The Villa Cora Grand Hotel is the signature property of the Why The Best Group. It opened in in December 2010 as a 5* mansion filled with beautiful antiques, located in a large wooded park on the edge of the city, with 46 rooms and suites, heated swimming pool in the park, gastronomic restaurant and spa. It is the obvious choice for anyone looking for somewhere special for a romantic break, honeymoon or a wedding. It is situated on a hill overlooking Florence; there is a complimentary shuttle for the few minutes drive into the centre but we preferred the leisurely walk down tree lined streets or through the famous Boboli Gardens. The elegant terrace overlooks the park and all of Florence.
The Hotel's Sala degli Specchi or Hall of Mirrors, is considered to be Florence’s finest ballroom and is the largest and most magnificent room with its stuccos, its large mirrors and and its original, Neo Rococo boiserie. The smaller Hall of Cards is used for afternoon tea, card games, reading and board games, with a beautiful grand piano next to the window.
Facilities:
- Breakfast room
- Bar
- Living room
- Meeting room
- Gourmet restaurant
- Outdoor restaurant from May to October
- Large roof terrace available for events and cocktails.
- Swimming pool
- Calidarium
- Sauna
- Hammam
- Massages, manicures, pedicures
- Shuttle service
- Free wi-fi
Our experience...
You are greeted at the door and from that moment the attentive staff attend cheerfully to every requirement you might have. The service here is exceptional. You are very much encouraged to make the place your own home, whether you want a coffee to be served in the ballroom, a drink in the bar, a cocktail by the pool or to host a drinks party on the roof; every room of this hotel is at your disposal. Bedrooms are a traditional Italian style with heavy floral drapes, antique furniture and marble bathrooms, and there is a range of rooms across three buildings; the main house, the old stable block and a garden cottage. Some have rooftop patios with views over the city.
The Spa is small, but quiet, and has all that you need, a large jacuzzi, a sauna, a hamman and comfortable loungers. There is a good range of spa treatments for both men and women. Breakfast and lunch is served in their poolside bistro; a beautifully sunny room reminiscent of a very grand marquee. The hotel also has a formal restaurant "Il Pasha". We combined two nights here with two nights at the city centre's Hotel L'Orologio and really enjoyed this quiet hillside retreat away from the bustle of Florence.
When to stay? This is a perfect spot for a Valentines Weekend or a short break in the Spring or Autumn when it tends to be slightly warmer and sunnier than the UK, and a really nice temperature for exploring museums and shopping. The most popular months in Florence are May and June, before the full force of the summer heat hits the city, however these months can be incredibly busy. If you are visiting in July or August, stay at The Grand Hotel Villa Cora to escape from the city's heat and enjoy the large outside pool at its very best.
Contact:
Viale Machiavelli 18 - 50125 Firenze Tel.: +39 055 22 87 90 Fax: +39 055 228 791 99 Visit the hotel's website