Sleepy Palace in the capital of Tuscany awoken by The Student Hotel

Stunning skybar and rooftop pool make TSH Lavagnini a splash in Florence

Michelangelo's David and the Duomo have new neighbours in Florence with the opening of TSH Florence Lavagnini, a stunning hotel, co-living and co-working destination that boasts the Tuscan capital’s most spectacular rooftop views.

The Student Hotel (TSH) vision for a Complete Connected Community of co-living and co-working students, leisure and long-stay professional guests, takes a monumental leap forward with TSH Lavagnini, its flagship hybrid-hospitality concept. 

Following a €50 million regeneration, TSH Lavagnini breathes new life into a previously underserved neighbourhood. The 390-room, 20,000-sq-meter space was originally built in 1864 for diplomats, today it is transformed into a work meets life creative hub.  

The design playfully awakens the historic palazzo, nicknamed The Sleepy Palace by locals. The classic architecture now boasts modern twists, such as a supersized graffiti installation in the central courtyard, a rooftop “The Beach is Boring” pool, a skybar and two terraces with breathtaking vistas of Firenze city, the Duomo, and the Tuscan hills.

Founder and CEO, Charlie MacGregor says: “Every new TSH property raises the bar to deliver the ultimate space for guests to discover their purpose and change the world.  Florence Lavagnini has exceeded every expectation, it is quite simply exquisite, and is the best example yet of of our Complete Connected Community.”

OOO: Out Of the Ordinary dining

In partnership with founders of the famous Florence cafe restaurant, La Menagere, TSH has created a spectacular dining concept entitled OOO – Out Of the Ordinary.

OOO consists of a series of distinct but interconnected spaces that provide locals and TSH guests an unprecedented number of food and drink experiences, available from early in the morning until deep into the night.

From cocktails to pizza and grab-n-go organic food to music; from bicycles and bike gear to a concept fashion store; from espresso to drip coffee or a DJ bar to hair salon; from fine dining to casual bistrot – everything is OOO.

TSH Collab for the co-working generation

TSH Collab is a livable, shared workspace inspired by the demand for hybrid co-working communities who define how global nomads work, live and play.

At TSH Florence Lavagnini, Collab lives in a space that connects the building’s two towers, with its main entrance accessed from the internal courtyard. Its façade is entirely glass, and its soothing colours create a calming light-filled atmosphere that is visibly connected to the rest of the hotel.

Collab-members can rent flex-desks, dedicated desks or stand-alone offices allowing entrepreneurs, freelancers and companies to scale-up or work in project-based teams.

Playful design that celebrates art

Design was created by in-house team TSH Design in collaboration with Bologna-based Rizoma Architecture and Florence-based studio, Archea.  

When guests enter the building, the iconic TSH “wink” greets them, along with a grand piano and a ping pong table. Four swings dangle from the arched passage that leads to a street art-filled courtyard, featuring local and internationally recognised artists.

The communal areas are brought to life with a mix of locally sourced, traditional materials, colourful graphics and geometric patterns. A blend of natural materials such as wood, cork, stone and leather sit next to industrial metal mesh, glazed iron, ceramic tiles and resin floor finishes, creating an exciting contrast within the historic building.

The energetic and inspiring vibe encourages connectivity among students, guests and locals with multiple communal spaces, open and closed seating areas, gaming zones, a massive shared kitchen, quiet study rooms, meeting rooms and an auditorium.

Rooms for everyone

TSH Florence Lavagnini has a mix of 390 rooms suitable for travellers young and old staying from one night up to one year. The rooms are en-suite and range from 15-sq-meter single rooms to family rooms of 65-sq-meters.

Rooms are organized in clusters around the courtyard to allow different traveller and co-living communities to cluster depending on their purpose and length-of stay.

VIP Playroom

The Playroom is the hotel’s VIP suite for those celebrating special occasions. The 55-sq-meter space has a private terrace overlooking the Tuscan hills and a bedroom with views of the Duomo.

The Playroom is decorated in a combination of Memphis movement and Architecture Radicale styles. Graphically placed mirrors create a trompe l’oeil on the wall. Vintage furniture is mixed with custom Memphis and Architecture Radicale pieces. The terrace, divided with mesh paneling, is shared with the super suite.  

Location

TSH Florence Lavagnini is located in front of Fortezza da Basso, a vibrant park, cultural and trade centre, just five minutes cycle ride from the Duomo and city centre, and soon the new tram-line will connect the hotel directly with both the airport and railway station.  

TSH Florence Lavagnini

• Address: Viale Spartaco Lavagnini, 70-72, 50129 Firenze FI
• Opened: 1 July 2018
• Number of rooms: 390. 50% student rooms, 45% hotel rooms, 5% short stay  
• Room types: nine, including executive, family and suites
• Facilities: library, study areas, meeting and conference rooms, games room, glass-fronted rooftop gym, smartbike rental, rooftop swimming pool, TSH Collab co-working offices, event auditorium, shop, bike shop, courtyard and public plaza
• Food and drink: OOO bakery and cafe, restaurant, bars
• Short stay rooms: from €49 per night
• Hotel bookings: rooms from €64 per night, family rooms from €225 per night
• Student room rates: student semester packages from €600 per month (twin) or €900 per month (single semester)
• Collab coworking rates: Flex-desks from €99 per month, dedicated desks from €200 per month