Esplanade

Since it opened in 1925 to cater to travellers on the Orient Express, the beautiful and opulent Esplanade has accommodated Alfred Hitchcock, Elizabeth Taylor, Queen Elizabeth II, the King of Spain and Louis Armstrong. Fabulous luxury and top-notch service are the name of the game at this art-nouveau gem beside the train station. After a complete refurbishment, it reopened in 2004. The lobby is a veneered wonder and clocks display the time in six world cities. Stylish guestrooms range in size and configuration, but all come with perks such as heated floors, goose-down bedding, mist-free mirrors and fancy toiletries in the marble bathrooms. The chef at Zinfandel's restaurant conjures up modern Med cuisine and Croatian traditional dishes, while Le Bistro does the best štrukli in town. Relaxation packages are popular: hot-stone and chocolate massages in the treatment and sauna rooms. There are also deluxe room service options like a Bath Butler, who'll draw the perfect, bubbled tub. Combine it with the Great Gatsby treatment for men: a cognac and a cigar. Even the pooch gets in on the action here. Pets receive a bone, a welcome letter and a bed when they arrive.