THE PLACE
Visitors from the US during the failed America's Cup yachting defence in Fremantle in 1987 liked to think"WA"really stood for"Wait Awhile",due to the state's sluggish service and insouciant lifestyle. While Western Australia's laidback nature remains,in those,gosh,35 years,Perth's hospitality industry has tacked rather nicely,as evidenced by the 205-room Ritz-Carlton Perth. It's been waiting quite awhile itself to finally receive international and interstate guests with the West Australian border fully reopening to vaxxed outsiders only last month.
THE LOCATION
Elizabeth Quay,right on the banks of the broad Swan River and below the CBD,is Perth's bold horseshoe-shaped waterfront precinct. There are the usual range of restaurants,cafes and bars and public art. A striking 20-metre high pedestrian and cyclist suspension bridge,connecting one half of the precinct to an island,has become an architectural feature of Perth. From here you can take a boat to Rottnest Island - quokka central - with the CBD and its attraction a deceptively easy stroll away.
THE LOOK
From the pink-coloured external glass representing Western Australia's pink Argyle diamonds to the 10,000 blocks of Kimberley sandstone that form the walls of the dramatic lobby,the hotel exterior and interior successfully strives to reflect this remote and vast state. Works and craftsmanship from West Australian artists and makers adorn the hotel with the earthy tones of the main public area giving way to a coastal influence as evidenced in the Hearth restaurant and the striking Songbird Bar,which was closed during my stay.
THE ROOM