Review of All-Suites Palazzo Magnani Feroni, by Ken Scrudato

You could go on about the Grand, The Westin, et al, but this, the Palazzo Magnani Feroni, 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, has a touch of old Hollywood glamour. But don't let this intimidate you - despite the Palazzo Magnani Feroni's classical aesthetic leanings, the staff are young, hip and will dote on you.

The facilities

The Palazzo 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).

In the temperate weather, cocktails can be taken on the panoramic rooftop bar, which offers jaw-dropping views of Florence (and easily makes up for the lack of views from the rooms).

The rooms

This beautiful boutique hotel's thirteen air-conditioned suites are literally massive: the largest of which measure 1100 square feet and have 30-foot ceilings.

All suites have separate bedrooms and living rooms; and all are equipped with DVD players with music libraries. In the bathrooms, guests are delighted by complimentary Bulgari toiletries.

The Palazzo Magnani Feroni's history traces back to one of Europe's most important antique dealers, and this is evident in the rooms' un-showy but exquisite furnishings. Suites have marble doorways, objets d'art, Persian rugs, antique furniture and oil paintings.