Monaco Alexandria

The Monaco Alexandria makes a bold design statement with its lobby/lounge. Walls and pillars are a glowing, striking blue, and there’s just a touch of Old Shanghai in the gold on black patterned walls behind the red padded-leather reception desk. Furnishings here are a happy mixture: lots of shades and patterns are thrown together to great effect, with hints of whimsy in a leopardskin-painted fire surround. Bedrooms continue the bold theme. They’re luxurious, many with brown-khaki walls, and lots of black and white in comfortable armchairs and chaises longues. Some feature bathrooms with two-person soaking baths. There’s an indoor swimming pool in the third-floor fitness center.