Viale Niccolo Machiavelli 18, Florence, Italy | (618) 248-8274
Historic 19th-century property was restored in 2010
Sumptuous decor throughout featuring details such as gilding and frescoes
The hotel has beautiful views of the Boboli Gardens and the Duomo
Free shuttle into the city
Heated pool open year-round
Spa with whirlpool and sauna
Free Wi-Fi
Hotel is considered kid-friendly
Breakfast not included in the room rate
Guests say service can be spotty
Restaurant gets mixed reviews
A luxury hotel with history and style just south of the center of Florence, the Villa Cora was built in the late 1860s by Baron Oppenheim, a German financier, and was restored in 2010. It is part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux fellowship of hotels and restaurants. With a unique heated outdoor pool and a subterranean spa, the special property is a good spot for both relaxation and sightseeing. Those who are up for it can walk a little more than a mile and a half to attractions in the center of Florence, including the Duomo, but the hotel also offers a free shuttle. The hotel provides a fairly good value for its class and amenities.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
19th-century opulence with modern touches
After entering the gate, guests are transported back into history. From the gilded Hall of Mirrors to suites with original frescoes, the atmosphere at the Villa Cora evokes the grandeur of bygone times. But the 2010 update, which included the addition of a sleek outdoor pool, gives guests access to 21st-century luxuries.
Location
In a quiet wooded area south of central Florence
Rooms
Historic spaces with a mix of themed decor
The 46 large rooms, including six suites, are spread out over four floors and are a mixture of styles. In some rooms, the decor is accented by roses — said to be the favorite flower of Princess Eugenia, wife of Napoleon III, who visited the villa years ago — and other rooms have decor with Oriental and Moorish elements. The historic suites on the first floor have original frescoed ceilings. The junior suite on the fourth floor, with an America in the 1940s theme, is accessed by a private elevator. Large bathrooms have tubs with showers and modern fixtures. Amenities include plasma TVs, minibars, robes and slippers.
Features
Heated outdoor pool, spa and restaurants
The large heated outdoor pool, added during the restoration, is a draw. Between May and October, all meals and drinks are served at Le Pool Bistrot, with Il Pasha dishing out the creative Tuscan cuisine in the winter. The basement spa includes a sauna, steam room and whirlpool in a room of white marble, along with a small fitness center. Massages and other services can be booked. There is also a masculine Cigar Room, where guests can light up a Cuban and sip brandy.
