The 12 best hotels in Perth

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. Spread across 16 beautiful floors, InterContinental’s 240 guest rooms guarantee a good night’s sleep with plush bedding and a luxurious window chaise for indulging in lazy afternoon naps. 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. 

Three different rooms and two suites are featured at this CBD hotel – all contemporary in style, sun-lit and carpeted or vinyl floor-boarded for a warm welcome. If expansive views across Perth are high on your priority list, make sure you book the King Premium Corner Cityscape View room, which boasts floor-to-ceiling adjacent windows for multi-directional vistas. The 89-square-metre Penthouse Suite is a home away from home too, with its full-on kitchen, dining and living room. Its 180-degree panoramas of Perth don’t go astray either.

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 Street, Perth
Price: Starting at $280 per night
Closest transport: Perth Underground train station

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. The Premier King and Twin rooms do the trick, along with the Studio, Executive and Premier Suites, and the cream of the crop Premier Club View Suite with uninterrupted floor-to-ceiling perspectives. You know it’s getting serious when there are marble tabletops involved, too.

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: Located in Crown Perth, Great Eastern Highway, Burswood
Price: Starting at $359 per night
Closest transport: Burswood train station

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 Long Chim for a fine Thai affair); or peruse the building’s handpicked retail collective.  

COMO The Treasury’s designer, Kerry Hill, had a mammoth task of restoring the historic establishment, and in a bid to stay true to the layout, each room and suite is dictated by the original structure, enhancing the overall charm. Given the main drag locale, COMO is fixed with acoustic technology, which means your stay will be nothing less than serene. The beige abodes are akin to something of a Nordic home and start at 45 square metres and span to 150 for family stays. The Heritage Room, aka the former Treasurer’s office, is one to marvel though, with its age-old truss high ceiling; there’s just no way you’re hitting your head on anything overhanging. Oh, its Stirling Gardens views are quite sublime too.

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

Address: State Buildings, 1 Cathedral Avenue, Perth
Price: Starting at $579 per night
Closest transport: Perth train station

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 at a higher altitude is going to blow you away. That being, the fifth-floor infinity pool that 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.

Natural light sprawls through the floor-to-ceiling windows, with each of the 205 guest rooms and suites 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 that 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 Street, Perth
Price: Starting at $449 per night
Closest transport: Elizabeth Quay train station, Elizabeth Quay ferry

Boutique at its very best is what you’ll experience at this designer hotel by the Swan River. The rooms are stylish and sleek, with spacious bathrooms bathed in black marble and featuring a free-standing bath or rain shower. 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 Grill awaits to serve you flavours of the Mediterranean to suit 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-so 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.

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. There’s even talk that you can bring your four-legged friend along for the ride.

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 Street, Perth
Price: Starting at $269 per night
Closest transport: Perth train station

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 that’s famed thanks to your Monopoly board too. You’ll also be about a one-minute walk from Le Vietnam – a pint-sized bánh mì shop that churns out some of the best, inventive baguettes in Australia – they’ve even caught the eye of many an international celebrity.

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 Street, Perth
Price: Starting at $169 per night
Closest transport: McIver train station

Chic and sexy, Fraser Suites is perfect for a getaway with a loved one. The highlight of these apartments is the beds, which are super king in size, and the fact that guests are trusted to open small windows in their lodgings. Situated close to the Western Australian Cricket Association (The WACA), this place is a prime summer stay, where you can lie back and enjoy the sounds of the cricket across the road whilst basking in air-conditioned comfort. Also close by are more off-the-beaten-track walking and biking trails along the Swan River, minus the crowds. The newly constructed and nearby Boorloo Bridge will get you across to Heirisson Island – big with tourists, here, you can spot Kangaroos and other native fauna that roam the riverbanks with a CBD backdrop. A bizarre, but welcome sight.

Contemporary is the word at Fraser Suites, with 85 deluxe studios as well as 151 one- and two-bedroom apartments that feel like a home away from home. And in true Perth style, riverfront views are all the rage, and Fraser Suites is without obstruction. Take a dip in the indoor heated pool, follow it up with a sauna session, and reel it in with a top-tier steak sandwich from Bailey on the Terrace Restaurant and an ice-cool, craft beer from GB's Bar.

Time Out tip: The room service menu is exactly the same as the downstairs restaurant. Who doesn’t like eating every meal in bed?

Address: 10 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth
Price: Starting at $128 per night
Closest transport: Bus stop 10071 (southside towards city centre)

Alex 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 encouraged too, 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 Wine Bar.

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 Street, Perth
Price: Starting at $249 per night
Closest transport: Perth train station

From poolside lounging to waterfront dining, Tradewinds Hotel has it all. Soak in stunning views of the Swan River’s mouth from a boutique studio room or a two-bedroom apartment before joining the locals for a bevvie in the beer garden. Linger long into the night with fresh seafood platters and charcuterie, then retreat to the comforts of your king-sized bed. The homely rooms are contemporary enough that they feel like having a sleepover at your friend’s new, clean-cut, living sitch. 

Tradewinds Hotel’s location is pretty prime too. With a bus stop out the front that takes you directly into the heart of Fremantle, there’s a plethora of exploring to be done. The historic Fremantle Markets are a no-brainer, a ferris wheel ride with the kids is sure to elicit excitement, and the seaside town’s small bar, pub and dining scene is one that simply must be acquainted with. 

Time Out tip: Pack the whole family for a Perth holiday with a stay in Tradewinds’ spacious two-bedroom apartment. Let the kids run off steam outdoors by the pool, before heading upstairs to share a homey dinner in the comfortable dining room. 

Address: 1 Sewell Street, East Fremantle
Price: Starting at $230 per night
Closest transport: Bus stop 10278 (southside towards Fremantle city centre)

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 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. And in terms of proximity to elite fare, one of the best restaurants in Perth, Papi Katsu, is a mere five-minute walk down the road.

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, which overlook the Swan River. 

Address: 18 The Esplanade, Perth
Price: Starting at $179 per night
Closest transport: Elizabeth Quay train station, Elizabeth Quay ferry

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 and explore the city and make new friends. Use a complimentary bike to explore nearby Kings Park – one of the biggest inner-city parks in the world, spread across 400 hectares, offering sweeping hilltop views across Perth city and the Swan River. It’s hard to come by a better locale if you’re big on nature and urban life similarly. 

The Social Hub offers free Wi-Fi and 24-hour access to the grab-and-go counter, which is stocked with ready-to-eat meals, snacks and drinks. 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. 

Three different rooms are yours for the snoozing at Tribe too, 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 Avenue, West Perth
Price: Starting at $179 per night
Closest transport: City West train station (Airport line), bus stop 10110 (northside towards city centre)

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? Order wood-fired pizza and wine straight to your room from the local legends at Costanza's Simple Italian. While comfortably furnished, though, the nightlife and restaurants on nearby Queen Street and Wolf Lane beckon you to get amongst it. While King Street demands a spot 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.

Back up in the Rydges, a clean and comfortable stay is to be expected, 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.

Time Out tip: Grab a coffee from the nearby La Veen Coffee. Save room for the banana bread with whipped butter.

Address: 621 Wellington Street, Perth
Price: Starting at $194 per night
Closest transport: Perth Busport, Perth Underground train station