Shane Fonner

Riva Lofts

  • Where:
  • Why:Factory visits and inspiration trip.
  • When:November 2014.
  • Who:My fiance and I.
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Riva Lofts
Riva Lofts Cherry blossoms in the common lounge. Cozy nook overlooking the Arno.

Cherry blossoms in the common lounge. Cozy nook overlooking the Arno.

Riva Lofts One of the cozy common areas.

One of the cozy common areas.

Riva Lofts Outside in the evening.

Outside in the evening.

Riva Lofts Sauntering around the piazza.

Sauntering around the piazza.

Riva Lofts Poolside at Riva Lofts.

Poolside at Riva Lofts.

Riva Lofts Riverside triplex.

Riverside triplex.

Riva Lofts Top floor loft - breathtaking place for a nap and a bath.

Top floor loft - breathtaking place for a nap and a bath.

Riva Lofts Wading pool and manicured grounds.

Wading pool and manicured grounds.

Highs & Lows

  • 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.

  • Not many negatives to this place- quiet, peaceful, and reclusive while still being nearby enough to walk almost anywhere one needs to go in central Florence within 20 minutes.

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Environmental Consciousness

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 49/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Design-heavy home away from home.

  • Vibe

    High design villa living alongside the Arno.

  • Location

    Right next to the Arno on Florence’s Rive Gauche. With the tram, you’re only 3 minutes and $1.25 from the epicenter of Florence’s historical hub.

  • Rooms

    10

  • Music

    The music is appropriately chic in the surroundings.

  • Year Opened

    2008

  • Designed By

    The owner Claudio Nardi, renowned architect of LuisaViaRoma (Florence’s historic top fashion boutique), Valentino, and Dolce & Gabbana stores worldwide, as well as one of their homes. Riva Lofts, formerly a leather workshop and home/workspace for Nardi, is his passion project and reflects his design aesthetic.

  • Health & Wellness

    There is a tastefully placed wading and lap pool on the grounds.

  • Restaurant

    No restaurant per se, but a beautiful common room where breakfast is served by the friendly staff each morning.

  • Bar

    No bar, but Florence is teeming with places to grab a limoncello or an Aperol spritz.

  • Minibar

    Hand-selected wine, grappa and prosecco in the fridge, plus a 24/7 “honesty” bar stocking local wine, beer, and more.

  • Children

    Yes

  • Price

    Mid-range and up; seasonal rates vary.

  • Website

    Visit website

Vinaino Lo Sprone

Vinaino Lo Sprone

Via dello Sprone, 17/red, 50125 Firenze, Italy

The Continentale Rooftop Bar

The Continentale Rooftop Bar

Vicolo dell'Oro, 6, 50123 Firenze, Italy

Riva Lofts

Riva Lofts

Via Baccio Bandinelli 98, 50142 Florence, Italy

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