Riva Lofts Florence
Extended stay hotel · Pignone ·
Urban retreat with loft suites, pool, garden, and bar
Urban retreat with loft suites, pool, garden, and bar
"Enjoying the peaceful vibe from a spot on the banks of the Arno in the residential Isolotto neighborhood, this former early-20th-century factory is walkable to the center or a quick ride from the nearby tram stop; better yet, borrow a bike and ride the lovely waterfront path into town, with views that are among the very best ways to appreciate Florence’s medieval cityscape beauty. Inside, floor-to-ceiling picture windows, cross-vault ceilings, exposed brickwork, and old fireplaces create a historic backdrop for minimalist interiors filled with modern and midcentury furniture. A striking heated pool in the garden — flanked by greenery — along with an honesty bar for aperitivo, a few hammocks strung between the trees, and the contemporary onsite restaurant, Riva K (serving dinner Wednesday through Sunday), are rare luxuries in Florence." - Laura Rysman
"An off-the-beaten-path gem on the left bank of the Arno, slightly removed from the city's hustle for a sleepy retreat still close to Florence's Renaissance heart; originally a factory until 1880, later artisan workshops and the home-atelier of architect Claudio Nardi, it now features soothing, airy interiors with modern, understated decor." - The MICHELIN Guide
"Riva Lofts is an early 20th-century stone building that's been converted into urban retreat in Isolotto, a suburban neighborhood on the outskirts of the city center. This is an architect's fantasy loft; it's a minimalist space that highlights the building's original architecture (exposed brickwork, arches). Design elements include midcentury furniture, gorgeous built-ins, and fireplaces. There's also a gorgeous pool, complete with contemporary art sculptures amid the surrounding greenery, and a well-stocked honesty bar. This is a great retreat from hot, crowded Florence. The pool alone is worth it." - Nicky Swallow, Erica Firpo
"Start us off with an overview. Located on the south bank of the Arno in Isolotto, a suburb west of the city centre, Riva Lofts is a collection of early-20th-century stone buildings—once artisan workshops—that have been converted into an urban retreat by local architect Claudio Nardi. It's a 20 minute taxi-ride from Piazza della Signoria, but you can use one of the vintage hotel bikes to get in and out of town via a riverside path. Got it. So who else has found their way here? Artists and young families. How's check-in? Very fluid, very easy check-in and up-to-date tech. Excellent—we're eager to get to our room. Speaking of, how are the accommodations? This is an architect's fantasy loft; it's a minimalist space that highlights the building's original architecture (exposed brickwork, arches). Design elements include midcentury furniture, gorgeous built-ins, and fireplaces. What little details most stood out to you? Olive oil toiletries. Are there any notable food options on the premises? An abundant Italian breakfast buffet of homemade bread, croissants, organic yogurt, and muesli sets up shop each morning in the lounge, which has a fireplace, and outside by the pool. What else should we be sure to check out while we're here? There's a gorgeous pool, complete with contemporary art sculptures amid the surrounding greenery, and a well-stocked honesty bar. Bottom line: worth it, and why? This is a great retreat from hot, crowded Florence. The pool alone is worth it." - Erica Firpo
"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 a working archaeological site in the basement." - Mark Fedeli