Villa Cora
Florence, Italy
At a Glance
The Spa Benè offers wonderful treatments and is an oasis of tranquility
Despite being situated in the Florentine hills, you can still access the city on foot
The rooms in the main hotel offer a choice of charming rose patterns or richly decorated Moorish styles
Treadmills placed in a gazebo in the gardens in the summer months offer an interesting vista towards the city
The only hotel in Florence to offer a heated pool open all year round
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
The hotel closes for the winter with the opening and closing dates varying each year but from Spring through to Fall this is the perfect base for discovering all that Florence has to offer.
Insider's View
Lace up your running shoes and choose either the 30 or 60-minute route the concierge suggests for a truly wonderful jogging route in and at the edge of Florence
Ladies staying in Rose floor rooms can snuggle up in rich cotton bathrooms charmingly embossed with a bright pink rose
Very cleverly the dining room retains all of its history but with a super modern twist in the form of a central Perspex table that changes color
The main villa has a rooftop terrace where you can ask for a private supper to be served
Make use of the large outdoor heated swimming pool which is open year round!
Call us on 858 345 1764 to start planning your vacation to Villa Cora
Description
Villa Cora offers a haven amidst Florence's undulating hills while being close enough to access the hubbub of the city on foot. A restored Florentine palace with exquisite historical salons & what is claimed to be Florence’s finest ballroom.
It is hard to fault this stunning property. It has all that one hopes for from a city hotel but rarely gets. Vast gardens, amazing views, a splendid outdoor pool, luxury spa, excellent restaurant but most importantly proximity to Florence.
In terms of location, Villa Cora sits majestically in the hills above the city meaning it has splendid views but it is also close enough for guests to wander into Florence on foot. The walk will take an easy 15-minutes through charming scenery (the Boboli gardens offer one route in season) with you emerging right on the river Arno, close to Ponte Vecchio.
The staff will make you feel at home from the moment you arrive to check-in at the beautiful lobby. Be sure to pop into the Sala degli Specchi ballroom to start your stay in style. Mind you the Hall of Cards and White Hall are equally charming places to relax with an Aperol Spritz in hand.
Decor wise expect rich colors, lavish fabrics, marble fireplaces and painted ceilings - all continued even in the annex stable building which now houses more bedrooms and suites. Two floors of the main building offer a choice of the "Rose" or "Moorish" rooms which couldn't be more different. Rose rooms are bright and airy with floral patterns and even a rose embroidered robe for ladies awaits. The next level up with the Moorish rooms means darker colors, lots of wood and inlay and delicate mosaic tiling.
In another annex the restaurant sits beside the pool, with breakfast, lunch and dinner served here when weather permits. Otherwise diners move inside. On certain evenings the hotel conjures up a barbecue feast offering a myriad spread of locally sourced meats - everything from Tuscan sausages to Florentine steak as well as fresh seafood.
Beneath the stable building is a superb spa with small gym, tepidarium, sauna and hammam. With four treatment rooms, the SPA offers oriental and European massages as well as signature treatments from the range of beauty guru Sarah Chapman.
Grand Hotel Villa Cora is indeed very grand but without being too stuffy or formal. Instead it is welcoming and wonderful and the perfect place for a longer sojourn to Florence when the desire to sightsee is equalled by a desire to secure some much deserved rest and relaxation.
Accommodation
The hotels offers 46 rooms and suites in the main palace as well as in the annex stable building and smaller garden building. All three offer beautifully decorated rooms with rich fabrics and antique furniture, save one Suite 401.
Within the main building you will find four distinct floors, each with its own particular style: the "noble floor" with marvelous frescoes; the second dedicated to the ex-empress Eugenia widow of Napoleon III and to the roses that were her favorite flower, the third dedicated to the Orient, with Moorish accents and the fourth floor just one junior suite 401 inspired by the American fabulous '50's.
| Imperial Suite | The Imperial Suite is an homage to the Japanese Emperor Akihito who stayed in Villa Cora in 1982. Located on the Noble Floor it encompasses the whole facade of the hotel and claims stunning views. With original fresoes by Pietrasanta and Samoggia, a huge red velvet four-poster bed, a second room with blue four-poster bed, Carrara marble bathrooms and a small balcony. |
| Suite | Suites at Villa Cora are inspired by the famous people who have stayed - Tchaikovsky, Grace Kelly and Madame Debussy. All located on the first “Noble Floor” and on the second "Rose Floor”. All the rooms feature a four-poster bed, wooden floors and antique furniture. The suites have a separate living room with a sofa and marble bathrooms. |
| Junior Suite | Junior Suites offer a variety of decor, from Oriental to rose themed and 1950's glamour. There is one Junior Suite located on the 4th floor which is unique with its violet velvet finishing, hand painted decoration in white and gold and three large windows overlooking the internal garden. All Junior Suites offer a living area and Cararra marble bathroom. |
| Deluxe Room | Deluxe Rooms offer a view on the internal park and on the hills and some offer balconies. Each deluxe room is decorated with rich fabrics and antique furniture and they have either king size or twin beds and marble bathrooms. |
| Duplex Room | The unique Duplex Rooms are located on the “Noble Floor” and are composed of two separate rooms spread over two levels connected by an internal stair case. The master bedroom and a sitting area are located on the ground floor while two twin beds can be found on the upper floor. The rooms offer original 19th century frescoes and antiques as well as two marble bathrooms. |
| Family Room | The Family Room is situated in the Principal Villa on the third floor known as the “Moorish Floor”. It is composed of two spacious and beautiful rooms. The first is the master bedroom while the second has two single beds. There are two marble bathrooms and a panoramic terrace. The Family room can accommodate up to four adults. |
| Classic Room | Classic rooms are located in the annex buildings in the gardens. Each room is original in its style, with rich decoration and unique antique furnishing. The rooms have either king size or twin beds and marble bathrooms. |
Childcare
Children are welcome at Villa Cora however there are no specific childcare facilities. Babysitting is available on request.
Facilities
Villa Cora boasts four incredible halls - Salone degli Specchi (Hall of Mirrors), Sala Bianca (White Hall), Sala delle Carte (Hall of the Cards) and the Sala delle Ceramiche (Hall of the Ceramics) where meals are served at different times of the year.
Chef Federico Vannini serves up authentic Tuscan food using seasonal ingredients while cakes and chocolates are created by Chef Confectioner Luca Pecarelli.
Villa Cora has two restaurants: Pasha in Sala Moresca (Moorish Hall) offering breakfast, lunch and dinner while Le Bistrot, by the pool is open from April to October in place of Pasha.
Le BarLong, is located in the Sala delle Ceramiche (Hall of the Ceramics) and the perfect place to unwind with an aperitif.
Activities
The hotel itself offers a swimming pool and excellent spa and the concierge can suggest excellent jogging routes. But the main attraction is its proximity to the rich history of Florence. Art galleries, palazzos and museums like the Uffizi mean your days can easily be filled exploring the art & culture of this magnificent city.
Reviews
Sarah Byrne (Staff)
A truly exceptional hotel offering so much more for a city break. The pool, spa and amazing views as well as its proximity to the city of Florence mean everything is at your fingertips.
Experiences
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Florence by private boat
Take to the water and explore the city of Florence from a new perspective, on board a private boat. Cruise along the Arno with your private guide, enjoying views of the city's landmarks.
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Fresco workshop in Florence
Learn the fascinating art of fresco painting under the guidance of a real expert. Discover how these beautiful works of art are created before trying the techniques for yourself.
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Gelato making workshop in Florence
Learn how to create delicious and authentic Italian gelato in a private workshop with a professional chef. You'll discover the history behind this delicious dessert before making and tasting your own gelato.
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Private Florence market tour and cooking class
Head to one of Florence's bustling markets with a professional chef, where you'll choose your ingredients before heading to the kitchen and learning how to cook traditional Italian dishes.
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Tour of the Duomo with an art historian
The impressive Duomo, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is one of the most iconic monuments of Florence. Explore this incredible complex with your private guide and learn about its history and architecture.
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Tour of the Uffizi Gallery with an art historian
Discover the stunning works of art in the Uffizi Gallery with your private art historian guide and admire important Renaissance masterpieces by Italian artists including Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
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Tour of the Uffizi Gallery with an art historian
Discover the stunning works of art in the Uffizi Gallery with your private art historian guide and admire important Renaissance masterpieces by Italian artists including Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
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Walking tour of Florence
Explore the historic center of Florence with your private guide, learning about the city's past, from the Roman era to the birth of the Renaissance. As you discover the city, admire some of Florence's key sights, including the breathtaking Duomo.
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Wine tasting in Chianti
Travel through the beautiful Tuscan countryside to discover the wines of Chianti, the area's most celebrated wine region. Visit two wineries to taste the local produce and enjoy a delicious lunch.
Location & directions
Florence, Italy
Villa Cora is located in the undulating hills overlooking Florence. You can access the city on foot in about 20 minutes through the Boboli Gardens. The hotel is located on Viale Machiavelli 18, less than 15 minutes by hotel shuttle from the Ponte Vecchio.
- 24/7 concierge service
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator