The hotel was a place where wealthy guests who were travelling on the luxury ships would stay in the early 20th century. Think Titanic! The hotel lobby is gorgeous and you immediately feel transported back to the time of Jack and Rose when you enter it. We did not eat on the property nor did we use any room service. There are suites in the hotel, but I would imagine that they are quite expensive.

My friend Kevin and I stayed in the Adelphi in 1999 during a convention being held at the hotel. Our room was amazing, all dark wood panelling. It reeked expensive, even though it was not. We were blown away by the lounge. We both agreed that if we had the money we''d buy it, take it back to America and build a hotel round it. But, but, but…

These days the Adelphi is shabby. It is badly in need of restoration. A couple of the convention attendees had their rooms burgled, and we were told that meant it was a good year because it was only a couple. The food was awful, the staff unco-operative. If there were prizes for faded opulence, the Adelphi would win them with ease.

I think every traveller ought to stay at the Adelphi once. And if you happen to be into melancholy poetry perhaps you will decide to stay. For the rest of us, however, it is enough to say that we have been there.