Perth is not only the capital of Western Australia, it is the only major city on the Australian West Coast. With the giant 36-capsule Wheel of Perth observation ride recently in operation and new weekend Markets at Perth Cultural Centre just opened, business is virtually booming here, and higher levels of accommodation and service are in demand.
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The Richardson Spa patio in Perth, Australia
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The Richardson Hotel & Spa is ready, having been the pick of such celebrities as Bob Dylan, Christina Aguilera and Sting. The staff is multilingual, reflecting Perth’s dynamic international flavor.
The West Perth property features 74 guest rooms and suites designed with 13 different configurations, including, in the “regular” category, the R-30 Classic Room, R-50 Executive Room, the R-55 Deluxe Room and R-80 Deluxe Two-Bedroom. The S-55 Deluxe Suite and S-80 Deluxe Two-Bedroom Suite are good options, but our picks are the Penthouse Suites. Note: Title numbers refer to square meters of space in each room: 80 square meters, for example, is 861 square feet.
The top eighth floor houses four two-bedroom penthouses, a one-bedroom penthouse and the ultimate Kings Park Suite, the latter with three bedrooms, bathrooms and balconies. Most accommodations feature expansive private covered decks. Penthouse Suites are named for Australian native timbers: Jarrah, Karri, Marri Sandalwood and Tuart—woods used throughout the hotel to accentuate decor.
Managing Director Joe Oxley’s desire to do things right is reflected in every aspect of the rooms, including the artwork, which is by Queensland creative Natalie Dyer. Works by local artist Kim Maple are in the hotel lobby and restaurant.
Other amenities include free high-speed Internet in rooms for two hours a day, IP telephony, free local phone calls and mini-bar selections marked up only 10 percent instead of 50 to 100 percent. Mineral water is complimentary as are the Nespresso coffee machine and sister Aeroccino milk frother. Refrigerators contain gourmet enticements such as grilled veggie and chorizo pizza, tomato/basil soup and Connoisseur ice creams.
Suites include iPod docking systems and convection microwaves, while the Kings Park has a fully equipped kitchen, laundry and guest bath, plus a telescope for Southern Hemisphere star-gazing. Big closets and plenty of mirrors are welcome touches in all rooms. There is also a choice of six types of pillows. Your clients will sleep well after a refreshing swim in the lovely indoor lap pool or an absolutely superb massage from therapist Fumi, formerly of Tokyo, now at The Spa at The Richardson. Ask her to use aromatic peppermint, rosemary and lavender-infused Fitness Bath and Body Oil from the hotel’s ESPA product line.
Rated one of Perth’s finest, Opus Restaurant at The Richardson serves dinner under the watchful eye of Chef Todd Cheavins, who combines appealing culinary influences from France, Asia and Australia.
Contact Director of Sales and Marketing Michelle Masters (Michelle.Masters@therichardson.com.au) for more information.
Sweet Suites
Luxury doesn’t necessarily come to mind when thinking “Sheraton,” but in Perth it’s totally appropriate, with applause for the Sheraton Perth Hotel’s 96 new Executive Club Guest Rooms and Suites. They were part of a AUS$20 million (US$14 million) expansion project completed in December 2007. Total hotel inventory is set at 486 rooms, and this new wing boasts interiors by DP Design in Singapore.
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The Executive Suite at The Sheraton Perth Hotel |
The hotel’s lobby features sleek blond wood columns and marble floors. The current artwork collection in the Lobby Lounge captures iconic and timeless coastal scenes by Sydney-based artist Joseph Rolella. Together with United Galleries, Sheraton Perth Hotel’s lobby has recently been transformed into an exhibition space for acclaimed artists, with collections rotating every quarter.
New Executive Club choices occupy four floors of former offices, with four levels of luxury for your clients: Executive Room, Studio, Suite or Premier with jet spa bath. Behind each Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed is an expansive tan leather headboard that blends beautifully with the room’s rich color palettes and textured fabrics, which include decadent red sheer drapes and caramel blackout curtains, all coordinating with patterned contemporary matching bedspread and upholstered ottoman.
A stay in this new wing of the hotel includes membership to the Executive Club Lounge on Level 7. Guests receive complimentary daily breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and canapés, afternoon tea on weekends, Wi-Fi Internet access and a dedicated Executive Club Concierge to arrange for activities such as a cruise to historic Fremantle, or a bike ride along the Swan River. A gym inspires dedicated workouts, as does a heated, outdoor pool in the courtyard
Bathrooms are exceptionally roomy, with Raindome showerheads and tubs separated from sleeping quarters by a large “picture” window pane.
Dining in the hotel has also been elevated to keep pace with the upgrade in surroundings, and is overseen by Chef de Cuisine Travis Collins. Monterey’s restaurant features an innovative seasonal gourmet buffet with a focus on fresh seafood, while fine-dining restaurant Origins is the place to savor Margaret River venison.
Director of Sales and Marketing Judith Burton (judith.burton@sheraton.com) is the contact for travel agents.