Perth & Western Australia - Australia 2004 - page 428

WHERE TO STAY
Perth has loads of hotels in the city center. That means competition can be high,
especially Friday through Sunday when the business travelers go home, so ask
about lower rates on weekends. You may strike a deal on a weeknight if business
is slow. Many hotels throw a free breakfast or some other added value into mid-
week packages. Most hotels have rooms for travelers with disabilities.
IN THE CITY CENTER
Very Expensive
Duxton Hotel Perth The best uninterrupted views of the Swan River
from a hotel room are found from the south-side rooms at this chic 21st
century-meets-Art Deco hotel, located downtown. Only a few years old as a
hotel, the place was created out of old tax office chambers. A sandstone portico
fronts the bronze-paneled lobby with its Siena marble floor, and the rooms—
given a soft refurbishment in 2003—sport blond oak furniture with 1930s
curves, elegant marquetry, and ample bathrooms. Superior rooms have extra-
large bathrooms (some with Jacuzzis); executive-level rooms have TVs in the
bathroom, CD players, and a fax and printer; and suites have separate living
rooms. Make time to see and be seen lazing around that petite swimming pool
colonnaded like a Roman bath.
1 St. Georges Terrace (at Victoria Ave. next to Perth Concert Hall), Perth, WA 6000. & 1800/681 118 in Aus-
tralia, or 08/9261 8000. Fax [phone]. www.duxton.com. 306 units (several with shower only).
A$360-A$440 (US$234-US$286) double; A$470(US$306) suite. Extra person A$28 (US$18). Children under
16 stay free in parent's room with existing bedding. Ask about packages and upgrades. AE, DC, MC, V. Valet
parking A$15 (US$9.75); no self-parking. Bus: Red CAT Stop 11 “Victoria Ave.” Airport shuttle. Amenities:
Restaurant; bar; small heated pool; Jacuzzi; fitness center; concierge; business center; 24-hr. room service;
in-room massage; babysitting; coin-op laundry; same-day dry cleaning/laundry service; executive-level rooms.
In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, dataport, minibar, hair dryer, iron.
Expensive
The Sebel Perth In the middle of town, the Sebel has the biggest standard
hotel rooms in Perth, and a friendly ambience that's a welcome contrast to the
frosty hauteur of many AAA-rated five-star properties. Nice touches are every-
where—like a free gift with every stay (such as locally made soap), free tea and
coffee in the lobby every morning, and a weekly General Manager's cocktail
party. All 99 standard rooms were refurbished in 2000. All have big desks, walk-
in closets, bathrobes, armchairs or sofas, and windows that open for fresh air.
Suites have a separate sitting room. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at
6:15am, you, three other guests, and a senior member of management can jump
into the hotel's “Cottesloe Express” Rolls-Royce and motor in style to Cottesloe
Beach (20 min. away) for a swim, a walk, or a jog. They get you back to the
hotel by 7:40am or so. Some packages are often less than half the “rack” rates.
37 Pier St., Perth, WA 6000. & 1800/999 004 Mirvac in Australia, or 08/9325 7655. Fax [phone].
www.mirvac.com.au. 119 units. A$260 (US$169) double; A$300 (US$195) suite. Extra person A$25 (US$16).
Children under 12 stay free in parent's room with existing bedding. Ask about weekend, overnight, honey-
moon, and suite packages. AE, DC, MC, V. Free valet and self-parking. Train: Perth. Bus: Red CAT Stop 12
“Town Hall East”; Blue CAT Stop 4 “Town Hall” or Stop 5 “Murray St. Mall East.” Airport shuttle. Amenities:
Restaurant; poolside bar/cafe; heated outdoor pool; access to nearby health club; free bike rental; concierge;
tour desk; secretarial services; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; coin-op laundry; laundry service; dry cleaning.
In room:A/C, TV w/pay movies, dataport, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
Moderate
The Melbourne This 1897 hotel in Perth's downtown West End,
restored to its ornate gold rush-era originality in 1997, is a great value, because

Value