Riva Lofts Florence
One Michelin Key
Hotel Details
Location
Riva Lofts Florence · Florence, Italy
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Expert Review: Riva Lofts Florence
Riva Lofts Florence: A Tranquil Design Oasis with Michelin Recognition
Riva Lofts Florence, a distinguished Michelin One-Key property, consistently garners high praise for its exceptional design, serene atmosphere, and personalized service, offering a unique "home away from home" experience on the banks of the Arno River. This immaculately designed ten-suite modernist luxury boutique, a former 19th-century factory, artisans' workshop, and architectural studio, blends historical elements with cutting-edge contemporary aesthetics.
Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing Riva Lofts as an "absolute gem" and a "perfect oasis" away from the bustling city center. Review scores are consistently high, reflecting widespread satisfaction with its unique charm and amenities.
Key Highlights
Guests particularly adore the hotel's stunning design, the tranquil garden with its white sandstone swimming pool (a rarity in Florence), and the intimate, relaxing setting. The friendly, attentive, and professional staff are frequently highlighted for their exceptional hospitality and personalized touch. Complimentary bicycles are a much-loved perk, enabling easy exploration of the city along the river.
Room Quality
The lofts, each individually designed by architect Claudio Nardi, are celebrated for their modern, spacious, and comfortable interiors. They seamlessly combine period stone walls and arched windows with contemporary elements like concrete floors, sleek designer furniture, and modern lighting. All suites feature private entrances, and most include kitchenettes, offering a sense of independence and privacy. Some lofts boast private terraces or offer picturesque views across the Arno River towards Parco delle Cascine or even Brunelleschi's Cupola. Guests appreciate the thoughtful details like quality toiletries and comfortable beds.
Dining Experience
The breakfast at Riva Lofts is highly lauded as excellent and varied. Served as a buffet in the charming living room or on the garden terrace overlooking the pool, it features fresh bread, pancakes, homemade cakes and preserves, local Tuscan ham and cheeses, fresh fruit, muesli, yogurt, and kefir. Gluten-free and vegan options are also available. The on-site "Riva Kitchen" restaurant offers dinner (typically Wednesday to Saturday) and sometimes brunch, focusing on seasonal Tuscan ingredients with contemporary flair, and guests have praised the food quality and friendly interaction with the chef. An honesty bar is also available for drinks and snacks.
Service & Staff
The staff consistently receives glowing reviews for being "wonderful," "friendly," "helpful," and "attentive." Guests frequently mention the personal touch and the staff's dedication to making their stay enjoyable, offering assistance with recommendations and going "above and beyond" to help.
Location & Accessibility
Riva Lofts is situated on the tranquil left bank of the Arno River, directly opposite the historic Parco delle Cascine, approximately 2 kilometers from Florence's city center. This slightly peripheral location provides a peaceful retreat from the city's crowds while remaining highly accessible. Guests can reach the historic center by a scenic 20-30 minute walk along the river, a 10-minute bike ride (complimentary bikes are provided), or a short tram ride (the Sansovino or Paolo Uccello tram stops are just 200 meters away, connecting to Santa Maria Novella station in minutes). The hotel also offers parking for a fee and is easily reachable from Florence Peretola Airport by tram or taxi.
Value & Pricing
While pricing can vary based on season and room type, rates for Riva Lofts Florence typically range from around €190 to €230 per night for various studio and suite options, with some deals found lower. Guests generally consider it to be good value for the cost, especially given the unique design, amenities, and high level of service.
Common Complaints
While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted by guests. These include occasional mentions of potential background traffic noise in the gardens or pool area due to proximity to the road, and the restaurant being closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Some guests have experienced less-than-ideal shower pressure or found the beds to be slightly firm, which can be a matter of personal preference. Additionally, the design of staircases in multi-level lofts, while stylish, has been noted as potentially challenging for elderly guests due to a lack of railings. Intermittent Wi-Fi issues in some rooms have also been reported.
Sources
Google Reviews
208 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
aasm
Great little spot in Florence! Stayed there for two days and the easy access to the tram was really convenient. Also had a local Pam shop, nice room, super nice employees and a relaxing breakfast area. Would for sure go back there if going to Florence again! Only small criticism is that I wished the bed was one large instead of two singles placed together, and the warm water in the shower took a ...
Kurtis DeMarse
My wife and I absolutely loved our stay at the Riva Lofts. We discovered them through the Mr. & Mrs. Smith Collection with Hyatt. I'm grateful for this because I'm not sure I would have found them through a typical hotel search. Everything about our stay was perfect. We were in the upstairs room which was huge and very cozy. The staff were all amazing and the food exquisite. My wife and I li...
Jonathan Lee
I had an absolutely wonderful stay at Riva Lofts. Although the hotel is located away from the Florence old city center, we were near a tram stop and a short 10-15 minute ride into the old city (or a 30-40 minute walk). This makes Riva Lofts a convenient stay from the hustle and bustle of the old city center. Additionally, Riva Lofts feels like a truly boutique experience, which makes it uniquely ...
Liubov Cioban
This place is a little hidden haven. we felt like we were in a luxury tuscan villa, right in the middle of Florence. Everything from the rooms, to the breakfast is absolutely amazing. The staff are the best! would definitely recommend it for anyone who wants to have a luxurious experience.
Mary Palmer
Had an excellent three night stay at Riva Lofts. Quiet and peaceful, the rooms were spotless and the breakfast was excellent. It’s quite far out of town but it’s a lovely walk by the Arno and the trams are now back up and running into the station if that’s more your thing - only costs €1 per journey and takes contactless!
Brianne Clark
Laura was excited and ready to help with anything. Very warm and friendly. Dinner and breakfast were fantastic and so were the waitstaff. There stairs to navigate up to your loft bedroom and inconvenient walkways for luggage as the only downside.
About One Michelin Key
One Michelin Key is awarded to hotels that offer a very special stay. These properties are characterized by their unique personality, high quality, and ability to create memorable experiences for guests.
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