Hotel Review: Villa Cora in Florence, Italy

October 12, 2016

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Luxury Travel Advisor & Founder of Passport To Friday. Follow along on my travels and let me help you plan your dream trip or honeymoon!

I'm Chelsea.

I’m moving into Villa Cora.

I know I jokingly say this about a lot of properties, but this time I may actually be serious. Let’s just say negotiations are underway with the hotel.

The city of Firenze holds a special place in my heart every since I studied abroad there three and a half years ago. I mean what’s not to love? The people, the cuisine, the architecture, the history, the grand decor, the high fashion, the number of things to do without feeling the intense hustle and bustle of a large city… and Villa Cora encompasses all of this.

Perched up on a hill overlooking the Boboli Gardens, Villa Cora is composed of 45 rooms and suites in a main villa and two guesthouses. Each floor has it’s own style and story behind it, and you can feel the history walking through its different halls. Soft pastels adorn the walls and textiles, lush gardens fill the grounds, and grandiose details are everywhere you turn. You’re walking distance from town, yet feel secluded in your own private estate.

Here’s a look at why I adore this darling luxury hotel so much…

Book your stay at Villa Cora with Passport To Friday here!

Hotel Review: Villa Cora in Florence, Italy

Hotel Review: Villa Cora in Florence, Italy

The Room

My suite at Villa Cora goes down as one of my favorite accommodations I’ve ever stayed in. The room was light and airy with many windows and the furnishings were grand. Also, all white Carrara marble bathrooms (yes, my suite had two bathrooms!) filled with Annick Goutal beauty products. Plus a four-poster bed (which are in every suite)… swoon.

My suite was on the first floor which is the “Noble floor”, but every floor has a different theme and every suite is named after a different famous person which I love. Check out their website to see all of the different types of rooms!

Hotel Review: Villa Cora in Florence, Italy

Hotel Review: Villa Cora in Florence, Italy

Breakfast

Breakfast al fresco is my favorite way to start the day, and Villa Cora catered to this perfectly with their beautiful outdoor patio. When the weather gets cooler, cozy up in one of their gorgeous dining rooms inside and you’ll feel like you’re dining in someone’s estate.

While their breakfast buffet is extensive and sure to appeal to everyone, I chose egg whites with avocado, fresh pressed juice, and a bowl of fruit for a nutritious meal (before all of the pasta and pizza later!)

Breakfast for two is included when you book your trip to Villa Cora with Passport To Friday!

Hotel Review: Villa Cora in Florence, Italy

Hotel Review: Villa Cora in Florence, Italy

Pool

The pool at Villa Cora is arguably my favorite space in this hotel. With the crystal blue waters and stunning pastel pink Villino Eugenia guesthouse in the background, the setting could not be more ideal. I sat under an umbrella to work, took a dip in the pool, and spent a lovely warm summer day here. Plus they have complimentary bites brought to patrons by the pool such as pizza – yum!

Hotel Review: Villa Cora in Florence, Italy

Lunch

I took a break from the pool and enjoyed a nice meal at Le Bistrot adjacent to the pool area. I suggest inquiring about reserving a table early because the outdoor tables fill up on a nice day! I had a Veggie Burger although there are many traditional Italian dishes on the menu as well. That paired with an amuse bouche compliments of the Chef, freshly baked bread & oil, tiramisu and a nice glass of white Italian wine was the perfect way to refuel for more pool time!

Use your $100 food & beverage credit that’s included when you book your stay with Passport To Friday! 

Hotel Review: Villa Cora in Florence, Italy

Drinks

As the sun started to sink lower and the day turned into evening, it was time for a cocktail. Paolo at the bar suggested a Negroni as it makes for the perfect apertif by the pool. He explained the story behind the drink and whipped one up for me. It was delicious and is a must-try when in Firenze!

Also the Bellevue Rooftop Terrace is open from May to October, so order a drink and head on up there!

Use your $100 food & beverage credit that’s included when you book your stay with Passport To Friday!

Hotel Review: Villa Cora in Florence, Italy

Hotel Review: Villa Cora in Florence, Italy

Spa

When you’re ready to relax even more, head over to Spa Bené. Unwind in the complimentary spa area which includes a sauna, steam room, and whirlpool. Workout in the gym if you’re feeling active or treat yourself to one of the Asian or European massages or beauty treatments offered.

Hotel Review: Villa Cora in Florence, Italy

Hotel Review: Villa Cora in Florence, Italy

Amenities & Extra Special Service

Villa Cora is truly a luxury boutique hotel in every sense, and that is reflected in the amenities and personalized service they offer. You don’t feel nickel-and-dimed with all of their complimentary offerings (water and cookies daily in the lobby plus free wi-fi to name a couple!). One of my favorite services was the free shuttle into town which operates daily until 10:30pm. Since the hotel is so small, you never felt like you were waiting forever for a shuttle and all you had to do was call once you were ready to head back from the city center to Villa Cora!

Also their staff goes above and beyond and leaves a lasting impression. I left my curler at Villa Cora and they brought it to me at my next hotel with a note and a little gift! Now that’s exceptional service.

 

Safe travels y’all!

Best,

Chelsea Rose Martin

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Hi, I'm Chelsea Martin, Luxury Travel Advisor & Founder of Passport To Friday. I've been planning bespoke luxury vacations and honeymoons for almost a decade now. I can't wait to help you plan the trip of a lifetime! 

A true Cancer, hotel-slipper-obsessed gal whose IG Explore page is full of dogs.

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