Riva Lofts Florence

By the Italian standards, Riva Lofts is on the young side: this 19th-century complex on the banks of the Arno river has lived only three previous lives—a factory, artisans’ workshops, an architectural studio—on the way to its present incarnation, an immaculately designed ten-suite modernist luxury boutique.

In Italy even the most modern hotel has hundreds or thousands of years of architectural history to deal with—one hypermodern hotel in Rome has even a working archaeological site in the basement.

At Riva period stone walls and arched windows share time with concrete floors and modern additions in glass and metal, just as contemporary artworks and antique mirrors and chairs coexist peacefully with sleek designer furniture and the absolute latest in lighting and bathroom fixtures.

It’s a bit like a photo shoot for a high-end design catalog, albeit a pretty livable one — all suites have private entrances, all but one have kitchens, and a few have private terraces or views across the river toward the Parco delle Cascine or Brunelleschi’s Cupola.

And along with all this private space in the suites, there’s a generous helping of common space as well, from the sitting room, lined with bookshelves and warmed by a stone fireplace, to the white sandstone swimming pool at the center of the courtyard garden.

Newly added is a pair of extra perks: in-room massage or yoga in the garden with an expert trainer.

Main text courtesy of Tablet Hotels.

in our opinion

Developed not as hotel but as a collection of chic studios for guests of architect Claudio Nardi, Riva Lofts is truly a unique place.

What we love

• The perks of location just outside Florence's city centre: peaceful riverside setting, lots of outside space, with beautiful gardens and a swimming pool—and vintage bikes for pleasant ride to the town;
• The contemporary chic of interiors—in the historic city. It's a welcome respite from the traditional Florentine fare;
• Great communal lounge with library, comfy leather sofa and crackling fires in winter;
• Apart from the use of bikes, included in the rate are daily Italian breakfast, in-room soft drinks, as well as coffee and tea in the communal living room.

What you should know

• Riva is located some 2km from the centre of Florence, but there are taxis, trams (tickets available at the reception) and free bikes, with a traffic-free cycle path into town;
• There is no 24-hour service: reception is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m, though late arrivals can be arranged;
• Breakfast is served, but otherwise the apartments are self-catering and there is no onsite restaurant;
• There is some background traffic noise in the gardens and pool and some rooms are right next to the road.