This landmark structure, built by the Pearl Assurance Company in 1914, houses a beautiful Marriott hotel. So striking is the architecture that the building was featured in the film Howards End. The spacious bedrooms are popular with business travelers and the decor has a masculine edge—lots of leather and dark-red fabrics, with new luxurious mattresses. The day spa in the basement is a peaceful cocoon. There's marble everywhere, from the floors in public spaces and the massive staircase to the in-room bathrooms. The restaurant, Pearl, is known for its Modern European cuisine, and the bar, in an old banking hall, has elegant soaring ceilings. Pros: gorgeous space; your every need catered to. Cons: area is deserted at night and on weekends.
Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip