Palazzo Magnani Feroni, Tuscany Italy

★    ★    ★    ★    ★

A grand, stately 16th century all-suite property steeped in history and owned by the same family since mid 1700s; once an antique gallery. All suites have names instead of numbers and staff ensure they know the guests personally. Such facilities as the billiard room and an old wooden elevator set the scene. It feels a little distant from the action but does escape the chaotic crowds.

Exterior

A rather handsome building with distinctive stonework and arched windows at ground level. Massive wooden entrance doors conceal a regal corridor.

Property type: Hotel

Storeys: 4

Exterior: Building

Interior

Inside is sophisticated elegance with paintings, statues, frescoes and antiques. A classic breakfast room, which doubles as a bar at night, has a massive chandelier and aged coffered ceilings. Each gallery-hall has complimentary tea and coffee. There are interesting display cases showing old letters, keys, priests robes and other memorabilia. Fine views can be afforded from the roof terrace, used as bar in summer, but it is quite a climb as the lift does not reach this level.

Rooms: 12

Grounds

The pleasant courtyard has palms and shrubs.

Location

Area Type: Just over ½ ml southwest of Piazza del Duomo, in a narrow characterful street south of the river, a mostly residential area popular with art galleries and restaurants. The bustling Ponte Vecchio Bridge is 500 yds away. The main train station is ¾ mile.

Map Ref: 101