In a city that’s always re-inventing itself, it comes as no surprise when hotels do the same. The Palace Hotel—renamed the Principal after a clever revamp, has much to recommend it. The edifice itself is a larger-than-life terracotta Grade II listed building. If you’re even remotely interested in history, you’ll discover that the hotel first opened as The Refuge Assurance Company Headquarters in 1890. Now, it successfully married Victorian grandeur to attention-to-detail in its design and layout. The rooms are spacious, with tasteful upholstery, warm colors and high ceilings. The service is impeccable. You also need to visit The Refuge Dining Room & Public Bar, known for small-plates, creative cocktails and craft beer, to complete an experience here.