Perth is a spread-out city, and most visitors choose between three bases: the central business district, the eastern river edge around East Perth and Adelaide Terrace, and the port town of Fremantle. The right choice depends on whether you want to walk, ride trains and buses, or take day trips from a quieter base.
The CBD
If you want to walk to the river, shops and restaurants, stay in the centre. COMO The Treasury, at 1 Cathedral Avenue, is the heritage splurge, set in the restored State Buildings on the corner of St Georges Terrace and Barrack Street, with a rooftop bar, three dining venues and a heated indoor pool. It is the choice for couples and special occasions. ibis Perth, at 334 Murray Street, is the budget base, with compact renovated rooms, a restaurant and bar, and shops about 100 to 200 metres away.
East Perth and Adelaide Terrace
The eastern edge of the city is quieter and more spacious, with the river nearby. Fraser Suites Perth, in East Perth, offers serviced apartments with an indoor lap pool, a sauna and a 24-hour gym, and the bus stop outside sits in the free transit zone. These two suit families, longer stays and anyone who values space over a central address.
More choices in town and on the river
The Westin Perth, on Hay Street at the eastern end of the centre, has 368 rooms, river and city views, an outdoor pool and a walk of about nine minutes to Perth Station. Hyatt Regency Perth, at 99 Adelaide Terrace, sits on the river with a 20-metre heated pool and a renovated fitness centre. If you want a resort feel instead, Crown Towers Perth in Burswood has lagoon-style pools, daybeds, suites and villas, and it is close to Optus Stadium and the Burswood and Perth Stadium stations.
Fremantle
Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges, at the corner of Marine Terrace and Essex Street, is the pick if you want to wake up in Fremantle. It has two outdoor pools, two restaurants and eleven room types. From here you can reach Fremantle Prison, the harbour and the ferries to Rottnest Island easily, and a train runs back to Perth. It suits families and couples who plan to spend time on Rottnest and in the old town.
Cars and parking
If you will rent a car, ask each hotel about parking before you book. Pan Pacific offers self-parking and valet, subject to availability, with a maximum height clearance of 1.9 metres, and Fraser Suites charges 30 Australian dollars per car per day. COMO The Treasury and ibis Perth do not give parking details on their pages, so ask them directly. If you will rely on trains, buses and tours, a central or Fremantle base is easier.
Seasons and rates
Summer and the school holidays are the busy periods, and rates rise, so book early. Spring is mild and popular because of the wildflowers and whale season, and winter is quieter. Check pool and facility availability before you book, and compare breakfast options, because ibis Perth charges for its buffet and Fraser Suites and Esplanade serve breakfast on site.
How to choose
For a heritage splurge, choose COMO The Treasury. For river views and space, choose Pan Pacific Perth. For apartment-style comfort and a pool, choose Fraser Suites Perth. For a Fremantle stay with pools, choose Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges. For a budget base in the middle of the city, choose ibis Perth.
