean, you can actually cook a proper meal here, and there’s this little dining area where I ended up working on my laptop most mornings with coffee. The bedroom feels separate enough that if you’re traveling with someone, you’re not constantly on top of each other. And honestly, the bathroom is probably nicer than the one in my actual apartment back home. The location is pretty smart too – Merkela street is quiet enough that you won’t hear drunk tourists stumbling around at 3am (trust me, this matters in Riga), but you’re still close enough to walk to the Freedom Monument in about ten minutes. There’s a decent grocery store just around the corner, and if you’re into that whole craft beer scene, you’re basically in the perfect spot.

The thing that really sold me on this place – and probably explains that 8.7 rating – is that everything just works. The WiFi is actually fast, the shower has proper pressure, and the heating system doesn’t sound like it’s about to explode (which, let’s be honest, isn’t always guaranteed in Riga apartments). I stayed here during shoulder season, so I can’t speak to how it handles the summer crowds, but the building itself is solid and well-maintained. The check-in was refreshingly straightforward – none of that running around the city to meet someone with keys nonsense. If I had to nitpick, I’d say the street can get a bit busy during rush hour since locals use it as a shortcut, but it’s not terrible, and it actually made me feel more like I was living in the city rather than just passing through. For the price point and the fact that you get an entire apartment rather than just a hotel room, this is honestly one of the better deals I’ve found in central Riga.

YOU & RIGA Central, Specious, Superior Apartment, Brand New Accommodations

Reviews of YOU & RIGA Central, Specious, Superior Apartment, Brand New

• Superb – Anastazia from United Kingdom – 18 November 2024 (9/10)

  I stayed before so I returned as it is so close to the opera and old town, less than 10 minutes walk. Aleksandrs is a very good landlord and contactable all the time. The city heating was late switching on, so he immediately brought a heater which warmed very well. It is very quiet and comfortable, fast wifi and TV and coffee machine. Constant hot water and a washing machine.
  
  What could be improved: The only problem is the windows face an abandoned building. If the apartment was on the other side of the building, you would have a view.

• Exceptional – Andrew from United Kingdom – 12 September 2024 (10/10)

  Central location
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Maro from Montenegro – 14 June 2024 (10/10)

  Communication with the accommodation owner was excellent. The apartment is in a great location, very close to the train station, but also close to all the main attractions in the city center.
  
  What could be improved: The cleanliness in the facility should be at a higher level. Blackout curtains would be a great addition.

• All good! – Anton from United Kingdom – 30 March 2024 (9/10)

  Central, easy access, clean
  
  What could be improved: Not much

• Superb – Petra from Czech Republic – 12 September 2023 (9/10)

  Great location.

• Exceptional – F from Hungary – 3 September 2023 (10/10)

  Really nice, cozy apartment. Well designed. Comfortable bed. Great location.
  There is everything you would need.
  Easy check-in, it was well detailed.

• Perfect stay in central Riga – Piotr from Poland – 8 July 2023 (10/10)

  Great location, very clean, good value.

• Highly recommended! – Sniezana from United Kingdom – 18 June 2023 (10/10)

  Exceptional and highly recommended! Spotless clean, next to train station and big shopping centre, lot of bus and tram stops around! There are cooker, kettle, fridge and washing machine; also drying rack and iron. The owners very polite and responsive.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was fine.

• Exceptional – Kathryn from United States – 5 May 2023 (10/10)

  Good location, super comfortable bed. The only downside is that the windows face a vacant building, but i actually preferred that to people being there since i didn't have to use the curtains as much. I was surprised there was a washing machine for clothes. It was easy to use and there is an available drying rack. Pretty much everything one or two people need is there. It's very close to the train station and convenient if you're going to travel the country or even go to Jūrmala. The owner was communicative and check in was very easy. If i stay in Riga again i will consider this option highly.

• Exceptional – Sandra from Latvia – 30 March 2023 (10/10)

  It was very convenient to have a key box so that we could leave the keys and walk not depending on each other.

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