Riva Lofts Florence

In Italy even the most modern hotel has hundreds or thousands of years of architectural history to deal with; one hypermodern hotel in Rome has a working archaeological site in the basement. By these standards, Riva Lofts is on the young side: this 19th-century complex on the banks of the Arno river has lived only three previous lives — a factory, artisans’ workshops, an architectural studio — on the way to its present incarnation, an immaculately designed ten-suite modernist luxury boutique.

Period stone walls and arched windows share time with concrete floors and modern additions in glass and metal, just as contemporary artworks and antique mirrors and chairs coexist peacefully with sleek designer furniture and the absolute latest in lighting and bathroom fixtures. It’s a bit like a photo shoot for a high-end design catalog, albeit a pretty livable one — all suites have private entrances, all but one have kitchens, and a few have private terraces or views across the river toward the Parco delle Cascine or Brunelleschi’s Cupola.

And along with all this private space in the suites, there’s a generous helping of common space as well, from the sitting room, lined with bookshelves and warmed by a stone fireplace, to the white sandstone swimming pool at the center of the courtyard garden. Newly added is a pair of extra perks: in-room massage or yoga in the garden with an expert trainer.