Review: The Westin Perth, where mixing business and pleasure is easy
From a Guy Grossi restaurant to the rooftop pool and 24 hour gym, this inner-city hotel is five stars all the way.
By Chris Ashton, June 23 2023
Country
Australia
City
Perth
Hotel
The Westin Perth
Notes
The Good
- Stunning interior design
- 24 hour gymnasium
The Bad
- Not the most exciting part of town
X-Factor
- Garum breakfast buffet
- Extensive art selection
Introduction
Imagine for a moment you’re exploring an art gallery, roaming its lengthy halls and stopping to occasionally admire works around every turn. Checking into The Westin Perth – brimming with art in its rooms, halls and even the lifts – is a bit like this.
However, while galleries tend to be rather cold with bright lights and hard surfaces, this five-star hotel is warm and inviting, and the art isn’t limited to the interiors either.
The lobby sets the tone for what's to come.
Opened in 2018, The Westin rises 28 storeys above Hibernian Place, a fairly new precinct at the eastern end of the CBD. The site was once home to the Fire & Emergency Services Australia HQ, and vestiges of this past remain in the restored Central Fire Station.
As part of the Marriott Bonvoy stable, guests earn points on stays across the hotel’s 368 rooms and suites, as well on dining at its “Roman-inspired” Garum restaurant and in the lobby bar.
Location & Impressions
Nestled between Murray and Hay Streets, the tower is particularly eye-catching, not only for its angular design but the leafy landscaping at its base and 20-metre-plus Rone artwork adorning one side.
While not the most exciting part of town, Hibernian has a few notable dining venues, creating a communal vibe attracting office workers as well as nurses from neighbouring Royal Perth Hospital, mostly during lunch hours.
A coffee roastery, tapas bar and burger joint are all tenants of Hibernian.
You can reach the pedestrianised Hay and Murray Street Malls in around five minutes walk (the city’s main department stores are all found here), while Elizabeth Quay on the Swan River is around ten.
Pulling up to the Port Cochere the first of the hotel’s many sculptures comes into view – a carved sandstone wall based on ochre painting by Gija Country artist Lena Nyadbi. More soon follow.
Parking is available beneath the hotel at 480 Hay Street for $40 per day.
Stepping inside you’ll find Haven Lounge, serving coffee and cocktails plus themed High Teas, while the reception and entrance to Garum – open for breakfast seven days and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday – are adjacent.
Room
Unlocking the door to a Club Suite – 2108 – the first thing to hit you is the scale. It’s vast, with a 105 sqm footprint housing a bedroom and ensuite, powder room, and separate living and dining.
Timers automatically adjust the electric blinds in the morning and evening.
Decor is chic, reminding me of a stay at The Peninsula Hong Kong, where clean lines, textural finishes and a palette of creams and timber abound. That’s not to say this hotel is on the same level (The Peninsula is in a league of its own) but it shares a similar aesthetic.
Where The Westin charts its own path is an embrace of modern art – an in-room coffee table book details each piece, including a drone shot of Cable Beach by Christian Fletcher in the lounge, and roiling print from Melinda Schawel between the bedroom and robe.
A peekaboo cutout divides the bedroom and ensuite, with a blind for privacy.
Another by Fletcher, this one of a South Australian salt lake, sits above the king bed, which is flanked by pendant lights, AC and USB power outlets, and faces a 55-inch TV.
Back in the lounge, there’s a TV and Bose sound bar, with Bluetooth audio and screen sharing (though admittedly this option doesn’t work for me). Or, you can simply settle in for a good chat. The room also includes a concise minibar and pod coffee machine.
Although a Club Suite may seem an extravagance compared to regular Club Rooms (a little under a third more in price at time of writing), it’s ideal for those planning to host or entertain.
Work
The dining table makes a fine work desk, with powerpoints in easy reach. However, the light fitting above doesn’t provide much direct illumination in the evenings, which is a good encouragement as any to switch off.
The Executive Lounge makes a fine work area too, while a dedicated meeting room can be booked separately.
Executive Lounge
Of course, though its name may feature the word ‘executive’, that’s not the only reason to enter the lounge. It makes a fine spot to relax, with snacks and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day, while evenings see hors d'oeuvres and bar service.
The lounge offers snacks and evening canapés, though no breakfast.
The lounge itself houses a wide array of seating choices, from upright tables by the window to comfy lounges and dining tables. Self-pour wines, coffee and an assortment of beers and soft drinks round out the offering.
My first night sees a lavish grazing selection of cheeses, meats and crackers, along with pork belly, sweet potato chips and salad. The next night is a tasty braised pork dish with rice.
Eat
While it’d be easy to fill up at the Executive Lounge, you’d be missing out on a chance to visit the hotel’s signature restaurant, Garum.
Garum is housed within the heritage-listed Hibernian Hall (1902).
Created by chef Guy Grossi, the menu takes diners on a voyage to Italy. There’s also a buzzy atmosphere thanks to big band-era music filtering through the room.
Signature dishes include Polipo di Gaeta octopus, Stagionato cured kingfish and Agnello Arkady lamb shoulder. I opt for both the first and last dishes during my visit, paired with a riesling and grenache shiraz, respectively.
An open kitchen provides a bit of theatre to accompany the meal.
Both dishes are packed with flavour, though I’d suggest picking a variety of mains to share among the table, rather than one each. The lamb shoulder is a little rich on its own.
Fig tart topped with a wave of pistachio cream, water thin toffee and fresh nuts tips me slightly over the edge with sweetness, but I regret nothing. It’s divine and a perfect end to the meal.
LR: Sourdough and whipped butter, chargrilled octopus, lamb shoulder and fit tart.
Breakfast is served in Garum also, featuring à la carte items (omelette with pecorino, smashed avocado on toast et al) plus a bountiful ‘Roman’ buffet featuring a myriad of cheeses, cured meats and Italian pastries (try the cannolis).
Cakes, frittata, make-your-own muesli and a DIY Virgin Mary station seal the deal.
It’s among the most delicious buffet spreads I’ve encountered, making me want to book a trip to Italy so I can indulge in some of my new-found favourite dishes at the source.
Relax
Those in need for some pampering will find Bodhi – Sanskrit for ‘awakening’ – onsite, with spa treatments from facials to massages and scrubs all found on the extensive menu. The tension release massage is sensational.
An infinity rooftop pool and 24 hour WestinWORKOUT fitness studio are also available.
Verdict
As a first-time guest at The Westin, I wasn’t sure what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. The level of finesse and attention to detail throughout the hotel is exceptional, from the design to the decor and service.
Having stayed at a number of five star hotels in Perth over the years, I’d easily rate it among the best. It’s particularly well set up for business travellers, though leisure guests will find a lot to love, especially in warmer months when you can make use of the pool and outdoor dining areas.
The writer stayed as a guest of The Westin Perth.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
03 Jun 2014
Total posts 19
A great hotel to stay in. I stayed last July in a family room which had 2 bedrooms. My daughter loved she had her own room and tv. Would love to stay there again
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
06 Mar 2015
Total posts 232
I stayed there for 2 nights in a Club Suite a few weeks ago. Whilst the rooms were great they lacked a "warm " feeling and seemed rather cold and impersonal. The same for the rest of the place , all stonework and tiles , very bland. The Garum restaurant was very good , great food but rather noisy . All in all I'm not sure I would stay there again as it was just too impersonal and rather " too clinical lookin". Just not very appealing!!!
09 Sep 2023
Total posts 7
Stayed four nights in OCT 2023: very fine hotel. Rooms were great; health club was great, pretty big, pretty well equipped (has a Windrower, couple spinning bikes, two multi-cable stations, free wights and belly balls). The sauna is in the spa, fee basis, did not use.
Breakfast was great! Homemade plain yoghurt! All cold and hot choices, fresh squeezed OJ. Did not take lunch or supper in the dining room.
Club lounge service, drinks and food choices at happy hour were very fine. Repeat: polite hospitality there.
Location convenient: buses pass by the front.
I was pleased with everything and recommend this property.
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