Monarch Luxury Hotel

Greek-inspired facades and tapered hedges provide an especially grand entrance. The lobby is arranged with Victorian furnishings – curved-edged sofas, walnut countertops and a grandfather clock that bongs on the hour. The restaurant is drenched in natural light by day and suffused with a soft yellow glow in the evening, when a pianist plays old and some new favourites. There's also a cigar room and a boardroom, and an outside courtyard with plenty of shady tables laid for outdoor dining.

The 12 suites are spacious, luxurious and plushly appointed, with quality bedding and grand en-suite bathrooms. Though the atmosphere is rather old school, the decor throughout means the accommodation is supremely comfortable, with all the requisite mod-cons – internet, TV, and underfloor heating. Presidential Suites can be accessed by a private entrance and sleep two guests in king-sized comfort. Five Royal Suites consist of two adjoining rooms, each with a king-sized bed. Six luxury rooms provide oodles of comfort.

For some inner-city escapism, sit in the leafy interior courtyard – one of the favoured vestiges of this old post office.