Hotel Lindrum, Melbourne, Australia

The Lindrum is a mid-town hotel that overlooks and overhears a city's heartbeat. Just down the street — Flinders Street — from Melbourne's fascinating new Federation Square complex is the stately 19th century façade (and 21st century interior) of the Hotel Lindrum. If you love art, trams, coffee, theatre, design, the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the National Gallery of Victoria, plus privacy, vast parks, more art and more trams, then a front room here takes in the lot. And there’s a bed big enough for a pasha. The architects retained the classic features of the historical building, while showcasing a chic interior. There are 59 well appointed rooms (in four different room categories) with rich wood furnishings and classic polished floors. Legendary billiards champion Walter Lindrum, after whom the hotel is named, described his game as "the art of simple things [done] to perfection." Which also sounds like a fair formula for a fine boutique hotel.