Following Leonardo da Vinci's footsteps in Italy
Leonardo da Vinci is without doubt the genius for excellence that, in Italy, has left more than a trace
Riva LoftsFlorence
A collection of glam studios and suites on the banks of the River Arno
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Best For Families, Couples, Honeymoon
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Rooms 10 designed Studio rooms
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Highlights Perfect choice for a summer stay, lots of outdoor space with gorgeous gardens and a slimline pool, very rare in Florence. Free bikes for cycling into town along a traffic-free cycle path
Clever restoration of an historic mill on Florence's Arno river with super-cool contemporary interiors -
Holiday Offers A 3-night break starts from £ 635 per person sharing a Superior Studio including breakfast and 3h walking tour of Florence
Riva Lofts
Converted from an historic mill on Florence’s Arno river, these studios and suites offer an excellent alternative to staying in the centre of the city. Riva Lofts is opposite the Parco delle Cascine, 2km along the river from the Ponte Vecchio in the heart of Florence.
After a hectic day sightseeing in Florence, the Riva Lofts garden is a little patch of paradise, with hammocks, sun beds and a pool. Bikes are available for those who prefer to cycle into Florence. There is a shared living room with a TV and library.
Other facilities include a concierge service for advice and reservations for museums, restaurants, theatre and concerts.
A limited number of parking spaces make Riva Lofts a great option for anyone with a car. Much of the centre of Florence is traffic-free and is much better explored on foot.
After a hectic day sightseeing in Florence, the Riva Lofts garden is a little patch of paradise, with hammocks, sun beds and a pool. Bikes are available for those who prefer to cycle into Florence. There is a shared living room with a TV and library.
Other facilities include a concierge service for advice and reservations for museums, restaurants, theatre and concerts.
A limited number of parking spaces make Riva Lofts a great option for anyone with a car. Much of the centre of Florence is traffic-free and is much better explored on foot.
Facilities
- Breakfast only, walk to restaurants
- Concierge service between 8am and 8pm
- Garden with pool, hammocks and sun loungers
- Free vintage bicycles available
- Wi-Fi throughout
Rooms
Sleek design and cool minimalism characterise both the shared space and each of the studios which range in size from 30 to 100sqm. Transformed from his own riverside studio by top architect Claudio Nardi, the studios have polished concrete or wood floors, contemporary interiors and vast floor to ceiling windows that flood the rooms with light. Quirky features range from 70’s bubble lamps, king-size beds and 3-metre high gold mirrors. Most studios have a small kitchenette that is ideal for making sandwiches or snacks. Bathrooms are equally stylish, with large showerheads and fluffy towels.
Room Facilities
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- CD player
- Central heating
- Coffee / tea making
- Cots Available / Extra beds
- DVD player
- Kitchenette
- Minibar/fridge
- Phone
- Sat TV
- Safe box
- WiFi
Hotel Restaurant
The buffet breakfast offers the usual continental fare consisting of freshly baked croissants, fruit, home-baked bread, orange juice squeezed each morning, muesli, jams and yoghurts. Coffee is made to offer and there is a selection of Twining teas.
Other Restaurant Nearby
The Riva Loft is located just outside the tourist circus of Florence where you'll find a number of restaurants catering for the locals. We tried the Ristorante Pizzeria A Casa Mia, there is a wide choice of grilled meat, but you can also eat excellent pizzas and tasty pasta dishes.
Location
Riva Studios is 2km from the centre of Florence, on the Left Bank of the river. On the other side of the river, the Parco delle Cascine offers a range of activities, include jogging and, in the summer months, swimming in the large outdoor pool, Le Pavoniere.
Getting into Florence is easy, either on foot (30 minutes along the Arno), by tram (10 minutes) or with one of the bikes available at the Riva Loft.
Getting into Florence is easy, either on foot (30 minutes along the Arno), by tram (10 minutes) or with one of the bikes available at the Riva Loft.
Gallery
Articles
In the Footsteps of Caravaggio
Italy has produced a wide range of great artistic talents over the years, with the likes of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo all hailing from this great country. But one of the most beloved and interesting painters Italy has produced has to be the one and only Caravaggio. Famed for his realistic yet dark, horrific and often gory depictions of biblical/mythical scenes, this Old Master travelled extensively across Italy, often not by choice, but due to being exiled from Rome, and seeking refuge in alternative locations.
As a result his masterpieces can be found in cities all over the country and catching a glimpse of one is a must-do for any art lover during their holiday in bella Italia. For this reason, we’ve put together a comprehensive (but by no means definitive) guide to where you can see some of Caravaggio’s most famous paintings in Italy.
As a result his masterpieces can be found in cities all over the country and catching a glimpse of one is a must-do for any art lover during their holiday in bella Italia. For this reason, we’ve put together a comprehensive (but by no means definitive) guide to where you can see some of Caravaggio’s most famous paintings in Italy.
How to feast like a Florentine
When you think of Florence, you mind might immediately jump to its reputation as a glorious art city, with masterpieces by Michelangelo, stunning museums and iconic architecture. But, the Tuscan city is also a perfect location for a food lover to feast on local delicacies in unique venues.
We’ve rounded up some of the best places to visit and Tuscan treats to get your chops around so you can really feast like a Florentine.
We’ve rounded up some of the best places to visit and Tuscan treats to get your chops around so you can really feast like a Florentine.
Vintage shopping in Florence
From the museums of the historic fashion houses of Gucci and Ferragamo to toys, ceramics, and chandeliers from the past, Florence is a treasure chest of shops and ateliers dedicated to yesterday's and day-before-yesterday's antiquities.