Spending a night at the Fontana Park Hotel is like a one-night stand with a very handsome architect. The fashionable crowd is intrigued by this complicated cad's intelligence, good looks and even wit, to boot. But for some well-seasoned travellers, they will swallow the truth long before climbing onto his firm mattress, swathed in high thread count, and stacked with king-sized pillows: like last season’s architectural shoes, style overrides comfort.

The minute you step into the lobby, you know you're in for trouble. You're already intimidated by the stylish, minimal furniture. You suddenly second-guess your very chic outfit. (Not to worry, it won't be long until you wriggle yourself out of whatever you're wearing.)

The elevator is barely big enough to...