All-Suites Palazzo Magnani Feroni, Florence, Italy

You could go on about the Grand, The Westin, et al, but this…this is Florence's true standard for luxury hotels in the 21st Century. I realized this the moment I walked through the main gate. The spectacular entrance hallway, looking out onto a palm-treed courtyard, even has a touch of old Hollywood glamour. And from there, the Magnani Feroni is all classical grandeur, with just the right balance of restraint and opulence. It's set apart from quotidian luxury hotels by curious little touches, like velvet seating in the elevator, a billiard room with a fiery red table, and your choice of soap scents (big luxe hotels always seem so afraid of being quirky that they instead become bland and predictable).

The eleven suites are literally massive-sort of like your "pretend apartment" in Florence-the largest of which measure 1100 square feet and have 30-foot ceilings. That the family line traces back to one of Europe's most important antique dealers is evident in the un-showy but exquisite furnishings throughout the palace. In the temperate weather, cocktails can be taken on the panoramic rooftop bar, which offers jaw-dropping views of this most beautiful of cities (and easily makes up for the lack of views from the rooms). Despite the Magnani Feroni's classical aesthetic leanings, the staff is young, hip and will dote on you