Windsor

Lonely Planet review

A marvellous reminder of a more glamorous era, the Windsor is a Melbourne institution. Built in 1883 to Charles Webb's design, it was extensively restored during the 1980s and is one of Australia's grandest historic hotels. Take tea at the Windsor and do the pinkie salute to Victoriana, or sleep over.

Previous guests of the Windsor (built in 1883) include a roll-call of hard-to-please types such as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Sir Laurence Olivier and hard-rockers Metallica, which demonstrates why service here is so highly regarded - it seems that no request is too big or too small. One of Australia's greatest and grandest hotels, this five-star example of Victorian-era opulence exudes old-fashioned luxury from every burnished, swagged and plumped detail, with a range of beautifully furnished rooms boasting high ceilings, bright marble bathrooms and discreet business facilities.