The posh lobby bar is the ideal spot to see and be seen, a seasonally appropriate Kentucky Derby cocktail (Evan Williams Single Barrel bourbon, sorghum, pink grapefruit juice) or icy mint julep in hand.
Originally built in 1939, developers gutted and transformed this heritage - listed, art - deco showpiece into a
posh 5 - star hotel with a dramatic, airy
lobby, chic restaurant (The Wilmot — where I had a nice power breakfast with David Flynn, editor of the excellent Australian Business Traveler) and
bar, and comfortable, quiet, well - appointed rooms.