Old-world opulence is ingrained in this restored nineteenth-century mansion overlooking the Boboli Gardens
Following an extensive three-year, mulimillion-dollar renovation in 2011, Whythebest Hotels group reopened the Grand Hotel Villa Cora in Florence, one of the city’s most prestigious properties. Established when Florence was the capital of the Kingdom of Italy, the Grand Hotel Villa Cora has a long association with the likes of emperors, princes, Pashas and famed artists such as Čajkovskij. Comprised of three separate structures located inside a centuries-old landscaped park, the hotel was restored under the supervision of Italian architect Marianna Gagliardi, which aimed to conserve as much of the original architecture as possible.
The three years of restorations were done in order to bring back to light its artistic and architectural masterpieces, integrating them with new generation comforts—such as a SPA, gym, swimming pool and two restaurants—all surrounded by a park on the hills in the center of Florence.
With a total of 46 rooms, the Main Villa of 30 suites and rooms are divided into four floors, each with its own style. The decorations are inspired by famous guests who have stayed there through the years, such as the Japanese emperor Hirohito, to whom the imperial suite is dedicated. The styling of the 14 rooms of Villino Eugenia draws inspiration from different artistic and cultural traditions of the past. Lastly, La Follie is a small guesthouse with only two rooms situated at the park border creating total privacy for its guests.
Villa Cora is a luxury hotel with a family-friendly approach. This baroque boutique stay in Italy might be grand and gilt-trimmed, but it welcomes children for first-class family holidays; there’s a Little Prince-themed kid’s menu, a ‘VIB’ (very important babies) activity programme, a small playground in manicured grounds, family-size suites and babysitters as well.
Inside, it’s all aristocratic opulence; outside, it’s been made summer-holiday ready with Florence’s only heated outdoor hotel pool and inflatables aplenty.
For more information visit their website: Grand Hotel Villa Cora
