The 12 best hotels in Perth

Situated in the centre of Perth’s burgeoning CBD and occupying three of Western Australia’s heritage-listed buildings dating back to the 19th century, COMO The Treasury is cosier than slipping into flannelette PJs, yet as luxe as cashmere. With just 48 minimalistic rooms, it’s the place for those who are usually seen, to not be seen. Guests don’t even need to leave the hotel. You can organise in-house personal training or private yoga sessions, swim laps in the 20-metre heated indoor pool, dine at one of the hotel’s exceptional restaurants overlooking the Swan River (may we suggest Post for a lovely Italian affair), or enjoy a luxe treatment at the Shambhala day spa.

The most intriguing part of COMO The Treasury is that no two of its 48 rooms are the same. Each floor plan is shaped by the building’s heritage-listed layout, spanning from 55 square metres (yep, that’s the “smallest”) to 120sqm for the largest suite. The rooms are equipped with everything you could ever need – king beds dressed in Egyptian cotton, comfy grey sofas with plush pillows, a complimentary mini bar and a generous bathroom with heated tiles and a deep soaking tub.

Time Out tip: Beat the jetlag with a spa treatment at COMO Shambhala The Treasury, where a range of holistic Western and Eastern healing therapies are on offer.

Address: State Buildings, 1 Cathedral Ave, Perth

Price: From $781 per night

A playground of glamour and grandeur, this five-star hotel is the perfect base for exploring Perth’s city centre and beyond. Located in the vibrant pulse of Hay Street, you'll find yourself surrounded by a stellar lineup of renowned restaurants and the illustrious His Majesty’s Theatre, all just steps away. InterContinental’s 240 guest rooms spread across 16 beautiful floors guarantee a good night’s sleep with plush bedding and a luxurious window chaise for indulging in lazy afternoon naps. If expansive views across Perth are high on your priority list, the King Premium Corner Cityscape View room boasts floor-to-ceiling adjacent windows for multi-directional vistas. 

Once you’re feeling revitalised, hit the hotel fitness centre from AM to PM, which is decked out with all the modcons, including elliptical machines and rowers. If you overstay your training sesh, never fear, InterContinental offers 24-hour room service for post-cycle snacking. Take sweaty gym gear off your mind too and hand it over to the in-house laundry. 

Time Out tip: Escape the hustle and bustle with a cocktail or two on the outdoor terrace at The Loft, settle in for an intimate Spanish feast at Heno and Rey, or enjoy a pre-theatre dinner at Ascua.

Address: 815 Hay St, Perth

Price: From $283 per night

This ritzy, five-star stay is set on the banks of Perth’s calming Swan River, but trust us, you’ll never want to actually leave the hotel. The lobby is as impressive as any Australian art gallery, featuring 10,000 pieces of Kimberley sandstone and dried native plants displayed in large earthy pots. If the foyer is anything to go by, you already know what awaits you at a higher altitude is going to blow you away. That being said, the fifth-floor infinity pool sits pretty aside panoramas of the nearby city skyline and Elizabeth Quay. Similarly, The Ritz-Carlton Spa’s vitality pools overlook the famed Bell Tower – one of the best architectural constructs in Australia. The sauna may be a much-needed feature too, or perhaps a much-wanted self-indulgence, as the exclusive Hearth Restaurant that specialises in local produce and open-fire cookery at the base of the hotel.

In each of the 205 guest rooms and suites, natural light sprawls through the floor-to-ceiling windows, offering stunning vistas of the city, river and surrounding parklands. Ultra-modern is the vibe, along with soft tones, curvaceous fittings and considered lighting. That floating feeling is attainable across all quarters, but our favourites are the Elizabeth Quay and Presidential Suites, which both boast spacious, private balconies.

Time Out tip: Getting to Rottnest Island from The Ritz-Carlton Perth is a breeze with the Barrack Street Ferry Terminal just seconds from the hotel lobby.

Address: Elizabeth Quay, 1 Barrack St, Perth

Price: From $499 per night

It’s one of the most expensive hotels ever built in Australia, and it shows. Perth's Crown Towers is the place to stay for a true five-star (some even say six-star) hotel experience. Luxurious finishes, attentive staff and fancy décor greet you, as do the seven-metre woven ceilings in the lobby. From Nobu to Rockpool, you'll find plenty of places for a world-class meal, including buffet breakfast at the Epicurean, which is considered the best in Perth. Splash out during your stay by booking a super-luxe massage or facial at the onsite day spa. Or literally make a splash at the multi-tiered lagoon, complete with cabanas and plenty of comfy sun-bathing chairs. Resort-style, waterside dining at The Enclave is an experience in itself, thanks to the private infinity pool with spectacular views of Perth and the Swan River. Within the Crown complex, you’ll also be able to relish in a spot of luxury shopping, catch a world-class production at the Crown Theatre, and join a bike riding adventure beside the calm Swan River waters. 

As for Crown Towers’ rooms and suites, ten differing spaces are fitted out with neutral tones, elegant fixtures and pristine furniture. And you’d be all out of luck if you don’t take full advantage of the west-facing abodes, which offer vast and simply breath-taking river- and city-scapes of Perth. 

Time Out tip: Take a dip in the lagoon-style pool, no matter what the weather. It’s heated to 30 degrees all year round.

Address: Crown Perth, Great Eastern Hwy, Burswood

Price: From $399 per night

Boutique at its very best is what you’ll experience at this designer hotel by the Swan River. 184 rooms are set across 18 floors at QT Perth, and guests are welcome to stay for a good time and a long time. Eccentric decor and artwork keep things a little curious, while golden fixtures take things back a notch with a little classical charm. Spacious bathrooms bathed in black marble and featuring a free-standing bath or rain shower seal the deal.

Before melting into your king-sized bed, set your sights on the horizon of Perth’s sparkling city lights at the 18th-floor bar, Rooftop at QT. Likewise, Santini Bar & Grill awaits to serve you flavours of the Mediterranean that match Perth’s consistent sunshine. Think cacio e pepe clam pizza and a tiramisu recipe dating back to 1988. But if getting out and about is more your thing, you’d be pleased to know that you’re in very close quarters to some of the best restaurants in Perth, as well as the buzz of Murray Street Mall quite literally across the road.

Time Out tip: Head sky-high to Rooftop at QT for golden hour, where you can sip on a Sundown Sour with a side of garlic butter scallops and fried mortadella sandos.

Address: 133 Murray St, Perth

Price: From $313 per night

Experience the best of the west at one of Perth’s newest five-star hotels. Like any of its sister venues, The Westin nails the balance of sophistication and comfort with 368 spacious rooms and suites. Natural light beams through the floor-to-ceiling windows and shines a spotlight on the 2,000-plus pieces of Australian art that decorate the hotel walls.

For the full R&R experience, pamper yourself with a treatment at Bodhi Spa or ask the dedicated ‘Run Concierge’ to show you the best running routes in Perth. There’s only one way to cap off the night, and that’s with a Roman-style feast at Garum by Guy Grossi, the renowned chef’s first restaurant outside of Victoria. The Westin Perth’s Hay Street site means you’re just minutes away from the major mall counterpart, which is famed thanks to your Monopoly board.

Time Out tip: Step out of the city chaos and into elegance with high tea at the Westin’s Haven Lounge. Featuring bespoke cocktails and a seasonally inspired menu, this afternoon tea is all kinds of heavenly.

Address: 480 Hay St, Perth

Price: From $369 per night

After a major $50 million refurbishment, Pan Pacific Perth has entered a new era of sustainable luxury. The reimagined interiors blend the wild beauty of Western Australia with the hotel group’s refined Asian heritage. Picture furniture made from recycled ocean plastics, panels built from repurposed denim and a warming palette of earthy tones. Inside, there are a whopping 488 refreshed guest rooms and suites to rest your head. You can choose from spacious, light-filled rooms with sweeping views of the city or Swan River, and unwind in style with a plush king-sized bed (or twin king singles), an elegant marble ensuite and quirky furnishings.

In your downtime, retreat to the outdoor pool – heated to a pleasant 28 degrees – or head to Uma, the hotel’s signature South American-inspired restaurant, where colourful share plates showcase the best seasonal West Australian produce. As the largest of Pan Pacific’s six Australian properties, this urban retreat is also home to the biggest event space in Perth. And if you’re ever in town for an event, you might as well stay the night. 

Time Out tip: The Pan Pacific Perth is just a 25-minute walk to Heirisson Island, famous for its population of western grey kangaroos.

Address: 207 Adelaide Tce, Perth

Price: From $273 per night

This groovy boutique hotel sits in the middle of Northbridge’s evolving small bar and slow fashion scene. Eateries and stores stocking designer and local wares are right outside the door, and you can take it all in from the hotel's trendy, street-facing Lobby Bar. And in just a hop, skip and a jump (actually, more like just a hop), Perth’s Cultural Centre sits awaiting discovery – from the WA Museum Boola Bardip with its relics and whatnot, to the Art Gallery of Western Australia with its gasp-worthy displays. 

It makes sense that Alex has adopted sustainable practices throughout its rooms and dining venues, from its sprawling indoor greenery to its farm-to-table cooking and refillable toilet amenities. Guests are encouraged to make themselves at home in the communal area, which includes complimentary coffee, breakfast or a glass of wine from the bar. But when it comes to all things private, the room’s ultra-minimalism is easy on the eyes while the sage-green and coral-coloured walls soothe the soul. The walk-in rain showers aid in the relaxation game, too. Sleep-ins are also encouraged, with Alex Hotel’s thoughtful 12pm check-out. But if rising and shining is on the cards, nab a complimentary bicycle and pursue about; head to the skies up at the hotel rooftop; or keep it ground-level at the adjoining European-style bistro, Shadow Bar & Kitchen.

Time Out tip: Make use of the cosy love seats in the communal area, perfect for a pre-PICA show nap or meditation.

Address: 50 James St, Perth

Price: From $247 per night

This boutique, 80-room hotel lives its life in three personalities as a destination to ‘co-live, co-work and co-play’. Overlooking the city’s buzzing Elizabeth Quay, Quay Perth offers everything you need and want while in holiday (or business) mode at its doorstep. The rooms are compact and sleek, with guests encouraged to make use of the dedicated, 24/7 co-working space on level nine. You won’t be disappointed if you accidentally take the elevator one floor higher to Quay’s rooftop HQ Bar and Kitchen for Western Australian wine, craft beers and ciders, plus modern, Asian fusion tapas plates. 

The riverside location is obviously a huge bonus, and when it comes to transportation, it’d be rude not to take yourself on a ferry ride to South Perth Foreshore to escape the city sounds and witness the skyline from a new, tranquil perspective. 

Time Out tip: If you’re more about the work than the play, make the most of complimentary use of level nine’s coworking window desks overlooking the Swan River. 

Address: 18 The Esplanade, Perth

Price: From $211 per night

One of Perth’s newest openings, Courtyard by Marriott Perth, Murdoch, is a great opp for a stylish suburban stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city. That said, the hotel is still just ten minutes south of Perth CBD, located in Murdoch’s growing Health and Knowledge Precinct, and is conveniently close to major hospitals, Adventure World (ten minutes) and Fremantle (15 minutes). Inside, you can expect all the luxuries of a classic Marriott hotel. The 150 contemporary guest rooms make it almost too easy to switch off, featuring plush king beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, flat-screen televisions and touchscreen controls. Grab a baked good to go or settle in for a modern Australian meal at the lobby-level Substance Restaurant and Bar. If you need to work up an appetite, there’s a bright 24-hour fitness centre too.

Time Out tip: In town for work? Courtyard by Marriott is a fab spot for business trips with spacious desks, free Wi-Fi and Chromecast streaming to keep you productive (and entertained).

Address: 12 Fiona Wood Rd, Murdoch

Price: From $229 per night

The Marie Kondo of hotels, Tribe doesn’t do clutter or unnecessary additions, like overstocked minibars or overly complicated light switches. It’s the place to be for those keen to get out, explore the city and make new friends. Use a complimentary bike to explore nearby 400-hectare Kings Park – one of the biggest inner-city parks in the world – or head to the Social Hub for free Wi-Fi and 24-hour access to the grab-and-go counter. The ready-to-eat meals, snacks and drinks are ideal if you’re in a rush to get down the hill to the city centre, where you can arrive via an Uber for under a tenner.  

At Tribe, three different rooms are yours for the snoozing, with the panoramas at the forefront of difference. There’s the Park View Room, City View Room, and the Standard Room – all equipped with queen beds and floor-to-ceiling windows. The simplicity makes your choice all the more simple.

Time Out tip: Start every morning with a barista-made coffee or green juice from the café.

Address: 4 Walker Ave, West Perth

Price: From $145 per night

Got a date with Springsteen, Federer or the Perth Wildcats? Rydges is the place to be. Located just a three-minute walk from the RAC Arena, on a clear night, you don’t even need tickets to hear the shows. Don’t feel up to venturing out? At Rydges, you can expect a clean and comfortable stay, whether that’s in the Twin Room for two or the King Room fitted with accessible modifications for a vacation forefronting ease. There’s no in-your-face wallpaper or outrageous feature walls either – just monochrome decor that lets the cityscape do the talking.

While comfortably furnished, the nightlife and restaurants on nearby Queen Street and Wolf Lane beckon you to get amongst it. King Street also demands a few hours of luxury shopping with big brands like Tiffany, Chanel and Louis Vuitton in the mix – at least worth a suss for the high-end interiors and stunning facades.

Time Out tip: Grab a coffee from the nearby La Veen Coffee on King Street, just around the corner. Save room for the banana bread with whipped butter.

Address: 621 Wellington St, Perth

Price: From $187 per night