If you had to choose the top three romantic cities in the world, what would they be? For me, unquestionably the choices would be in no particular order Paris, Florence and Venice. Venice is everything magical. I've written in the past about how my first visit brought me to tears. I am surprised to find that people either love or loathe it. I've heard some say that it is dirty and the water smells. I was aware of none of this. Sure, it is overridden with tourists, venetian glass trinkets and overpriced gondola rides. Still...in the dusk of fading light, it is nothing short of a fairtytale; a romantic stage set where a theater of dreams continually plays out.
Life as Francesca Possati must be a dream as well. She grew up in a 17-century palazzo which she now owns and renovated as a hotel several years ago. In fact, it is now two hotels--the modern wing is the five star, 120-room Hotel Bauer and the older palazzo is the six star (yes, I said six) deluxe Il Palazzo at the Bauer. Naturally, with its silk walls, gilt furniture and Murano glass lamps it is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious places to stay in Venice. Could it be that I cried on my visit because I could not afford to stay here?
I think we all know why she's smiling. (Young and beautiful too? Damn her!)

Doesn't this just reek of old world, opulent, I-don't-care-how-much-it-costs glamour?

Would you expect any less grandeur from a 17th century Venetian palazzo?

Town & Country