That towering exterior is, like the Empire State, a monument to 1930s design, but the 2200 roomed hotel wasn’t always quite this big.

The original consisted of two separate buildings (yes, the Waldorf and the Astoria), connected by a corridor (the '=' sign in the hotel's name): Peacock Alley, named after all the high society women who strutted its length.

The hotel was a flame to social moths and its 1931 reincarnation ensured that it became a hangout for the likes of Frank Sinatra, and a home to celebs like Marilyn Monroe and Cole Porter who liked the idea of living in a hotel — a pioneering concept at the time. The tradition continues to this day; Paris Hilton has her own suite.

No two rooms at the Waldorf=Astoria are alike (apart from the traditional Art Deco motifs, small windows and marble bathrooms), although those on the Astoria level boast more luxury. And if you’re a head of state or a multi-millionaire try the opulent Waldorf Towers (floor 28 and above). For up to $8000 a night you get the ultimate in snobbery — a separate entrance.

Can't afford even the cheapest room? Then visit the famous lobby (Art Deco murals and mosaic, of course) that resembles Grand Central Station with its own signature clock — and Porter's grand piano. Pop in for a Waldorf salad at the place where it was created, or head to the legendary 1940s Bull and Bear Bar that's all mahogany, leather and cigar smoke.

La Mamounia, Morocco
Surrounded by the 12th century city walls of Marrakech, La Mamounia is more palace than hotel — literally.

Set within the vast gardens of an 18th century Moroccan prince, this 230-room, five-storey complex is the definition of extravagance.

An opulent blend of ornate Art Deco and Arabian Nights, guests here enjoy cedar-scented foyers, rose petals floating in fountains, buttoned-leather walls and marble... plenty of it.

Although the rooms themselves are a little more restrained — think muted Moroccan tones, deco furniture and plenty of rugs — the views continue the hyperbole. In the distance lie the Atlas Mountains, while below the balcony are the sculpted gardens of fruit and olive trees, palms and jacaranda, jasmine and wisteria.

Amenities are the usual blend of pools, casinos, tennis courts and shops (including Africa's first Louis Vuitton store), although the hammam (steam bath) makes for a distinctly Moroccan touch. So too does the Le Marocain restaurant, one of the hotel's five, that specialises in local cuisine and culture — complete with belly dancers.

But it is the luxury — and surrounding beauty — that has the likes of Will Smith and Bill Clinton adding their name to the Livre D’Or guestbook, joining the likes of Winston Churchill and Alfred Hitchcock.

But while the British prime minister loved to paint in the gardens, the film director found more sinister inspiration at La Mamounia — being dive-bombed by finches on his balcony sparked the idea for 'The Birds'.

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