Fodor's Expert Review Prince of Wales

A visit from the Prince of Wales in 1901 inspired the name of this venerable hostelry that still welcomes the occasional royal guest or film star. A true Victorian from 1864, the three-story mansard-roof behemoth takes up an entire city block. Inside, details like intricate brazil- and cherrywood inlaid flooring, Tiffany lamps, and gilt-framed oil paintings exude Victorian-era decadence. Rooms have heated towel racks, and some have gas fireplaces. There are plenty of ways to pamper yourself here: a tea-treatment facial in the spa, a dip in the Roman-bath-style saltwater pool, high tea in the Drawing Room, or a meal at the highly acclaimed Escabèche restaurant.