Rivoli Boutique Hotel

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first walked up to the Rivoli Boutique Hotel on Via della Scala, I wasn’t expecting much from the street view. The building sits on this slightly gritty stretch that feels more “real Florence” than tourist Florence, if you know what I mean. But step inside and wow, they’ve done something really special here.

The location is actually brilliant once you realize what you’re working with. You’re literally a three-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella train station (I timed it), which sounds less than romantic until you’re dragging luggage through cobblestone streets and suddenly appreciate not having to navigate those medieval alleyways. Plus, being in this neighborhood means you’re close to the Oltrarno district where actual Florentines hang out – there’s this incredible little osteria called Il Santo Bevitore just around the corner that most tourists never find. The hotel staff actually recommended it to me, which tells you they know their stuff.

What really got me about the Rivoli is how they’ve managed to feel boutique-y without being pretentious. The rooms have this warm, lived-in elegance – think rich fabrics and antique touches, but your phone charger still works perfectly fine. My room faced the interior courtyard, which I initially thought might be disappointing, but it was actually a blessing. Via della Scala can get a bit noisy with traffic, especially during morning rush hour when locals are heading to work. The courtyard rooms stay surprisingly quiet, and there’s something nice about waking up to the sound of the hotel’s fountain instead of Vespa engines.

The breakfast spread is where you really see the 8.6 rating come through. They do this thing where they source from local suppliers – the prosciutto is from this place in Greve in Chianti, and the pastries come from a bakery that’s been around since the 1800s. I mean, you can taste the difference. The coffee is proper Italian strong, none of that watered-down hotel nonsense. Fair warning though – breakfast runs until 10:30, but the good stuff tends to disappear by 9:30 if there’s a conference group in house.

Staff-wise, they strike that perfect balance of helpful without hovering. The concierge (Andrea, I think his name was) gave me directions to the leather markets at Sant’Ambrogio instead of just pointing me toward the tourist trap at San Lorenzo. Small thing, but it shows they actually care about your experience rather than just checking boxes.

The only minor gripe I had was the Wi-Fi in the lobby can get spotty during peak hours – probably too many people trying to video call home at once. But honestly, you’re in Florence. Put the phone down and go look at some art.

If you’re the type who wants to feel like you’re staying somewhere with character while still having reliable hot water and decent air conditioning, the Rivoli hits that sweet spot. It’s not trying to be the fanciest place in the city, but it knows exactly what it is and does it really well.

Rooms

• Comfort Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Comfort Double Room for Single Use with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 1 adult
• Comfort Triple Room with 2 × 1 sofa bed, 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 3 adults, 1 child
• Classic Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 adult
• Premium Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Family Room with 2 sofa beds and 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 1 child
• Prestige Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Double or Twin Room with Balcony with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Romantic Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Premium Triple Room with 2 × 1 sofa bed, 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 3 adults, 1 child
• Triple Room with Balcony with 2 × 1 sofa bed, 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for 3 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Family Room with 1 single bed and 2 large double beds for 5 adults, 1 child
• Suite with 1 large double bed and 2 sofa beds for 2 adults

Reviews

• Bernard from Canada (9/10)

  Staff was really professional.
  Breakfast has lots of choice and service was great.
  Beds are huge and comfy, AC is working well but cannot tune it.
  There was a "swimming pool", it is nice to be able to go take a dip when it is really hot in the summer.
  The suite (higher rate) was amazing. HUGE room with sofa and desk, huge bathroom with shower and bathtub.
  The area is quiet and it is also very close to the historic centre + many good restaurants.

• Zelda from United States (7/10)

  Very good location. Room was attractive. Staff was friendly and helpful.

• Fiona from United Kingdom (8/10)

  the friendly and helpful staff who make a real effort to make sure you feel cared for.

• Mary from United Kingdom (9/10)

  I like the hotel because it was clean and near the station. I liked that it was easy to walk everywhere in the city. Dining in the restaurant was a bonus for a solo traveller. The hotel lounges were spacious and inviting.

• Nello from Australia (9/10)

  The room was a good size room. Breakfast comprised a good selection of food and drinks. Dinner and breakfast staff were particularly obliging.

• Gregory from Ireland (9/10)

  Converted convent was a classic building Staff were very friendly.Breakfast was good .Wonderful shower in room.Within walking distance of all the major sites and also the train station.

• Leanne from Australia (9/10)

  We were able to check in early which is always a bonus. As a return visitor (previously stayed here in 2018) we were given a welcome drink voucher which was appreciated. The included breakfast was excellent and we enjoyed our stay there.

• Coba from Canada (9/10)

  Good breakfast selection.
  Location great for train stn and walking to attractions.
  Front desk staff was most welcoming and personable; always smiling and greeting me when I was leaving or returning; helpful regarding directions and walking distances.
  Bartender was great, very attentive and knowledgeable; friendly, spending time chatting with customers.
  The outdoor courtyard for beverages was delightful. Beautiful relaxed setting.

• Bernardo from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Staff was incredible, everyone was really helpful. They helped with every request. Location was very good. Hotel was very stylish.

• Maureen from Canada (9/10)

  Breakfast was in a lovely courtyard, great selection of food items and very welcoming staff!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities