Florenz Hotelführer: 5-Sterne Hotels in Oltrarno, Florenz, Italien

We had an excellent time staying at this authentic Italian Villa and hotel. The hotel is located on top of a hill, so a picturesque view of Florence is what you see when having breakfast or dining on the terrace. Food was great. Breakfast buffet or a la carte, both were really good. Staff were quite friendly and helpful. Rooms are clean. The hotel itself is so quiet and tranquil. At night, there is absolute silence and the sound of crickets is all you can hear if you take a walk or leave your windows open. The swimming pool is very well maintained with crystal clear water. While in the pool you have a panoramic view of Florence. You can set up day-tours at the reception as well as arrange for cabs. If you choose to go for a tour, do not miss Cinque Terre, you will not regret it ! My wife and I loved it. It would be great if the hotel could arrange for a Shuttle to transport people to florence city centre but for now you can get a cab for € 8-12 depending on the driver !! Needless to say, Florence is a romantic city and the hotel only adds to the beauty of the experience. We took trains and buses to go to Pisa, Luca, Venice, Tuscany and took a day tour to the magnificent Cinque Terre. All in all, memorable experience and we are already thinking to go back !

We arrived late, but the concierge was as helpful and obliging as if we were old friends. We were lucky enough to have room 202, which had a lovely twin aspect view of the gardens and the pool/Florence skyline, and was comfortable and elegant. Breakfast was superb with a wide selection of cereals, fruits, cold meats, smoked salmon and cheeses and pastries, and was offered coffee as soon as we entered the breakfast room, which was on the terrace overlooking the Duomo. All of the staff, from the cleaners to the reception staff and shuttle drivers were polite, courteous and friendly at all times, and made our stay a real pleasure. The pool wasn't heated, but the soaring temperatures in Florence made it a very pleasant escape in the heat of the day. I loved the little touches such as the 'good night thoughts' left in the room each night, describing aspects of Michelangelo's work. We loved out stay and would recommend the villa to anyone wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. A special thank you has to go to Laura who gave us invaluable information on restaurant recommendations, security and places to visit. Our stay, with the incredible views and friendly staff will stay with us for a long time. Thank you for such a beautiful honeymoon!

We spent two nights at the Grand Hotel et de Milan, two nights at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio, two nights at the Grand Hotel Villa Cora Firenze, three nights at Covo dei Saraceni in Positano, and three nights at Hotel Raphaël in Rome. The competition was stiff, and while my wife and I most enjoyed Positano, we both agreed that the service at the Grand Hotel Villa Cora was most exceptional. The staff was best dressed and most helpful. It is the only place that I can still name staff members and we travelled last month. Marco the driver mapped out our walking tour, Marco the concierge arranged early morning tickets for the Uffizi and Accademia when there was no online availability, Francesca our bartender was friendly, and we even got to know the general manager Simone. I was most impressed that I didn't once have to pour my own wine or water at dinner. The food was refined. This is a boutique, intimate hotel. A drawback is the brief shuttle or walk to town, but well worth the price as compared to the St. Regis in town, and I am a Starwood Preferred Guest. Consider walking thru the Boboli Gardens to the hotel.