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Ruby Bea Hotel and Ruby Dante Workspace

Location Florence, Italy

Client Ruby Hospitality Italy S.R.L.

Services Project Management

Project Value Confidential

The Ruby Bea Hotel and Ruby Dante Workspace draw deep inspiration from Florence’s rich cultural heritage, reflecting the city’s artistic and intellectual legacy. The Renaissance era saw Florence as the epicenter of groundbreaking advancements in architecture, banking, mathematics, and fine arts – an influence that is elegantly woven into the design of both properties. Much like the Florentine artists who revolutionized the understanding of perspective, guests at Ruby Bea and Ruby Dante are invited to experience different viewpoints – both literally and figuratively.

Set in a historic 19th-century building overlooking the grand, tree-lined Piazza della Libertà, Ruby Bea pays homage to Florence’s visionary spirit  – including Dante Alighieri’s muse, Beatrice. Spanning approximately 5,300 SM, the hotel offers 118 thoughtfully designed rooms, blending classic elegance with modern comfort.

The ground floor features traditional Florentine arcades, while the high ceilings on the upper floors allow for 43 SM maisonette-style layouts, a unique architectural feature that enhances the sense of space. Warm terracotta tones, deep reds, and gold accents define the décor, complemented by bespoke artwork that creates a cohesive aesthetic throughout the hotel.

The interior design of Ruby Bea reflects meticulous craftsmanship, with curated details that bring Florence’s artistic legacy to life. In the public areas, vintage binoculars, balance scales, and ornate birdcages serve as subtle nods to historical precision and discovery. Interactive 3D art installations, complete with guest-accessible 3D glasses, invite an immersive exploration of visual perspective. Sculpted head statues and books on Renaissance techniques further deepen the connection to Florence’s artistic past, bridging history with contemporary design.

Ruby Bea offers five distinct room categories, ensuring comfort and style for every type of guest:

  • COZY (17-20 SM): Perfect for solo travelers, offering a smart, efficient space.
  • LOVELY (18-24 SM): Ideal for couples or friends, with a bit of extra room.
  • WOW (up to 40 SM): Featuring oversized deluxe bedding, wardrobes, business-sized desks, and in some cases, cozy armchairs.
  • LOFT (25-33 SM): Spacious, light-filled accommodations with extra-long beds, ample wardrobes, and large desks – designed for those who appreciate both comfort and functionality.
  • MAISONETTE (43-47 SM): Stunning two-story spaces for up to four guests, featuring a plush sofa bed upstairs and a luxurious double bed downstairs for a flexible and private living experience.

Some rooms also offer private balconies, allowing guests to soak in the charm of Florence from their own secluded retreat.

A true centerpiece of the hotel, Ruby Bea’s bar features a striking collection of convex mirrors, forming an interactive art installation that distorts perspectives in playful and unexpected ways -mirroring the Renaissance fascination with optical illusions. This theme extends throughout the property, offering guests a visual journey steeped in history and creativity.

Adjacent to the bar, an inviting outdoor terrace provides the perfect setting to enjoy Florence’s golden sunsets, live music, or a relaxed evening drink. Seamlessly blending la dolce vita with Ruby’s signature Lean Luxury concept, this space encourages both social connection and quiet reflection. Guests can even rent guitars for impromptu musical moments, making every stay a unique experience.

Located on the top floor of Ruby Bea, Ruby Dante Workspaces is Ruby’s eighth co-working space and the third integrated with a Ruby Hotel. Spanning 247 SM with 36 fully equipped workplaces, it offers a seamless blend of productivity, comfort, and community.

Designed for flexible working, Ruby Dante provides hot desks, co-working tables, private offices, and stylish meeting rooms, along with inviting sofas for informal gatherings. A private rooftop terrace adds a unique dimension – whether for open-air working, after-work drinks, or a moment of inspiration.

Where Work Meets Comfort

Reflecting Ruby’s Lean Luxury philosophy, the workspace combines a prime location with intelligent design and seamless functionality. Public areas are furnished with vintage décor, high-quality materials, and sophisticated lighting, echoing the ambiance of a boutique lifestyle hotel.

At the heart of Ruby Dante is its community space, featuring a multifunctional kitchen island and a professional barista coffee machine – a natural hub for conversation and collaboration. Ergonomic chairs, daylight lamps, and height-adjustable desks ensure maximum comfort and productivity, while a state-of-the-art meeting room for up to ten people is fully equipped for brainstorming sessions, presentations, and hybrid meetings.

To bring this project to life, Hill provides comprehensive Technical Advisory services throughout construction. Their expertise spans installation supervision, vendor and contractor monitoring, fixture and equipment oversight, claims management, cost control, quality assurance, and compliance with Italian standards and regulations. Their meticulous attention to logistics, planning, and execution ensures that both Ruby Bea and Ruby Dante Workspaces embody the highest standards of efficiency and design.

This partnership ensures that every detail, from concept to completion, aligns with Ruby’s vision of effortless, high-quality hospitality – setting a new benchmark for modern hotels and workspaces in Florence.

Photos: © The Ruby Group