We've had some wonderful days at Jānis place. By bus or by walking we got rapidly to oldtown. We preferred the walk over the two bridges which always was a got start for the day.
Jānis place is as described. We could prepare food in his kitchen and wash clothes. Although the place is right next to a street the windows work efficient and you almost here nothing.
For those who want to stay some days in Riga I recommend to have a walk through Jānis' Block south-west and the "newcity" up north from oldtown. Oldtown is beautiful however full of commercial stores and expensive foreign bars.
Public transport is very cheap therefore visiting the outer skirts of Riga i.e. Jurmala is a must.