Whether you’re chasing a special staycay or visiting from interstate, we reckon everyone needs to spend a night at Perth’s iconic State Buildings at least once.
Set within Perth’s most lovingly-restored heritage buildings and surrounded by some of the best bars and eateries in town, a stay at the award-winning COMO The Treasury is mind-blowingly dreamy but don’t just take our word for it…
Last year COMO The Treasury was awarded the title of The Best Hotel In Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific by Travel and Leisure and also took out the top gong in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. And if the gorgeous reception and complimentary sparkling on arrival aren't enough to tip you off, you’ll understand exactly why when you step into your jaw-dropping room.
Each of the 48 rooms and suites is different but you can always expect timeless furnishings, plenty of light-filled space thanks to those generous oversized windows, a nice big bathroom that makes getting ready for your night out an absolute dream and let’s not forget the epic freestanding bath that's probably roomy enough for two of you if you care to share. Once you slip into that cosy bathrobe, it’s pretty hard to force yourself out of the room but trust us, it’s worth it.
Before you do anything, you’ll want to book yourself into Wildflower for the ultimate foodie experience. Located on the rooftop on level four of the State Buildings, you’ll enjoy stunning city views and the kind of life-changing modern Australian degustation from Head Chef Matthew Sartori that will leave you in awe after each and every mouthful. And considering they've got a special package deal for a one night stay with the six-course Wildflower degustation on offer right now, there's no better time to do it.
But if you’re just not willing to splash out on the full dego, hot tip: head on up for a pre-dinner cocktail with a view. You’ll feel just as fancy.
Now that that’s sorted, why not set off on a little pre-dinner drink? You’ve got plenty of options to explore all within the State Buildings. You really can’t go wrong at Wine Merchant. With its carefully curated list of artisan wines, plenty of which are made using biodynamic and organic practices, it’s a great spot for a glass or two before dinner. Plus, given this bar is also a boutique bottle shop, you can buy a bottle of your fave to enjoy back in your room later.
Beer lovers can grab a pint or two at Beer Corner, home to one of Perth’s biggest selections of local and international craft beers. Or if you’re chasing something a little more special, why not zip downstairs to Long Chim—it might be better known for its phenomenal Thai eats, but with WA’s best bartender Eoin Kenny at the helm and a bright and breezy open courtyard, there’s no better spot for a beautiful cocktail.
After dinner, you can keep the good times rolling at the State Buildings’ moody underground jazz bar, Pooles Temple. Open ‘til 12am Thursdays and ‘til 2am Fridays and Saturdays, this velvet-clad lounge bar is serving Perth’s finest martinis alongside other classic cocktails and some seriously luxe late-night bites. If you’re feeling really extra, treat yourself to one of the off-menu caviar bump martinis.—it’s definitely one to tick off the bucket list!
When your day comes to an end, all you need to do is pop yourself into the lift and climb into your uber-comfortable king bed. When you wake up after your big night out, breakfast will be waiting for you at Post which starts with a fresh juice—the very best cure for your aching head—as well as fruit and pastries if you so desire, before you dig into the menu which comes complete with all the usual suspects from granola and oats to eggs and smashed avo. Of course, if you are feeling a little worse for wear, just order it to your room instead and enjoy it in bed.
After brekky, you might want to go for a spot of shopping at the cool new book boutique, Edicole, or the high-end streetwear boutique, Lessons—both are within the State Buildings. But then again you could always just chill by the beautiful pool or stay in and enjoy a soak in the tub or a movie in bed. There’s also a gym and sauna to check out too if that’s more your vibe. But if you’re ready to really treat yourself, we suggest you book a massage or a facial (or both!) at COMO Shambhala Urban Escape and watch all your worries melt away.
If you can, we'd definitely recommend staying an extra night or two so you can work your way through a few more of the eateries and just make the most of that magical room. Yes, it's expensive but this mid-week deal might be enough to convince you.
With more time up your sleeve, you can go ahead and smash out a spicy multi-course Thai feast at Long Chim that will leave you salivating from start to finish, make your pasta dreams come true with an Italian long lunch at Post, and tuck into delicious modern Australia fair at Petition—trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
If you're quite partial to a dainty bite or two, we’d also highly recommend booking yourself in for afternoon tea in the beautiful Cape Arid Rooms. They’ve truly thought of every last detail here, so rest assured it’s probably the most decadent high tea experience on offer in Perth and yet another one you’ll want to tick off your bucket list.
On your way out, be sure to grab a little something to go from the State Buildings’ new nostalgic deli, Shop 1875. They dish up the most amazing retro treats (it’s the vanilla slice for us) alongside classic sandwiches and iconic tuck shop-style lolly bags that will transport you right back to your childhood.
By now, it should be pretty clear there’s little reason to leave this stunning complex, but if you do decide to venture out, rest assured you’re located smack bang in the centre of Perth’s CBD so it’s all too easy to step out for a bit of exploring.
Book yourself a night here and then once you're all blissed out, do yourself a favour and scope out the stunning new opening in Leederville from the same team behind the State Buildings.
Image credit: Supplied, Nancy Hanna, Elle Borgward
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