Grand Hotel Villa Cora Reopens in Florence

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed)
Feb 3rd 2011 at 4:01PM

Following an extensive three-year, mulimillion-dollar renovation, Whythebest Hotels group has just 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 Tchaikovsky. Comprised of three separate structures located inside a centuries-old landscaped park, the hotel was restored with the aim of conserving as much of the original architectural detail as possible.

The Main Villa houses 30 suites and rooms each with its own style inspired by famous guests who have stayed there over the years, including an Imperial Suite dedicated to the Japanese emperor Hirohito. The renovations also include a new spa, gym, swimming pool, and two restaurants, one of which is dedicated to Egyptian ruler Pasha Isma'il who stayed in the villa for numerous years. The spa features a tepidarium, hydro massage, sauna, hammam, fitness room, and a beauty and wellness center, while the heated outdoor pool overlooks the famed Boboli Gardens.

Gallery: Grand Hotel Villa Cora