Riva Lofts

The design of the hotel, by architect and owner Claudio Nardi, is out of this world cool- imagine your home was a high fashion store set in a rustic former leather workshop right on the Arno on the quiet rive gauche of Florence and you’re getting there…

The location on the south side of the Arno just outside the ancient city walls is perfect for both a relaxing stay away or a work trip- the tram is on the corner and with only 2 stops to the main train station and Santa Maria Novella, you’re centrally located enough to feel like a local.

The units are private and comfortable- rainforest showers and a multitude of clear glass surfaces endear the hotel with clean sight lines and an open feel. The larger units upstairs come with unreal terraces and giant arched windows with the Duomo in the distance.

The bath soaps and shampoos are locally sourced and made of luxurious olive oils…the smell is one you’ll likely remember for some time to come. The beds are lights out, tough to stay awake once your head hits the pillow.

The front desk staff is extremely helpful and well informed: try their dinner and restaurant recommendations as Mr. Nardi and his staff are inequitably clued in to the scene in Florence.