Overview
A home from home urban oasis, delivering big on laid back luxury and sharp design-led decor, Riva Lofts houses a collection of seriously fashionable riverside suites just outside Florence’s gorgeous city centre. While on the face of it, the bolthole would make a beautiful adult-only stay, dig a little deeper and its brilliance as a family friendly getaway becomes clear. Let’s start with the picture perfect swimming pool – an uncommon luxury for European city breaks, this one is set in safe and secure gardens, perfect for little legs to run wild while mum and dad enjoy a drink from the well-stocked honesty bar. Rooms are also seriously spacious by city standards (including some with private outdoor spaces); Riva Loft’s chef will happily host authentic cooking classes for the whole family; moreish continental breakfasts are included for ultimate convenience; and bikes are freely available for all guests to borrow. We can’t think of anywhere more idyllic to retire after a long day of sightseeing – preferably poolside with an Aperol in hand, before dining on delicious Italian cuisine courtesy of on site restaurant Riva Kitchen
Mama
Get in touch
Flight
2 hours 15 minute flight from Gatwick to Florence airport. Alternatively, fly into Pisa (served by more frequent, and often cheaper, flights)
Transfer
Approximately a 15 minute drive from Florence airport or a 1 hour train from Pisa airport to Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station, followed by a 10 minute taxi
Best time to visit
A city equally beautiful in all seasons, there is no bad time to visit Riva Lofts. To make the most of the pool, book a late Spring to early Autumn getaway, while winter is also wonderful (Florence is a spectacularly pretty city) and often comes with a cheaper price tag attached
Favourite room
Those travelling with tiny tots can take their pick of rooms, as cots can be added to all (bar the cosy ‘Standard Lofts’)
Travelling with a toddler? Superior room 7 ticks a lot of boxes, with a kitchenette, step free access (it’s on the ground floor) and views over the garden
Nearby
Riva Lofts is just 2km from the city centre, which can be reached by taxi in 10 minutes, on foot via a 20-30 minute stroll along the river, or by bike in 10 minutes – beautiful vintage bicycles are available for all guests to use
One of our all time favourite city breaks, Florence is brimming with activities for the whole family, as well as countless gorgeous restaurants & bars and plenty of open green spaces. The city is also only an hour’s drive from the sea, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa is an easy day trip away
Price
From £290 p/night in low season and £480 p/night in high season
Meet the family...
Jodie
Parent to Tiny Travellers aged 3 & 5
The hotel exceeded all expectations, the decor incorporated all of the centuries old original features of the property and the views of the river from our suite were spectacular. They had bikes to use which included child seats and a beautiful outdoor pool. We had dinner in the restaurant and breakfast every day-the food was delicious and the kids had lots of options too! The hotel is located right next to the tram station and is only two stops to the centre of Florence so we used it every day!
Worth waking the baby for
01
Boboli Gardens
Get lost in the labyrinths at Boboli Gardens. Highlights of the open air museum include its amphitheatre and grotto, while it is also home to centuries-old oak trees, sculptures and fountains, plus offers stunning views over the city
02
See the sights
One of the wonderful things about Florence is it’s perfectly walkable, compact city size. Go for a stroll starting at Il Duomo di Firenze before heading to Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio and Piazzale Michelangelo – awe inspiring architecture awaits round every corner
03
Museums
Check out some of the city’s finest child-friendly museums. Our personal favourites are The Museum of Illusions and The Museum of Natural History – expect large, lush gardens and plenty of animals & fossils
