The Rapallo Hotel is beautifully renovated with a distinct point of view that is softly elegant, and omits no detail. The lobby is striking, with grey walls and crisp white trim, navy and grey upholstered furniture, and grey damask chairs, with occasional pops of burnt orange. Single orchids are perfectly placed on tables and sideboards. The front desk is an antique-looking wood table. The bar and breakfast lounge is cozy, with sophisticated dark walls and burnt orange bar stools, curtains, and banquettes. Oil paintings give the room a clubby feel, but there is nothing old-fashioned or stodgy about the place. In the afternoons, an array of tea, coffee, and snacks -- honey, nuts, cheese, fruit, cold cuts, and pastry -- is laid out for hotel guests. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a helpful staff.

The Rapallo Hotel is located on a congested city street five minutes from the Florence train station, but once inside the lobby and rooms the noise disappears. There are a lot of restaurants and bars in the immediate area, and a 10- to 15-minute walk takes guests to the Duomo and other major historic sights. Bike and jogging trails can be found near the hotel. The airport is a 20- to 30-minute drive. There is parking available for a surcharge.

Rooms at the Rapallo Hotel are beautiful, with blush-colored walls and pale peach ceilings, or, on the top floor, exposed beams. Lush peach and grey drapes block out light and street sounds for a restful night's sleep. White furniture and upholstered velvet headboards add to the luxe, airy feel. Some rooms have private terraces or balconies that feel like an additional room, where staff will set cafe tables with tablecloths, fresh flowers, and a delectable room service breakfast for no extra charge. Bathrooms are lovely and modern, with shower stalls or shower/tub combos, and flattering lighting.

The Rapallo Hotel offers a lovely afternoon tea spread to guests, including cold cuts and cheeses, nuts and honey, cookies and pastry, coffee or tea, and prosecco. The free breakfast buffet is similarly delicious, and breakfast can be brought to rooms (and set up on terraces) for no extra charge. Guests in superior rooms receive welcome gifts, such as fresh fruit or bottles of wine, and all rooms are stocked with free bottled water upon arrival. Happy hour in the bar includes hors d'oeuvres, coffee drinks, and aperitifs. There is a small conference room that accommodates up to 15 people.