The Prince

There are changes afoot at the Prince, one of the best loved of Melbourne's hotels. (And it's not just loved by travelers; the historic hotel's restaurants, bars, band room, and Aurora Spa are well patronized by locals, too.) Originally opened in 1940, the Prince has since had a number of designer makeovers, and its 39 rooms now feature a minimalist vibe. The smaller ones can feel a little compact, but the upper categories, including the Premier Suites, have a balcony. Downstairs, Circa restaurant turns out creative, seasonal modern Australian dishes created from choice local ingredients, and no visitor should miss a chance to have a beer in the Public Bar, which faces bustling Fitzroy Street.