Royal Albert Hotel

Behind two Parisienne style cafes on Albert St lies a tiny wood-panelled art deco arcade, the discreet entrance to the Royal Albert. Such is the feeling of having stumbled across a 1920’s time capsule you half expect to see women in cloche hats and gloves emerging from the leadlight doors – that is, until they swing open automatically.

Perry House, the building it occupies was constructed in 1911-1913, becoming the tallest building in the city and tenanted for the ensuing decades by the Perry’s ironmongers business. The hotel, which was established in 1996, draws on the high ceilings and early 20th century features, with a chandelier-lit foyer, cocos palms, silky oak panelled lift and side tables to the gilt mirrors and ornate plaster ceilings.

The rooms themselves are large and elegant and feature chintz sofas, plantation shutters, Royal Albert china, kitchenettes and the very 21st century flat screen TVs. As an apartment hotel there are also one and two bedroom suites and a sub-penthouse suite. Valet onsite parking is available for an extra fee.