Fodor's Expert Review Hotel Excelsior

Maharajahs, emperors, and Hollywood legends have stayed at this grand-tradition outpost that opened in 1908. The exterior, with the hotel's name magnificently picked out in Pompeian red, is awash in elegant detail, and the interior is a symphony of soaring columns, gilded French doors, and Venetian chandeliers. These days the hotel caters to corporate chiefs, and its ballrooms host company meetings. Discreet but attentive service is the goal here—if you want to hire a yacht, the concierge will oblige. After a day of sightseeing, repair to the peaceful rooftop bar and restaurant, with its sweeping bay views.