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Wonderfully over-the-top sums up this Melbourne landmark, from the lobby, with its glorious excess of marble and gilding, to the massive crystal chandeliers in the Crystal Club, a VIP lounge reserved for guests renting the luxe penthouse villas (regular patrons can pay a fee to join). The suites are similarly all about excess: huge walk-in closets, lavish marble bathrooms and massive flat-screen TVs contribute to the high-life feeling. Most rooms have spectacular views of the city (others overlook the river or the bay), and there are plenty of other diversions once you leave the room, including a lobby ringed with luxury designer stores; world-class restaurants, such as Nobu and Rockpool and, of course, a garish casino. It’s also a prime celebrity hot spot: high rollers such as Tony Bennett, Hugh Jackman, Billy Joel and Barbra Streisand have been guests here.

Tip: Some rooms have a lingering smell of smoke, so make sure you request a nonsmoking room—or even better, a room on a nonsmoking floor. Rooms from $350.

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Aficionados of five-stars will love the Langham, with its air of quiet luxury and dress-circle riverfront location. All 387 guest rooms have views, the best of which are of the river (request a Southbank view when you book). The hotel’s Asian-inspired Chuan Spa is highly recommended. Rooms from $246.