Like many travellers before me, I recently found myself in Perth as part of a work trip (read up on the adventures lastminute lovely Nicole and I had in Broome here).
Arriving in town after a delayed flight around 9pm with a mid-afternoon flight home the next day, it’s fair to say my visit to the WA capital was on the (ridiculously) short side. First impressions do count though and here’s the three things I loved about Perth.
1. Great new hotels – No matter how long I work in travel, staying in a new hotel never loses its appeal. Following a recommendation from our colleague Lloyd, we find ourselves at exciting new Perth hotel, Fraser Suites in East Perth.
Straight from check-in, we head to the hotel restaurant. Both of us feel like comfort food and I opt for the ‘Pork Chop with plum sauce on a bed of mash potatoes with mushrooms’ while Nicole lashes out on the ‘Barramundi, chips and salad’. I’m pleased to say that we both go to bed tired but very satisfied.
My room is huge with a great view over parkland and lakes. I wish I had more than one night to spread my things all over the spacious room. I can only dream about how much shopping would fit into this space. The hotel is definitely made for a much more accommodating stay than the quick dinner and super sleep I manage to squeeze in.
2. Cute cafés – We’re lucky enough to get a hot tip from local food blogger The Food Pornographer and end up at the super trendy Perth City Farm Cafe to start off the day with a fresh breakfast.
This delightful little café is set within a community garden and as you would expect has fresh wholesome food that hits the spot. My avocado on toast is exactly what I need after a long flight and early start.
3. Entertainment plus – A trip to Perth – even a brief one – isn’t complete without visiting Crown Perth. Two hotels, 29 restaurants and bars, casino, luxurious day spa and it goes on and on… why don’t we have more time! (If you’re not the jealous type, read Pia’s review of her luxury stay here).
The foyer, still under a little bit of construction, is still very impressive. My keen-for-luxury eyes spot a slick looking Champagne Bar, Nobu and Rockpool Bar and Grill within 50 metres of each other.
We opt to try out our best Italian at Moda Mia restaurant. One word “bellisimo”. We start off with the cold cuts, which look a little psychedelic in the photo but are actually sensational and light and a beautiful start to our lunch extravaganza.
For mains I opt for the gnocci, which is fresh, light and delicious and Nicole goes for the prawn linguine which I gauge by her expression as equally delightful. I take it as a good sign when no one wants to share (I’m not much of a sharer).
Sadly, we have to catch our flight out and have to skip dessert. But on a positive note it’s just one more thing I need to get back and do.
Mental note: Perth is NOT a stop over destination it’s a destination.