Iconic Australian disco-era hotel gets long-awaited makeover

The hotel

The Pan Pacific Perth, CBD

Check-in

The Pan Pacific Perth recently underwent a two-year, $50 million makeover.

Following its completion in 1973, Sheraton Perth was once the grooviest spot in the city. Perched on the Swan River, it was the luxe playground of visiting global superstars including Diana Ross and Ray Charles, and home to the pulsating ground-floor nightclub Clouds, a hub for legendary disco-era parties that reigned well into the 1980s. (If these walls could talk.) The nightclub (and A-listers) eventually vanished. The property was rebranded to a Pan Pacific Perth in 2011, and new ownership sat on the property for 12 years before finally undertaking the biggest refurbishment in its history. The two-year, $50 million makeover has transformed every inch of the complex, including all 390 rooms, 96 suites, and a 172-square-metre presidential suite (renamed the Pan Pacific Suite). The building retains the same utilitarian white facade, popular in its day, but inside is a very different story.

The look

The open-air pool terrace is surrounded by vibrant murals.

All public spaces, from the lobby and hospitality venues to the level-seven club lounge, have been given a contemporary refresh, with design firm FDAT Architects taking cues from the dramatic landscapes of Western Australia. Think an organic palette, embracing earthy reds and coastal blues, and custom carpets that likewise mimic the WA desert, coast and nearby Swan River. It feels bright, elegant and supremely modern. It’s also nice to see an emphasis on sustainable design elements; unique furniture pieces that incorporate repurposed denim scraps, hand-pressed herbs and recycled ocean plastics. Vibrant underwater-themed murals cover the walls of the open-air pool terrace.

The room

The generous premier river view suite boasts with expansive views.

I’m staying in a corner premier river view suite, spanning a generous 60 square metres, with a comfy king bed, expansive views of the Swan River, lustrous blue marble table tops and sinuous furnishings that emulate the river’s curves and serene hues. A boucle sofa and armchair, though undeniably chic, are better suited for a prim perch than marathon sprawl. The marble en suite features a huge walk-in shower (though sadly no bath tub), and Jo Loves amenities. Facilities include a flat-screen TV, bedside lighting controls and USB ports, free high-speed Wi-Fi, a pillow menu, minibar and an espresso machine. Suite guests can also access the Pacific Club Lounge, accessible via special executive elevators, with perks including a two-item laundry service, refreshments, and complimentary drinks and canapes from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

Food + drink

Uma offers Japanese and South American-inspired cuisine, including their Journey Through Peru menu.

Among the many drinking and dining options are wine bar Mas Vino, buffet Monty’s and sports bar Hill Street. However, the hotel’s culinary jewel is South American and Japanese-inspired UMA, helmed by executive chef Xerxes Bodhanwala; its four-course Journey Through Peru menu is generous, to put it mildly, featuring citrus-laced seafood, Peruvian-style meats and desserts, with optional matching wines.

The Pacific Club Lounge has been given a contemporary refresh with design taking cues from the dramatic landscapes of Western Australia.

Out + about

While not quite smack-bang in the middle of Perth’s art-filled laneways and bustling dining precincts, its location offers a different kind of urban charm. Think sweeping water views and scenic riverside walking tracks. Heirisson Island, an oasis for spotting kangaroos, is a stone’s throw away, while nearby Perth Mint’s lavish Pink Diamond Room is well worth a peek, showcasing WA’s famed South Sea pearls and Argyle diamonds. The buzzing Elizabeth Quay precinct, and Kings Park and Botanic Garden, are all in proximity. For exploring further afield, the free Perth City CAT Bus (transperth.wa.gov.au) stops conveniently close.

The verdict

Hunkering down in this revitalised oasis of calm seems a fair trade-off for being further away from the action of the CBD. The spirits of disco past may have faded, but a new, stylish era has arrived for Pan Pacific Perth.

The essentials

From $271 a night; $605 for a Premier River View Suite. 207 Adelaide Terrace, Perth. Phone: [phone]. See panpacific.com

Our rating out of five

★★★½

Highlight

Mas Vino runs pisco sour masterclasses featuring a guided pisco tasting (minimum four people).

Lowlight

The ground-floor pool is lovely but a nuisance to get to – we spot some pool-seeking guests making the awkward dash through the lobby and bar in bathrobes.

The writer travelled as a guest of Pan Pacific Perth and Tourism Western Australia. See westernaustralia.com/au