Fremantle has a lot going for it right now. In the same week it was crowned Australia’s Top Tourism Town 2025, the city welcomed a brand-new boutique hotel: Garde. The name nods to the building’s past life as Fremantle’s old police headquarters, and just its former occupants, the hotel positions itself as the new ‘guardian’ of the city.
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I stayed at Garde during its opening week in September and got a glimpse of life beyond the historic limestone walls. While the wellness retreat and signature restaurant, Anglesea, were still being put through their final touches, it was clear that this boutique hotel is set to become a standout addition to Fremantle.
Why you should stay at Garde Hotel?
Surrounded by Fremantle’s best eateries and bars, the Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison and the popular Fremantle Markets, Garde really puts you right on the doorstep of the city’s top attractions. It’s technically part of the burgeoning Convict Quarter precinct, with every detail designed to honour Fremantle’s past, while looking into the future.
Garde is the perfect base for first-time visitors to Fremantle, but equally ideal for Perth locals seeking a stylish staycation. I loved having everything within walking distance and could’ve spent hours unwinding in the in-house wellness space, featuring a sauna and ice shower – ideal for anyone in need of a little rest and relaxation.
What are the rooms like at Garde Hotel?
Along with 83 new luxury rooms and suites, Garde has adopted the 23 neighbouring Warders Hotel cottages, which originally opened in 2020. But I was here to check out the newest rooms. Stepping inside from the bright red carpeted corridor, I couldn’t help but wonder – was I the first guest, or was the space simply so immaculate it felt untouched?
The standard room I stayed in was compact, with an extravagant floating king-size bed taking up most of the space. Natural light spilled onto the blindingly white sheets from the expansive windows that frame views of Fremantle, while textured brick and warm timber blend heritage charm with contemporary design. My room was furnished with the essentials: a small table and chair, spacious luggage storage, a marble ensuite and a basic mini bar with chips and wine, and an in-room espresso machine. Having still and sparkling water available from a communal tap just outside my room was a nice, sustainable touch.
Suites offer a larger ensuite and a bathtub for ultimate relaxation, making them the better choice for business travellers or anyone wanting more space to play. For guests who want to stretch out, the open reception area is a great spot, furnished with comfy couches and adorned with local Indigenous art.
What are the best restaurants and bars at Garde Hotel?
Attached to the reception, Anglesea is Garde’s signature dining destination, serving up modern Australian cuisine with a bold Japanese and Korean twist. Whether you’re after casual bites and drinks in the bar or a full set-menu dinner in the stylish main dining room, Anglesea has you covered. Each morning, it also serves a boutique buffet breakfast with oven-fresh pastries, housemade granola, and seasonal fruit.
Just across the road, Emily Taylor is an award-winning restaurant inspired by the spice routes of Asia. The menu is designed for sharing, with flavoursome small plates and punchy cocktails to pair. Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend booking an alfresco seat in the courtyard. For a post-dinner drink, head next door to the tiny corner bar, Gimlet, for a gin or aperitivo.
What’s the service like at Garde Hotel?
Even though the hotel had only been open for a few days, check-in was incredibly seamless. The smartly dressed staff are knowledgeable about both the hotel’s history and the local area, happy to share stories and recommend the best spots nearby. Don’t hesitate to take a seat in the reception and strike up a conversation.
What’s the area like around Garde Hotel?
Garde Hotel sits in Fremantle’s Convict Quarter precinct, right opposite the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison, Fremantle Oval and Fremantle Markets (yes, dangerously tempting if you share my weakness for Levi’s Doughnuts).
The hotel is also just a short stroll from the main shopping district, Fremantle’s infamous ‘Cappuccino Strip’ and the fishing boat harbour, giving you everything you need for a weekend getaway. For a taste of the local scene, we recommend brunch at Flora and Fauna, fish and chips at Cicerello’s, an alfresco drink at Gage Roads, retail therapy at Common Ground Collective, a history hit at the WA Maritime Museum, and a bit of bowling or mini golf at Archie Brothers.
Address: Corner of William and Parry St, Fremantle, WA, 6160
Closest transport: Fremantle Train Station or local buses from Queen Victoria and High Streets
Price per night: From $260 per night
Book: Here