Grand Hotel Villa Cora
290Eu Double to 550Eu Large Suite, special stay for 4, pay for 3, including Breakfast, Tax and Service

Originally built as Villa Oppenheim during the period when Florence was the capital of Italy (1865-1870), this neo-classical villa on the edge of Florence is surrounded by private gardens. Following the opulent lifestyle of the Oppenheims, the villa became a residence of former Empress Eugenia, widow of Napoleon III.

The position for this imposing villa was chosen because it afforded spectacular views of Florence. The salons on the entry level of the main villa feature ornate gilding and elaborate frescoes that have been carefully restored. Guestrooms and suites in the main villa and rooms in the annex have all of the amenities expected in a five-star hotel. Our clients seem to prefer the accommodations in the main villa.

During summer, guests can dine poolside at the Verandah Restaurant. Other facilities at the hotel include an American bar, swimming pool, free parking, and on demand transfers (Mon. - Fri. from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. excluding weekends) in and out of Florence (5 minutes away) in chauffeur-driven vehicles.

Clients arriving in rental cars find this hotel an excellent choice to avoid driving into the city center where some streets are barely wide enough for a large car. The staff at Villa Cora - 48 staff for 48 rooms - are knowledgeable and accommodating.

We recommend this property because:

1. It is away from the tourist throngs.
2. It is the perfect old Florentine Villa, and provides a historical perspective.
3. Stay here and you can sun and swim and still explore Florence.
4. Gives the guest a peek into the lives of the wealthy of days gone by.

Palazzo Magnani Feroni
191Eu Standard Suite low Seson, to 537Eu Executive Suite, High Season, including breakfast and service, tax at 10% is not included.

Located in the center of Florence, on the oltrarno, just a short walk from the Ponte Vecchio and some of Florence's finest shopping, this magnificent 15th century palazzo has been beautifully restored and opened to guests. An historic residence, the palazzo has only 12 luxurious suites, each measuring between 800 and 1100 square feet, providing each guest with the maximum comfort.

One has the feeling of being in the home of a noble Florentine family, looked after by an attentive and courteous staff. When checking in, guests select their choice of soaps for use during their stay. Bulgari toiletries are used in the marble bathrooms. The impressive living rooms of the palace serve as a place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring Florence.

Breakfast is served in the Gallery of the palazzo - or in the guest's room - and there are also non-alcoholic beverages available throughout the day.

The palace has a wonderful rooftop terrace with an amazing 360º view of Florence. It's a great place for a cocktail party or a private dinner! For families, a two-bedroom suite is available. There is also a billiard room and a small gym for the guests' use. Guests arriving in self-drive cars can avail themselves of a pickup and delivery service arranged by the hotel with a nearby garage.

This property is classified as an historical residence, and therefore has no stars.

Why do we recommend this property?

1. Allows us to peek into the past lives of Florentines.
2. Exquisite service is provided by warm, friendly owners and dedicated staff.
3. Palazzo location on oltrarno gives a glimpse of residential Florence..
4. One has the feeling of being in the home of a noble Florentine family, looked after by an attentive and courteous staff.

Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo
220Eu Standard Double low season, to 500Eu Deluxe Suite, High Season, including breakfast, tax and service.

This 15th century palazzo looks out on the Duomo, and the view is spectacular. The Niccolini family are nobility and have transformed part of their commodious palace into a residence offering guests the opportunity to feel more at home in the center of Florence than they would in a hotel.

Everything is new and done with great taste and style. Accommodations include two doubles, one superior double, two junior suites, and two suites, one of which is on the top of the building with a large sitting room and huge windows facing the cathedral. The large superior room connects to a large suite with bed and sitting room so it could be a two-bedroom suite.

Rooms each have individual temperature controls, double pane glass windows (it is very quiet within the building), in-room safes, mini bar, satellite television, and computer jack. The two double rooms are the smallest accommodations and have twin beds. Rooms facing an interior courtyard are the quietest of all. The walls of the junior suite are all frescoed. Guests will have a key to the palace as though they were guests of the owners. Breakfast, tea and aperitifs are offered on a complimentary basis. The suite can accommodate a family of four with two very well behaved children. This property is listed as an historical residence, and therefore has no stars.

Why do we recommend this property?

1. Location right in the middle of the action, for 1st time visitors.
2. The charm and beauty of this palazzo is enchanting.
3. The Niccolini Family welcome guests as their friends.
4. Convenient to all the sights of Florence.

Hotel Helvetia and Prulli
350Eu Superior Double low season, to 900Eu executive suite high season, including breakfast and service, 10% tax not included.

This exquisite hotel is located in the heart of Florence between the Via Tornabuoni and Piazza Strozzi - an excellent location.

Truly a jewel, the hotel was awarded the Trophee Vogue Decoration for the world's finest hotel décor when it completed total renovation in the early 1990's. Many antiques were acquired for the comfortably furnished guestrooms and lobby, where there is a working fireplace, a treat during winter months.

The hotel is beautifully maintained and exceedingly well managed, with a friendly, professional and courteous staff. All rooms have double-paned glass in the windows ensuring a quiet stay, marble bathrooms, mini-bars, hi-fi systems, and satellite television. While all suites have whirlpool tubs, there is one fabulous panoramic suite on the top floor of the hotel with a view overlooking the rooftops of Florence .

The hotel has one restaurant, the Winter Garden, accessible from the lobby, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed and unique atmosphere, featuring Tuscan specialties. The inviting bar in the Winter Garden is the perfect place to relax or meet friends.

TO THOSE DRIVING: As the hotel is situated in the historic center of Florence , which is closed to unauthorized traffic, it is a good idea to have your hotel confirmation handy. If a policeman stops you, show him the confirmation and he will let you pass. The hotel's concierge can arrange car parking at a nearby garage for a nightly fee.

Hotel Continentale
180Eu Classic Double, Low Season, to 520Eu Tower Double, High Season, Low promotional rates do not include breakfast and tax.

This Ferragamo-owned hotel reopened in 2003 after a complete makeover. The feel of the hotel is very avante garde, and so much fun, with its stark interior and lighting, but the position is perfect. As one enters the hotel, there is a camera that projects live scenes from the Ponte Vecchio on one wall. Up a short flight of steps is the concierge desk. Up a few more steps and one finds the "movie room" with films available for guests' use, a bar with clock tables (hard to forget what time it is as these tables are also bedside in the rooms!), and a "relax" room with about six chaise tongues overlooking the Ponte Vecchio, where guests can lie down and relax, hold hands, read a book, sip prosecco, or whatever.

There is a lovely buffet breakfast in the morning, and in the evening, guests can take advantage of delectable little complimentary hors d'oeuvres with their drinks. Standing alone on the 7th floor, the penthouse suite is a bi-level suite with a bathroom and two showers upstairs, all with view of the Ponte Vecchio. One has to climb two flights of steps to reach the entrance to the suite and another flight to go to the bathroom and closet. (That will keep the pounds off!!)

Guest rooms are beautifully done in white with THE most comfortable beds. The staff is young and very accommodating. There is no restaurant at the hotel. However, the Fusion Bar at the Gallery, Hotel Art - another Ferragamo hotel located directly across the street - is an excellent and convenient choice for those who appreciate fusion fare

Why do we recommend this property?

1. Great location, with quiet entrance area, but located overlooking the Ponte Vecchio.
2. Even if you do not care for contemporary, this hotel is so much fun, and a welcome respite from all the history and art of Florence.
3. This hotel is extremely comfortable, young at heart, and calm.

Hotel Cellai
159Eu Classic Double room Low Season to 199Eu Quad Room, high season, Rate includes buffet breakfast, complimentary afternoon tea/coffee buffet, complimentary 'Courtesy Bike': a beautiful bicycle for shopping, complimentary free use of Internet Desk, tax and service

Situated in an 18th century palazzo, the Cellai is family owned and managed. It is located just a short walk from the Duomo along Via Cavour. A unique feature of the hotel is the roof terrace with awning covered wicker furniture and a bar with a view of the Duomo and Fiesole in the distance. There are several comfortable areas for guests on the entry level. The breakfast room is sky lit making it bright and welcoming. Another special feature of the hotel is its lobby floor art exhibition that changes every three months. Bathrooms are tiled and very clean. Rooms are located on three floors and vary in size with some more spacious than others. All are equipped with satellite television and minibar. While there are no connecting rooms, there are a few rooms than can accommodate a third person.

The staff is helpful and charming.

Why do we recommend this property?

1. It is an excellent value for Florence .
2. It is convenient to the sights, but in a quiet area of the city.
3. The décor and ambiance are appealing to our clients.
4. The terrace is a special place to relax after a day of sightseeing.

Hotel de la Ville
280Eu Classic Double, Low season, to 400Eu Duplex Suite for 4 persons High Season.

With a perfect location at the beginning of the Via Tornabuoni in the heart of Florence , this hotel has become very popular for.

Some of the major changes at the hotel include complete refurbishment of the lobby; all guest rooms have now been redone using elegant fabric for the windows and bed coverings; the marble bathrooms are sparkling.

While the standard rooms are not large, all rooms are fully equipped with in-room safe, satellite television, and mini bar. For families, there are bi-level suites with two separate entrances, two bathrooms and an interior flight of stairs connecting the two accommodations.

Windows feature double pane glass to restrict street noise. Other ground floor facilities include a lobby level bar, a large beautifully appointed reception area and restaurant for buffet breakfast, light meals and snacks. There is a parking garage nearby for guests' vehicles. The famous Cantina Antinori is next door to the hotel and is an excellent choice for a meal.

Why do we recommend the Hotel de la Ville?

1. The location is very central for shopping and restaurants.
2. The ambiance of the hotel is welcoming and comfortable.
3. The staff is very accommodating and helpful.