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Villa Cora

Florence, Italy • Giardino del Bobolino • SPLURGE

avg. $550 / night

Includes $29 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

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5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

Credit card points

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Points accrual and status eligibility with major hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and others

Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Part of Leading Hotels of the World

Location

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At a glance

An 1865 Florentine palazzo designed by Poggi with original frescoed ceilings, gilded interiors, and Empress Eugénie provenance.

Best for: Architecture historians and collectors of European interiors

Highlights:

  • 1865 neoclassical villa designed by Giuseppe Poggi
  • Original frescoed ceilings and gilded stucco in every suite
  • Former residence of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III
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PB hotel design editorial

Built in 1865 for Baron Oppenheim and later home to Empress Eugénie of France — wife of Napoleon III — the neoclassical villa that became Villa Cora carries a weight of European aristocratic history that few Florentine hotels can claim. Designed by Giuseppe Poggi, the architect responsible for Florence's nineteenth-century urban expansion including the Viale dei Colli and Piazzale Michelangelo, the white-stuccoed palazzo sits above the Giardino del Bobolino with a symmetrical formality — double external staircases, engaged pilasters across the piano nobile, baroque stone urns flanking the forecourt fountain — that announced serious civic ambition even by the standards of the newly unified Italy. Inside, the 46 rooms preserve an atmosphere closer to private palazzo than hotel. The suite interiors visible in the images show original frescoed ceilings of the highest order: one with a painted oculus and Pompeian-register motifs in terracotta and sage, another with dense gilded stucco arabesque work running to the cornices above crimson velvet four-poster beds and herringbone parquet floors. The Moresque Room — a Moorish-inflected salon with lavender lacquered walls, intricate painted ornament, and fuchsia velvet banquette seating beneath a Murano glass chandelier — survives as one of the most extraordinary nineteenth-century interiors in the city. The pool terrace, framed by stone balustrades and a pink-rendered limonaia, holds the property's more relaxed register without disturbing the villa's fundamental character.

Travel notes

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About

Step back into 19th-century opulence, in a converted noble estate, set inside a centuries-old park overlooking the Boboli gardens, just minutes from the city center. At home in its elegant rooms and suites and magnificent common areas, you will feel like a true Florentine aristocrat. Each floor of the Villa reflects a particular style, from Empress Eugénie and her passion for roses, to an oriental style, to the America of the 1950s. Created in harmony with the seasons, memorable gourmet meals are served at Le Bistrot Restaurant. The Bellevue roof terrace is the perfect spot for enjoying impressive views and mesmerizing sunsets, while the heated pool is open all year round for relaxation. The Benè Spa boasts a tepidarium, sauna, hammam and gym. A complimentary shuttle ensures guests can easily reach key points in the city.

Amenities

Pool

Internet

Free Internet

Free Parking

Restaurant

Wifi

Free Wifi

Room service

Suites

Pets Allowed

Villa Cora Reviews

1,517 reviews

"Absolutely fabulous ;-) Top service, beautiful location, awesome restaurant = everything 100% Will certainly return"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 20, 2026

"Despite the ever increasing competition in Florence, La Villa Cora is still the top of its field. Marco the hotel manager and Lorenzo the head concierge ensure every guest’s soggiorno is perfettissimo. I am not sure how they do it but they manage a fantastic team dedicated to ensuring guests have a wonderful time."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 19, 2026

"Villa Cora is a gem: a true oasis perched above Firenze and away from the hot hustle and bustle of the town.The archittecture and decor are just stunning and the service is great: from Lorenzo, the head concierge and Gabriele to Hillaria at reception , Victoria at the breakfast or Matteo by the pool, most members of staff go the extra mile in attention and customer service. The breakfast buffet is amazing by global standards, the Spa is great.The only downsides are the noisy children/ families by the pool, the outrageously overpriced drinks and restaurants by the pool. Maybe also Concierge recommendations should be better vetted (a terrible Firenze restaurant tourist trap and a mediocre winery experience were arranged in advance and turned out really disappointing...)..and the rooftop terrace should be more alive , better promoted as a hot spot and great evening hang out with unique views of Florence..."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 15, 2026

"Our second stay at Villa Cora, and somehow it managed to exceed our already very high expectations. From the moment we arrived, every member of the team made us feel genuinely welcome. Villa Cora is one of those rare hotels that combines breath taking beauty with truly exceptional hospitality. The property itself is simply stunning. The architecture, the beautifully maintained gardens, the elegant rooms and the incredible attention to detail create an atmosphere that is both luxurious and wonderfully relaxing. Every corner of the hotel feels special. A special thank you to Lorenzo at the pool bar. He looked after us brilliantly throughout our stay, always greeting us with a smile and making us feel completely at home. His Vespa Martini is up there with the best, and his warm, attentive service made our afternoons by the pool even more enjoyable. We have been fortunate enough to stay in some of the world's most beautiful hotels, including Delaire Graff Estate in South Africa, and Villa Cora genuinely belongs in that company. The level of service, elegance and attention to detail are truly world class. Returning for a second visit only confirmed what we already knew, Villa Cora is one of our favourite hotels anywhere in the world. Thank you to Lorenzo and the entire team for another unforgettable stay. We are already looking forward to returning to Florence and experiencing your incredible hospitality once again."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 05, 2026

"If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to live in a castle, Villa Cora is the place to stay. From the moment you step inside, you’re transported to another era. Every room, every hallway, and every little corner is beautifully preserved and decorated, making you feel as though you’ve traveled back more than a century. The architecture, artwork, and attention to detail are absolutely stunning. One piece of advice I’d give future guests is to avoid booking a room on the third floor near the balconies, especially if you’re a light sleeper. The balconies offer beautiful views over Florence, but during our stay, some guests remained outside until around 3:00 a.m., drinking wine, laughing, and speaking loudly. The noise carried into the room and made it difficult to sleep. That said, Florence has plenty of incredible viewpoints throughout the city that offer even more spectacular panoramic views, so I personally think it’s worth choosing a quieter room over one with a balcony. A good night’s sleep will make your stay much more enjoyable. Aside from that, everything else was wonderful. The food was delicious, the property is impeccably maintained, and the service was excellent. A special thank you to Sarah at the front desk, who was incredibly kind, welcoming, and always happy to help with anything we needed. Overall, Villa Cora is a truly magical hotel and a memorable place to experience the elegance and charm of Florence."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 02, 2026

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Villa Cora | Best Design-Driven Stays in Florence, Italy