Perth for the weekend

Sure there’s a lot of hype about business travel to Perth but lastminute lad Lloyd shows why the WA capital is a destination for holidaymakers too.

There’s nothing like a romantic weekend away and if you want to impress the other half, Fraser Suites Perth is definitely where you need to take them. From the moment you step into the lobby, you will feel your jaw drop to the ground! I have one word – fabulous.

After being greeted by the friendly staff on reception we check into our luxurious one bedroom executive suite on the 17th floor. I’m not sure what my shriek of excitement was over when I opened the door – it could have been the stunning view over the foreshore or maybe the Nespresso machine that we were going to wake up to in the morning. In any case, I contain my inner child as we continue to the exquisitely decorated bedroom with the gorgeously oversized bed head – love it. And yes, the king size bed is as comfortable as it looks.

Walking through the wardrobe and into the bathroom I find a full size bath (with what seemed like a water fountain as a tap) and spacious walk-in shower. Now, I have to admit, one of my favourite things about staying in a hotel is the cute complimentary travel packs – sad I know. They have everything that you could think of from razor and dental kits to a sewing kit, as well as the Peter Thomas Roth line of designer toiletries.

When we discover the laundry with washing machine and dryer it’s official: Fraser Suites is perfect for longer stays and inner city living – I’m moving in! If only we were staying longer.

Once I pull my jaw back into place we venture into Hay Street Mall for an intended touch of shopping and to see if there is a nice restaurant we can book for the following night. We chose to drive to the mall for our convenience, but there are ample bus stops on the block with regular services or you can stop in at the front desk and have them call a cab.

Fortunately for my credit card, whilst in the city we stumble across the Twilight Hawkers Market which runs during summer. A whole range of cuisine is on offer with live music and a great atmosphere. The Moroccan food stand is recommended – delish! Needless to say, after having a great value meal and enjoying the ambience of the markets we avoid shopping to head back to the comfort of our room.

After a refreshing night’s sleep we stop into the hotel restaurant for a buffet breakfast where you can choose from seasonal fruit and other continental options along with a hot food selection. My partner decided to take me to the Aquarium of Western Australia for the morning, or as the locals call it AQWA. Definitely worth a look for anyone with an interest in marine life and those who can’t walk past a rescued turtle!

We make sure we’re back at the hotel by early afternoon so we can squeeze in a trip to the pool and settle in for the Australia Day air show. Yes, we have front row seats (from our window) and yes it’s PHENOMENAL! Sipping our Baileys on the rocks whilst watching a six-storey Australian flag attached to a helicopter fly along the Swan River from the couch – what a decadent way to spend Australia Day.

The air show goes for quite some time, but it’s so good that we can’t possibly leave for long enough to go out for dinner (slash don’t want to leave the room). Thankfully the helpful staff at reception suggested a number of restaurants within walking distance (some of them even deliver to your door).

Both of us enjoy Asian cuisine and decide on Mai’s Vietnamese, a really tasty and well-priced choice – perfect for a takeaway option that is close by.

After our tantalising meals we finish our drinks and head down to the foreshore for the beginning of the fireworks (despite my being insistent on staying in the room!). Regardless of our location though, the fireworks never disappoint and photos cannot do them justice.

We were dreading the morning after and not only from the mild hangover, but because we knew that our time at Fraser Suites was up! Nestled at the quiet end of the city and yet still offering all the necessities for a luxurious romantic weekend in – Fraser Suites you are fabulous and we will be back again soon.