We asked for something unusual, and we got it. This is a converted basement apartment in a four-story building; apparently at one time it was a restaurant or night club. It is so near the Latvian parliament that taxis had to drop us off and pick us up on the opposite side of the square in front. (Bolt is the online service you use in the Baltics, not Uber.)
In July, the place had a damp and musty smell, even when the dehumidifier was running – it had to be emptied daily. And there are no windows, just some vents with fans that provide a minimum of circulation. I can’t imagine what it would be like in winter with the fireplace in use.
The beds were comfortable enough. The sit-down shower was awkward, but we knew it would be. The kitchen was acceptable except for the half-size “refrigerator,” which is one of those coolers without a freezer you see in stores selling chilled bottles and cans. The WiFi was reliable.
I am an older guy and travel with a pulse oximeter, mostly for early diagnosis of Covid. I found my pulse increasing and my oxygen level decreasing the more I stayed in Riga. Both improved when I left. It could have been all the exertion of walking around town, but I suspect some of it was the air quality of this apartment. My younger travel companion did not notice a change.
Another reviewer suggested some money should be invested for upgrades. That, though, would raise the daily cost. I vote for leaving it the way it is, and consider it like a camping trip but with many amenities. For the young, adventurous and not so wealthy, it will be memorable.