Riva Lofts gets top honours from British style magazine- British style magazine Wallpaper recently deemed Riva Lofts, a new hotel housed in an old factory in the working-class Isolotto neighbourhood in Florence, the Best New Hotel' in the world.
Riva Lofts -designed by architect Claudio Nardi - was opened just one year ago.
The structure overlooks the banks of the Arno river and consists of nine suites that mix metropolitan design with a homey, welcoming style.
Many historic elements of the building were maintained but revamped (modern antiques, 1950s furniture, wooden moulding, the sophisticated kitchen design, etc.), which contributed to the magazine's decision.
The jury consisted of Japanese architect Tadao Ando, designer Patricia Urquiola and fashion designer Donatella Versace.
Other hotels competing for the prize were The Bowery in New York (designed by Sean MacPherson and Eric Goode), Le Bellechasse in Paris (by Christian Lacroix), il Fasano in Rio de Janeiro (by Philippe Starci) and the Haymarket in London (by Kit Kemp).
