I came to Riga on a last-minute trip to work remotely and do some sight seeing with my free time. I was searching for places that fit certain criteria: an entire apartment, WiFi, space to work, a decent kitchen, and perhaps most importantly, afforable (as I was staying for 9 days). There were almost no options that matched those requirements, and those that did had major downfalls - they were in less than ideal locations, they were really small, they had very small kitchens or very small beds (or in some cases, even no bed/a bunk bed/a futon-style bed).
Karsten's apartment had everything and comes exactly as advertised and more. The layout is very cool, with the bedroom on the upstairs level and the kitchen/kitchen table/bathroom downstairs (as a remote worker, that helped separate work and sleep). The bed was actually a bed, and the room has lots of drawer space/some closet space for hanging my things. The downstairs kitchen was complete and has everything you could need - gas stove, toaster, microwave/kettle, all utensils and pot/glassware; there's even a drawer with some spices! The bathroom was perhaps the biggest surprise, as it has a toilet/spacious full tub with bright lighting, conveniently tucked away from the kitchen.
But what really separates the apartment into the next level are the little details: the bed has reading lights on each side (if you're planning with someone else). The towels were new and fresh. There's a radio in the kitchen (where I recommend cooking to the delightful sounds of Relax FM, nothing but hits!). There was a tourist map left out on the table. The apartment was always nicely warm and cozy (and there was no need to touch anything or control anything to make it that way!). There were some house slippers in the shoe rack. There's several windows and lots of natural light (but each window also has blinds, if you want darkness). And most importantly, it was a very very quiet neighborhood where actual people in Riga live. . . just a short walk to the old town and there's buses/trams nearby too.
I don't normally write so much for an AirBnB review, but I felt compelled to do so for Karsten's place because it was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks again!