“The beach is boring”, you can read that from the roof-top swimming pool overlooking Florence. This is the strength of the new student hotel designed by Archea Associati, and which sees another eleven similar structures spread across Europe as part of the Dutch TSH (The Student Hotel) chain. None is similar to this one in the Tuscan city: the hotel is located in a nineteenth-century building, the Palazzo del Sonno (“Sleeping Palace”) designed by Italian architect Giuseppe Poggi, who lived form 1811 to 1901.

The interiors, created by Studio Rizoma in Bologna, present an eclectic style with Memphis references and a bold use of color that has pop and post-modern influences. This hotel is not only designed for students, but also hosts workers and employees who are in Florence for short stays.

There are common spaces to be used freely, and an entire section used as co-working space. Over every common space, however, wins the pool with a breathtaking view over the city. The lounge terrace is minimal, so to not interfere with the wonderful show given by the centuries of architecture, art and history of Florence. Another element that convinces is the price (around 500-700 euros a month), making it a democratic yet fancy destination for young users.