— The hotel
Zanna`s Apartment – Matisa 101
First Impressions
Walking up to Zanna’s Apartment – Matisa 101 on a quiet residential street in Riga, you immediately get the sense this isn’t your typical hotel experience. It’s tucked into a well-maintained apartment building on Matīsa iela, and honestly, that’s exactly what makes it special. This three-star place has managed to score a 9.6 rating, and after staying here, I totally get why.
The Neighborhood Feel
You know what I love about this location? It’s properly residential — you’re living like a local rather than being stuck in some touristy bubble. There’s a small grocery store just around the corner, and the tram stop is maybe a three-minute walk away. The area feels safe and quiet, especially in the evenings when you can actually hear yourself think. It’s one of those spots where you’ll see neighbors walking their dogs and kids playing in the courtyard.
The Space Itself
The apartment is surprisingly spacious for what you pay — I mean, you’re getting a proper living area, not just a cramped hotel room. Zanna has clearly put thought into the setup; there’s a functional kitchen with everything you actually need (decent coffee maker, proper fridge, even some basic dishes). The Wi-Fi is solid, and there’s this cozy reading nook by the window that catches the morning light perfectly.
Getting Around
Here’s the thing about staying in this part of Riga — you’re about 15 minutes by tram to Old Town, but you’re also close to some genuinely good local spots that most tourists miss completely. There’s this little bakery two blocks down that does incredible rye bread, and parking is actually manageable if you’re driving (which, let’s be honest, is rare in European city centers). The public transport connections are genuinely useful, not just adequate.
Why Guests Love It
What really sets this place apart is how Zanna runs it — she’s responsive without being intrusive, and you can tell she actually cares about the space. The apartment feels lived-in rather than sterile, with books on the shelves and local guidebooks that have actual useful notes written in the margins. It’s clean, well-maintained, and has that rare quality of feeling like a temporary home rather than just somewhere to crash. For the price point, you’re getting way more space and personality than any standard hotel would offer in Riga.
