Will be meeting up with Aussie friends in December. So far Hotel Andaluz is at the forefront for our stay.
Is this a good choice?

with thanks for your help.

Hi, Reah58! I haven't actually stayed at Hotel Andaluz, so I hope others can comment on rooms. However, I found the lobby fascinating, and it was featured in a novel that I read, so wanted to see it last time we were in town. Indeed, the lobby is what I had in my mind - I would have liked to linger in those little alcoves. It's not a grand lobby per se, though it was historic, unique, and had an inviting feel to it. We had a glass of wine or two at the bar and some food, which was enjoyable. We didn't get to the rooftop terrace, unfortunately. There's a small "library" tucked away in a corner, so you can get a book and curl up to read in the lobby. The area outside is not particularly exciting - just traffic and normal city stuff, nothing I was drawn to and too much concrete. However, I'd still like to stay there on a return trip. If you do, I'd love to hear about it.