Suited to those who appreciate unique spaces but aren’t fussy about luxurious extras, Rodo Hotel Fashion Delight is a simple city hotel with abundant style and a laid-back atmosphere. Owned by a local Tuscan family and featuring commissioned decor, this boutique hotel is full of creative flair and trendy touches. While the cozy bar and reception area are modest spaces, rooms stand out with individual personality, each one following a different whimsical theme. Textured metallic-painted walls, lace and metal accents, and quirky bedside lamps are just some of the creative touches -- even the doors vary, each decorated in a different pattern and color. 

The rooftop terrace, complete with trendy industrial-style patio furniture and Duomo views, is a perfect spot for observing the bustling tourists below. Although the hotel is on a busy street corner that sees endless throngs streaming past in summer, the hotel itself remains relatively relaxed. Repeat guests are remembered by name by the long-serving staff, a perk of the hotel’s intimate size. It’s these personal touches that give the Rodo a homey vibe, attracting mostly young couples from the U.S. and Western Europe. 

Rodo Hotel Fashion Delight’s location is excellent, right on the street leading straight to the Duomo, which is less than a one-minute walk away. There’s a good handful of shops and cafes on the same block, and all major attractions are within easy walking distance. It’s a seven-minute walk to the Mercato di San Lorenzo, with traditional stalls selling local goods and a popular food market. For a bit of culture, the Accademia and Uffizi Galleries are both seven minute on foot as well, along with high-end shopping along Via de’ Tornabuoni. The main train station is just over a 10-minute walk, while Florence’s airport takes 30 minutes or so to reach in a taxi. 

Although equipped with just the basics, rooms are a highlight at Rodo Hotel Fashion Delight -- uniquely styled and brimming with creative charm. Each of the 15 follows a different theme, with delightful names and decor to match: Geometrie is a stylish combination of geometrical patterns, while Cage D’Or is themed after bird cages. All rooms have a small fridge with free bottled water, slippers, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi and safe access. Lower category rooms lack safes and in-room tea- and coffee-making facilities, but a public coffee corner is free and there's a communal safe behind reception. Higher category rooms have in-room safes, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and free minibars stocked with a few basic drinks and a pack of potato chips. Bathrooms are modern, with neutral gray tiling and rainfall showers, most with windows letting in natural light. A few rooms have views to the front facade of the Duomo. 

There’s a decent handful of facilities at this boutique hotel, including a stylish and pleasant rooftop terrace with views to the Duomo. Welcome drinks are offered here to all guests, and it’s also a favorite spot for the continental breakfast buffet. While not a lavish spread, products are fresh and include fresh juice and fruit, hardboiled eggs, croissants and pastries, and other standards such as savory deli items (gluten- and lactose-free options available). The cozy bar serves freshly prepared espresso as well as seasonal smoothies, and rooms booked directly via the hotel website receive a free bottle of wine, locally produced from the owner’s farm. Special discounted spa treatments and airport shuttle transfers are available via partnerships with the hotel, and a paid valet parking service is available at a nearby garage. There’s also free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.