Perth has so much going for it. The beaches are vast and uncrowded, the sun sets in the ocean (take that Sydney) and an hour in either direction you get to enjoy pristine wildnerness.

At the top end of town, it is also seriously upscale. There are exquisite restaurants working with some of the country's best produce, boutiques that wouldn't look out of place in Milan and, of course, hotels that are as luxe as anything on the east coast.

Como The Treasury

Although it’s been open a few years, this is still the property that sets the standard in the CBD. There are just 48 rooms but the fact that it’s not a mega hotel makes it all the more special.  As does the location in an elegant 140-year-old State building. It is also home to Wildflower, a fine diner which revolves around the six Indigenous seasons observed for millennia in the region.

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Parmelia Hilton

The best of both worlds are on display here as business travellers will love the proximity to the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. But less than 10 minutes away, you’ll find King Park and Botanic Gardens, Elizabeth Quay, Perth Arena and His Majesty’s Theatre. There is also a pool to laze around, a fitness centre and connecting rooms if you’re travelling with the kids.

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QT Perth

From the touches of local jarrah timber to wallpaper with a black cockatoo motif, QT embodies a modern sense of Oz luxe without ever straying into pastiche or pretension. The Santini Bar is a must for low-key meetings and excellent cocktails. Be sure to check out the ace rooftop bar for sundowners and incredible skyline views.

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The Ritz-Carlton Perth

Set on the shores of the Swan River in a copper burnished building, the RCP specialises in underplayed elegance, rooms that boast floor-to-ceiling windows and a heated infinity pool overlooking Elizabeth Quay. The Songbird Bar & Lounge lives up to its billing of “glamorous cocktails and golden sunsets” and the spa is probably the best hotel wellness centre in town.

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Quay Perth

Another inhabitant of the emerging Elizabeth Quay precinct, Quay is just its own type of cool. Part of the Louis T collection, it runs to 80 rooms and balances aesthetics with comfort throughout. We love the bay windows in the rooms for gazing at the river. Ditto the bath tubs. The HQ Bar + Kitchen is a fine example of Mod Oz Pan Asian with the slow cooked pork belly seasoned with green tea one tempting menu example.

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Crown Towers

Slick, chic and hard to beat when it comes to big, bold luxe, Crown is the kind of place you stay when you want to announce to the world that you’ve made it. There’s opulence to burn, a multi-tiered pool area, an outdoor cinema and the spa of your dreams. Foodwise, we’re talking heavy hitters Bistro Guillaume, Nobu and Rockpool Bar & Grill.

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The Melbourne

Part of the cityscape since 1897, the multimillion dollar renovation of this city pub has transformed it into one of Perth’s most chi-chi destinations. From the tassels on the butter-soft bed throws to the vegan Molton Brown amenities, absolutely nothing has been overlooked. If you like your noodles the onsite Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King is mandatory. As is the Grand Orient – for the wallpaper alone.

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The InterContinental

Temporarily placed on pause by the deja flu (aka Covid), this 240 room hotel is set to coming roaring back any day. You always know what you’re going to get with this brand: an uppercase C in the middle of the title that doesn’t look quite right, underplayed elegance from your first greeting to when you close your eyes and meticulous service. If you’re even the mildest bit carnivorous, check out the grill at Ascua restaurant or hit up Heno & Rey for some of the city’s best tapas.

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The Hyatt Regency

You don’t get to be a five-star stayer in any city by coasting on your rep and the Hyatt Regency is constantly evolving. Probably better suited to an older traveller who seeks quiet service and anticipation of their needs, it offer 366 rooms with views of the Swan River or city skyline.

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See also:

6 unforgettable experiences unique to Perth

The best camping trips near Perth.

The perfect three-day stay in Perth.