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Deep down inside, I think we all want to be royalty. Spout all you want about the ideals of democracy and equality, but what we really want is to live in a palace, eat off gold plates, sleep on feather beds. Oh, and be waited on hand and foot by loyal subjects — or at least I do.

I’m sure a childhood of too many fairy tales has led me to this affliction. But thankfully there’s Florence’s magnificent Palazzo Magnani Feroni to lead me to happily ever after.

The Palazzo Magnani Feroni is set in a fairy tale of a sixteenth century palace (palazzo = palace in English) in the city where Dante worshipped Beatrice and the Medicis wielded influence. With only thirteen air-conditioned suites, a stay at the Palazzo Magnani Feroni is the closest some of us can come to owning a Renaissance palace. (If you’re reading this and happen to be a famous musician or actor with a villa in Italy, you’re the exception to the rule. Please be assured that I envy you very much.)

But for us non-famous or famous-to-be, there’s always a private suite at the Palazzo to prove that fairy tales can come true. Each beautifully luxurious suite has separate bedrooms and living rooms. They bear noble, evocative names such as the Vittoria, the Esmeralda, the Beatrice (after Dante’s immortal beloved) and are adorned with marble doorways and bathrooms, objets d’art, Persian rugs, and antique furniture and oil paintings. Though the decor is classically Renaissance, modern amenities abound. These include CD and DVD players with extensive music libraries, and a hotel gym. Massages and hair and beauty treatments are available on site by appointment.

This five star hotel is decorated throughout with fine works of art. Antique frescoes are painted upon gracefully vaulted ceilings. There’s also a bar on site (as if you need additional inspiration!) with a roof terrace, open during the summer months, that overlooks a scenic vista. And all of Florence’s prime attractions are within easy walking distance, including the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo and the Ufizzi.

Lorenzo Medici never had it so good.

Palazzo Magnani Feroni
Location: Borgo San Frediano 5 – Florence, Italy 50124; Florence Vespucci International Airport is eight kilometers away.

Luxury style: A hidden gem of a fairy tale palace with old world elegance. Renaissance-inspired luxury that gracefully incorporates modern day conveniences and comforts.

What we’ve heard: Though many people spend once-in-a-lifetime romantic getaways at the Palazzo Magnani Feroni, it’s surprisingly family friendly. The attentive and capable staff are praised for their warm treatment of children. Your little prince and princess will have the time of their life — and so will you. Breakfasts are fantastically delish.

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