Known as Australia’s sunniest capital city, Perth has consistently ranked among the world’s most livable cities since 2004 and has seen a remarkable revitalization in recent years as tourism and business travel increase. Since 2012, the city added roughly 2,600 new hotel rooms and another 2,600 are currently under construction. Perth is clearly expanding to meet demand from leisure travelers as well as the meetings, incentives, conferences and events markets. Below is an overview of recent developments and what to expect in the coming year.
Earlier this year The Westin Perth and The Melbourne Hotel opened, broadening options for guestrooms and meeting spaces. Situated along the Swan River at the edge of the Central Business District, The Westin Perth opened in late April and provides abundant space for larger groups with 368 guestrooms and nine meeting venues totaling more than 24,750 square feet.
Although The Melbourne Hotel recently reopened its doors, the property traces its roots back to 1897 and remains one of Perth’s longest-running CBD hotels. Its adaptable event rooms accommodate board meetings and gatherings of up to 225 guests, with modern audiovisual technology and flexible layouts to ensure smooth events.
In 2017 three more hotels launched in the city — InterContinental Perth City Centre plus the Australian debuts of boutique brands Aloft Perth and Tribe Perth.
The 16-story, 240-room InterContinental Perth City Centre includes five Gallery Meeting Suites well suited to business meetings, seminars and smaller conferences. These suites offer a range of sizes and configurations, supported by a central lounge for breakout sessions and an outdoor terrace that’s ideal for refreshments and receptions.
Located conveniently between the airport and the CBD, Aloft Perth has 224 guestrooms across 15 stories and features six bright, versatile Tactic spaces equipped with modern A/V for groups from eight to 250. The hotel also offers a rooftop ballroom for up to 300 guests, complete with an open-kitchen concept and a large terrace for outdoor functions.
Tribe Perth breakout space © TRIBE PERTH
Tribe Perth targets a new generation of travelers with a design-led approach that blends collaborative workspace and social-club elements. The 126-room property emphasizes innovative breakout areas and a modern guest experience, and its location on the edge of the growing CBD gives easy access to top restaurants, bars and attractions—making it simple to combine business with leisure.
On the immediate horizon are several more properties. The 18-story, 184-room QT Hotel Perth is scheduled to open mid-year and will offer seven conference rooms that can accommodate up to 250 people in various configurations. DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Northbridge, set to open in October, will mark the brand’s first property in Western Australia and will include 206 guestrooms and more than 5,000 square feet of meeting space near the city’s entertainment district, ideal for mixing business with evening activities. Additionally, The Ritz-Carlton, Perth aims to open in mid-2019 on Elizabeth Quay; this 204-room luxury hotel will sit adjacent to the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre and bring a premium brand back to Australia.
Perth Airport has also improved the traveler experience with new airline lounges. Qantas opened an International Transit Lounge featuring wellness facilities, multiple shower suites and an outdoor patio to support its new nonstop service between Perth and London. Air New Zealand launched its first airport lounge in December 2017, a modern, 4,700-plus-square-foot space divided into café, business, lounge and quiet zones and designed to serve more than 110 guests.
Perth offers plenty of off-hours attractions for delegates and visitors. The Camfield, one of Australia’s largest pubs, features an extensive beer selection, and the Hi-Line Rooftop Bar provides panoramic city views. The recently opened Yagan Square food precinct offers casual dining options and event space in the heart of the city. Add world-class beaches for swimming and walking and Kings Park—one of the largest inner-city parks globally—for running, cycling or relaxation, and visitors will find no shortage of activities outside work hours.
UNIQUE VENUES
Yagan Square not only serves as a dining and gathering hub but also provides flexible event space in the center of Perth’s CBD. The Camfield, a short drive from downtown, offers multiple adaptable spaces that can host groups from six to 400 guests.
The Nest Rooftop Bar at The Aviary lifts events to new heights with views across the city; it is well suited for functions of 30 to 350 guests and includes a dedicated events coordinator to manage logistics and ensure a smooth experience.
For a historic setting, the Museum of Perth offers gallery spaces that immerse attendees in the city’s social, cultural and architectural history—an evocative backdrop for receptions and private events.
For something different, consider hosting an event on the Crystal Swan on the Swan River. This architect-designed vessel provides 360-degree views and can accommodate up to 100 guests for a formal sit-down dinner or up to 200 guests for a standing cocktail-style event, offering a memorable way to experience the city from the water.