Villa Cora

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.

The property is located on a hill just outside the center of the city, in a wooded area surrounded by many luxurious villas. It’s about a half-hour walk to the Ponte Vecchio, with Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens on the way. The hotel also provides a free shuttle to the city center.

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.

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.