Albert Park Hotel

The premise was simple: take a dingy, well-worn hotel and turn it into a place where the top tax-bracketers about town would want to hang. With a renovation that would put Jamie Durie to shame, this place has been given a very inspiring spit-and-shine treatment thanks to the 'tres trendies' at Six Degrees, and the spunky atmosphere is clearly one that appeals to the well-heeled folk of Albert Park.

Out with the schmuck and in with the smooth, the retro-modern interior is an instant classic with punters across the spectrum, and concentric circles breathe colour and life into the former art deco space. Those in the mood for something a little more laidback can head upstairs to the lounge bar, where snippets of its former facades are exposed and portholes give you a Big Brother insight into the action that's happening next door.

The modern bistro will make you forget you're in a pub and, after throwing the words "cocktail" and "lounge" into the mix, will see you erase "dingy" from your lexicon altogether. Going strong on its original site since 1883, the Albert Park Hotel is instantly likable and is no doubt going to see you fishing for some DIY tools of your own.