Originally Posted by IAN-UK

Some view-rooms are better than others. Such is life. The one to aim for has the designation <family room> (or something on those lines). It is somewhat larger, with an angled window frontage to the main line of the hotel. The extra space holds a sofa which is handy for down-time (presumably convertible into a bed, giving the room-type its name).

There are smoking floors - in fact most are, I think.

Only one room I have stayed at had a dedicated shower: the norm is an over-bath affair.

Don't expect much of a deal on the lounge. They've got a smart new one and are being restrictive on access. But they should give it to you on a daily charge equivalent to $30 to $40 per person. You might find that reasonable, but you'll probably find your days full enough, and there's plenty to do in the the evenings (the opera season is about to start, if that's of interest), without spending it in the lounge. And there are good cafes and restaurants close to the hotel - so there's no need to pay the crazy in-hotel breakfast charges if you are light eater in the mornings.

If you go for the lounge, you might first like to check if there is a smoking section, and smokers in residence.