It’s hard to believe this stylish, century-old building was once the notorious Dufferin Hotel, a rough, run-down, and rowdy place famous in the 1980s for its gay bars, drag shows, and male strippers, hence the popular slogan: “Go buff at the Duff.” Things have certainly changed in recent years. After a major renovation, the hotel has retained its historic charms, but enhanced them with a chic, modern, Italian-inspired new look. (The new owner’s background is Italian, so it all makes sense.) You’ll find marble, slate, and cornice moldings throughout, much of which was uncovered during the restoration. The lobby has a beautiful mosaic tile floor and photos of the hotel in its early days, as well as bright red contemporary chairs with swooping lines. Guest rooms are clean and elegant, with ingenious use of space, and a modern Italian design aesthetic in black, gray, and white with splashes of red in pieces like the chic rounded accent chairs. There are also a handful of upscale suites in the building across the street, ideal for entertaining large groups. The hotel has several excellent places to eat and drink, including the award-winning Cibo Trattoria, Uva Wine & Cocktail Bar, and Red Card, a sports bar that is more soccer than hockey. Moda is right across the street from the Orpheum Theatre, making this a popular spot for culture vultures.