Argyle Hotel Tower Bar

The Tower Bar's design helps the fantasy along with a retro-Modern take on the club bar. Walls are covered in warm wood. Lamps with pleated fabric shades glow amber. And cozy tables are tucked into alcoves with windows looking onto the city below. The bar is small and snug, with just a handful of stools, and at the baby grand, Page Cavanaugh, who was already on the scene in the '40s (he had his own trio and accompanied Doris Day, Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole, among others), plays some superb piano, doing his bit to pay tribute to the past.

The effect is a sophisticated, understated backdrop for a drink at the bar, a romantic dinner for two or a night out with friends.