The Bar/Lounge at Excelsior Hotel Ernst

"Guest rooms are swank (especially those in the newly refurbished Hanseflügel wing), with high ceilings, French windows (often with Juliet balconies), fine linens and such nice perks as a complimentary mini-bar (filled with excellent German beer)"

"During the afternoon, a tea sommelier can guide you through the high-tea brews in the classic hotel bar, which has live piano music six nights a week"

"A member of the Leading Hotels of the World group, it’s recently been refurbished with a conservative but up-to-date ambience, a brace of restaurants and a Riesling-themed wine bar"

"A small, discreet reception area adjoins a grand period-style salon, where classical music plays softly in the background and a gentle cascade of water distracts the eye over the wall, statues leading to the lofted lounge area and a scattering of objets d'art"

"There’s also a mahogany-panelled Piano Bar complete with 1940 Steinway piano and humidor of cigars, as well as a lovely drawing room for blow-the-diet afternoon teas"