Built by Baron Oppenheim for his bride in the nineteenth century, during Florence’s brief turn as Italy’s capital, Villa Cora still feels like a private residence. The slightly removed location presents a distinct advantage, as Florence is one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations—fortunately they tend to concentrate in Florence’s bigger hotels, and Villa Cora remains a well kept secret, always quiet and elegant. A complimentary shuttle from the hotel is available for the short trip to the city center, and in fact those in the mood for a walk can make the trip in about twenty (picturesque) minutes. Grand Hotel Villa Cora has 46 magnificent rooms and suites, all luxuriously decorated with antique details and furniture combined with all modern comforts and facilities. The rooms are air-conditioned, and feature a range of amenities including exclusive mini-bars, plasma TVs with satellite connection, electronic safes and high-speed internet connections. Grand Hotel Villa Cora has two exclusive restaurants, offering gourmet menus in magnificent surroundings. Ristorante Pasha occupies the historic cellars of the building, while between May and October, lunch is also served in a poolside conservatory, “Le Pool Bistrot”. Guests can also enjoy use of the hotel’s own Spa-Wellness centre, located in a separate building overlooking the gardens. A wide range of services and treatments are offered, including face and body treatments and massages. There is also a fitness centre, a sauna, Turkish bath and a tepidarium. The hotel has a large outdoor swimming pool, perfect for relaxing after a hard day’s sight-seeing. Grand Hotel Villa Cora also has four splendidly decorated public rooms, the Hall of Mirrors, the Moorish Hall, the Hall of Cards and the White Hall.
