The grand, tree-lined boulevard of St Kilda Road is dotted with magnificent edifices, but there is none finer than the Hotel Charsfield. The palatial 1889 mansion is now a gorgeous hotel that makes the most of its imposing Victorian architecture and prime location.

Elegance pervades the Charsfield, with a classic reading room, a snooker room and ornate guest rooms that are decorated with plush curtains, fine furnishings, and which retain their elaborate ceilings and original marble fireplaces. We were thrilled by the Premier Spa Room, which you approach by a splendid blue-carpeted staircase, and the in-house massage and beauty treatments are a real luxury.

Historic does not mean out of date; Charsfield is wired for modern communications and is perfect for business travellers. But, really, shut the laptop and enjoy the ambience. Nibbles Bar and Restaurant is cosily intimate with a groovy fusion menu by chef Paul le Noury. On warm evenings, retire to the tessellated tile verandah.

Location: Three km from Melbourne's GPO. Melway 2L A7. HEMA RA 41 D3.

Facilities: 41 rooms: Premier Spa Room (king/twin), Deluxe queen rooms, one two bedroom apartment, six corporate suites. All with desk, fax, internet, AC, heating. Two conference rooms, reading room, snooker room. Off-site gym (free). Bar. Restaurant open for breakfast daily; lunch Mon– Fri; dinner Sun–Fri. Wedding and conference packages available.   Visit this property's website