The coastal metropolis of Perth is considered the most isolated city of its size in the Western World, reason alone to visit Australia’s western shores. Set on the banks of the Swan River, Perth boasts growing arts and music scenes, an outdoor pub culture and Kings Park, one of the world’s largest inner-city parklands, which overlooks Perth’s CBD and Swan River. The city is also a mere 10 kilometres from the nearest beach, where visitors can enjoy a beautiful sunset over the ocean and a short ferry ride to Rottnest Island where the insanely cute quokkas have attracted worldwide fame.
Visitors to Perth looking for an idyllic waterfront setting have a range of hotel choices, as accommodation can be found overlooking either the river or beach. From luxurious five-star high-rises to budget-friendly and family-focused apartments, the following 15 waterfront hotels in Perth have proven to be the most popular with HotelsCombined’s 26 million Australian visitors each year.
From direct beachfront access to in-room spa baths, read on to find out what each property has to offer holidaymakers. To further deepen the holiday experience, we’ve even highlighted the best water-based activities and unmissable wildlife experiences around Perth as recommended by locals.
Perth Hotels on the Beach
Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough
Set right on the soft white sand and cocktail-blue water of Scarborough Beach, Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough offers an incredible location for a coastal holiday. The hotel offers on-site dining at Straits Cafe, which boasts ocean views, along with placing guests close to numerous other beach-facing restaurants and bars.
Guests can choose from a number of room types, almost all of which feature private balconies overlooking the endless ocean outside. The affordable Deluxe Room King Beach Front is a common favourite. It sleeps up to two adults and one child, and comes with a work desk and in-room movies (fees apply). Rendezvous Hotel keeps the leisure coming with its lagoon-style pool, tennis courts and day spa, while also hosting memorable events in its 24th-floor Observation Deck. However, with the beach only metres away, guests have a very enticing reason to venture out.
Star Rating: 4.5*
Price: A$64 – A$469
Guest Rating: 8.2
Address: 148 The Esplanade, Scarborough, Perth, Australia
Quality Resort Sorrento Beach
Only 20 minutes from the CBD, Quality Resort Sorrento Beach provides four-star luxury spa suites for couples and two-bedroom apartments for families mere metres from the beach. Almost every room features a balcony overlooking the ocean, which is separated from the hotel by a single road. The hotel is also a short walk from Hillarys Boat Harbour where visitors can explore The Aquarium of Western Australia, embark on whale-watching charters and dine at gourmet restaurants.
Back at the hotel, guests can enjoy the swimming pool, spa and sauna while cooking up a feast in the barbeque area. Start the day with breakfast at Quality Resort’s restaurant, 76 Steps Cafe, before heading down to the beach for a range of water sports, fishing and more memorable holiday moments.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: A$102 – A$232
Guest Rating: 8.5
Address: 1 Padbury Circle, Sorrento, Perth, Australia
Indian Ocean Hotel
Guests will be impressed at the value for money at Indian Ocean Hotel. Not only is the property 300 metres from the beach, but it’s also in the popular Scarborough suburb where night clubs, weekend markets and fine-dining establishments complement the daily magic of sunsets over the Indian Ocean.
These sunsets can be enjoyed from the balconies in the Deluxe Rooms, which also treat guests to free movies and a king-size bed. Families might prefer the interconnecting room options, some of which reside right next to the sun-drenched pool. Every room comes with a complimentary breakfast each morning, but those looking for late-night fun can find live music, pub specials and frothy draught beer at The Indi Bar.
Star Rating: 3.5*
Price: A$46 – A$122
Guest Rating: 7.0
Address: 27 Hastings Street, Scarborough, Perth, Australia
Sunmoon Boutique Resort
Sunmoon Boutique Resort exudes budget-friendly style with its elegant queen rooms and apartments. From the Queen Spa Balcony suite to the Two Bedroom Apartment, guests have a choice of modern and open residences with subtle luxuries such as plush bedding and rich decors. The rooms encircle a pool with cushioned loungers and a waterfall.
Guests at Sunmoon Boutique Resort can unwind at the on-site restaurant, Sunmoon Restaurant & Bar, for breakfast, dinner or drinks while soaking up vistas of the palm trees and ocean. For a closer view, they need only take a four-minute walk to reach the soft sand and dive into the azure water.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: A$57 – A$183
Guest Rating: 8.0
Address: 200 West Coast Highway, Scarborough, Perth, Australia
The Ocean Beach Hotel Perth
The Ocean Beach Hotel Perth is one of the city’s local treasures. This historic hotel is a staple on the Cottlesloe beachfront, occupying a prime position on Marine Parade close to restaurants, bars and parklands. Most importantly, guests can enjoy an absolute beachfront position so rare for such an affordable hotel.
The range of rooms at The Ocean Beach Hotel is remarkable, starting at the uber-cheap backpacker dorms and peaking at the spectacular Spa Room. Those who choose the Spa Room or Deluxe Room will be treated to pristine coastal views that capture the idyllic stretch of beach and glistening water. The hotel’s bars are the stuff of local legend, from the Saloon Bar’s uninterrupted ocean view to the Public Bar’s sports coverage, pool tables and welcoming beer garden.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: A$21 – A$381
Guest Rating: 7.9
Address: Cr Eric Street & Marine Parade, Cottesloe, Perth, Australia
Hotel Location
Perth Hotels on the River
Crown Metropol Perth
From family entertainment to ultimate luxury, Crown Metropol Perth offers a number of incredible facilities for various holidaymakers. This is no more apparent than around the hotel’s glamorous pool area. This inner-city oasis boasts an expansive main pool encircled by day beds, a smaller yet more tranquil pool, and a family-friendly pool with waterslides. There’s also a kids’ club, exclusive business lounge, day spa, fully-equipped gymnasium and the Poolside Bar & Grill.
Every single guest at Crown Metropol resides in utter opulence whether they select the Luxe View King room or the Infinity Suite. Almost every room looks out over the Swan River, which is literally steps from the hotel lobby. Whether it’s through floor-to-ceiling windows, from the lounge on a sprawling balcony, or a 180-degree outlook from a private barbeque area, this hotel’s river views are effortless. Admire it from inside or venture down to the banks where visitors can enjoy a picnic, a scenic cruise and more activities.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: A$102 – A$1764
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: Bolton Avenue & Great Eastern Highway, Burswood, Perth, Australia
Crown Promenade Perth
Crown Promenade Perth sits slightly outside of Perth’s CDB on the opposite side of the Swan River. Despite being an easy 12-minute cab ride into the city, Crown Promenade enjoys a remarkable tranquil location among riverside parks with playgrounds, barbeque facilities and riding trails. On the flip side, the actual hotel is a cosmopolitan playground with a casino, 2000-seat theatre and a sunny pool all close at hand.
The contemporary guest rooms are comfortably furnished with custom king-size beds and cosy lounge chairs. However, guests looking for an uninterrupted view of the Swan River and distant city skyline should opt for the Superior King or Superior Twin. Guests of Crown Promenade have direct access to all the Crown dining establishments including Neil Perry’s signature restaurant, Rockpool Bar & Grill.
Star Rating: 4.5*
Price: A$67 – A$921
Guest Rating: 8.7
Address: Bolton Avenue & Great Eastern Highway, Burswood, Perth, Australia
Pan Pacific Perth
Indulge in five-star luxury at Pan Pacific Perth where the Swan River and renowned Kings Park are right outside. The latter is a gorgeous parkland with lakes, water fountains, historic monuments and mesmerising river views that all make for a memorable picnic or afternoon stroll. Pan Pacific’s River Suites include both the park and river in a serene backdrop that complements the room’s chic furnishings.
However, the epitome of luxury is found in the Presidential Suite. This extravagant multi-room residence boasts a deep soaking tub and unparalleled views of the Swan River from kitchen, lounge room, dining room and two balconies. Guests staying in any Pacific Club room or suite, such as the Presidential, also have access to the Pacific Club Lounge’s daily breakfast and evening drinks.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: A$71 – A$611
Guest Rating: 8.6
Address: 207 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth, Perth, Australia
Fraser Suites Perth
The studio, one and two-bedroom apartments at Fraser Suites Perth attract ample natural light and brilliant river views through oversized windows. Certain suites even feature a timber balcony with space for alfresco dining while guests soak up the Swan River below and a suburban sprawl of low-lying houses dispersed among green trees.
These self-contained residences, complete with full kitchens and dining rooms, are balanced well with a range of traditional resort facilities such as an indoor heated pool, spa, sauna and an on-site restaurant called Heirloom. Along with the Swan River, guests at Fraser Suites Perth are within walking distance of the designer stores on Hay Street Mall and the open-air cinema in Langley Park.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: A$88 – A$886
Guest Rating: 9.1
Address: 10 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth, Perth, Australia
Hyatt Regency Perth
Separated from the Swan River by the picturesque Langley Park, Hyatt Regency Perth lets guests unwind in an opulent haven. On-site dining takes place in a variety of establishments such as the Asian-fusion restaurant, Joe’s Oriental Diner, and the Plain Street Bar. Indulgence continues at the hotel’s day spa, Rose Moon Spa, where bodies and minds are pampered by wellness treatments.
Three out of the hotel’s five room types welcome guests with remarkable Swan River views from either large windows or a private balcony. Guests can take a stroll through the park along the river and needn’t walk far before they reach the bars and theatre near Elizabeth Quay or the Rottnest Island ferry terminal.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: A$122 – A$468
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: 99 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth, Perth, Australia
Metro Hotel Perth
Check into a room at Metro Hotel Perth for affordable accommodation that doesn’t skimp on the extras. These wonderfully appointed abodes perfectly capture the Perth city skyline reflecting off the rolling surface of the Swan River. Book an Executive room for bonus inclusions such as Netflix, bathrobes, a discount on dinner at the on-site Red Bill Restaurant and Bar, and entry to the exclusive cocktail hour every Wednesday.
The hotel’s location places guests within walking distance of the Swan River, along with nearby cafes and bars. Other notable attractions, such as Perth Zoo, Crown Casino and Perth Mint, are only a short drive away. However, guests should reserve their mornings for enjoying a breakfast platter and coffee on their balcony while soaking up the panoramic river view.
Star Rating: 3.5*
Price: A$75 – A$415
Guest Rating: 7.9
Address: 61 Canning Highway, South Perth, Perth, Australia
Novotel Perth Langley
Nestled in Perth’s city centre, Novotel Perth Langley delivers the best of both riverside tranquillity and inner-city excitement. Perth’s best shopping malls, restaurants and attractions are all an easy stroll away. Domain Stadium (formerly Subiaco Oval) is also nearby and is where visitors can witness music concerts, monster trucks, AFL, cricket and more live entertainment.
Embrace that riverside comfort from a number of sophisticated rooms and suites. Our favourite is the Junior Suite, ideal for visitors looking for that extra level of pampering. It features a Jacuzzi and a king-size bed, along with a wall of windows overlooking the Swan River. Grab a pint at the hotel’s Irish pub, Fenians, before enjoying a gourmet dinner at Senses Restaurant.
Star Rating: 4.5*
Price: A$39 – A$340
Guest Rating: 8.7
Address: 221 Adelaide Terrace, Perth CBD, Perth, Australia
City Waters
Budget-conscious travellers absolutely love the tremendous bang-for-your-buck value at City Waters. Few hotels with such affordable rooms can claim the picture-perfect riverside location experienced at this city-centre hotel. The Swan River is right outside, just beyond the lush Langley Park.
The rooms themselves are modest, self-catered units with full kitchens and comfortable bedding. The two-bedroom unit is ideal for a budget family holiday and features a soundproof door between the two rooms, one of which has three single beds. A free bus service frequently transports guests into the city. Alternatively, visitors can stretch their legs with a walk along the river, passing Elizabeth Quay, Government House and Kings Park.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: A$47 – A$216
Guest Rating: 7.4
Address: 118 Terrace Road, Perth CBD, Perth, Australia
Pagoda Resort & Spa
Occupying a location near one of the Swan River’s wider sections, Pagoda Resort & Spa offers dreamy views of the expansive river from its One Bedroom Apartments and Superior Rooms. However, every guest at Pagoda benefits from a pedestrian walkway down to the riverbank, where they’ll find sandy shores, shared paths and grassy lawns.
Back at the resort, guests are able to unwind with a number of facilities including a heated pool, gym, sauna and bicycle hire. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and high tea are all available at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, catering to various tastes. Visitors can expect impeccable service, along with those little extras, such as in-room spa baths and free mini-bar items, which make holidays memorable for all the right reasons.
Star Rating: 4.5*
Price: A$89 – A$313
Guest Rating: 7.8
Address: 112 Melville Parade, Como, Perth, Australia
Hotel Location
Top 4 Wildlife Experiences in Perth
As one of the world’s largest isolated cities, Perth is blessed with fascinating nature only minutes from the city centre. Whether it’s experiencing the Instagram quokka selfie on Rottnest Island or sighting bottlenose dolphins right off the beach, Perth is a haven for native wildlife. Here are the four best wildlife experiences in Perth.
Quokkas on Rottnest Island
About 45-90 minutes from Perth via ferry, Rottnest Island stands out as one of Australia’s most unique and unforgettable destinations. A big part of its appeal to locals and country-wide travellers alike are the quokkas. These cute and cuddly marsupials are found only on islands off Western Australia’s coast.
Not only do visitors get to see the quokkas in their native habitat, they also have numerous opportunities for close-up photographs, as these creatures are very friendly. Quokkas are so photogenic that they’ve become one of the most Instagrammable animals in the world. However, guests should be aware that Rottnest Island is a nature reserve and should respect the rangers’ conservation efforts.
Whale watching from September to December
Thousands of humpback whales can be seen swimming, jumping and frolicking in the ocean off the Perth coastline between September and December each year. This migratory pattern is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to embark on a whale-watching cruise and see these majestic creatures up close.
Cruises regularly depart Hillarys Boat Harbour, ferrying passengers out onto the ocean for a day of whale watching. The best time to see the whales in the water is around midday when the sun sits right overhead and provides excellent lighting. Some whales swim close enough to shore that visitors can spot them through binoculars from the beach or their hotel balconies.
River birds at Swan Estuary Marine Park
Despite what the name might suggest, Swan Estuary Marine Park isn’t just known for its population of black swans (although you can see those almost any time of year). Thousands of river birds frequent the marine park at popular areas such as Pelican Point and Alfred Cove during various times of the year.
Depending on when and where travellers visit, they’ll likely see very different birds to other visitors. The Swan Estuary Marine Park is comprised of mudflats, seagrass beds, sedges, saltmarsh and other habitats that attract numerous birdlife from as far as Asia and Siberia. Casual bird watchers should head to Alfred Cove, which features plenty of quality vantage points for spotting birds like red-necked stints, parrots, fairy-wrens and pelicans.
Dolphins at Marmion Marine Park
With its limestone reefs, natural cave systems and perfectly clear water, Marmion Marine Park attracts snorkelers and scuba divers. However, there’s another reason so many people love exploring this area: dolphins. These curious and docile creatures are just one of the marine animals that play and live in Marmion Marine Park.
To view the dolphins, experienced divers can join private day charters from Hillarys Boat Harbour and sail to the best diving spots, while those who prefer dry land can sometimes spot the dorsal fins bobbing up and down from the shore. There are even dedicated dolphin sightseeing tours, some of which take place on jet skis.
Where will you stay in Perth?
Perth’s waterfront, whether the beach or the river, is a place of both relaxation and adventure. Whether visitors are looking for riverside picnics, a whale-watching cruise or a windsurfing experience, there are numerous hotels in the city that can place them in a perfect position for achieving their holiday goals.
Although beachfront and riverfront hotels range from three stars to five stars and from resorts to self-catered apartments, at HotelsCombined we see a lot of travellers opting for accommodation with that little extra luxury. Whether it’s a gorgeous pool, kids’ club, on-site dining or a day spa, the most popular hotels usually boast one or more glamorous facilities.
So when deciding on their next Perth hotel, visitors should keep in mind exactly what they want from their holiday, be it a view of the ocean or direct access to the Swan River.
Do you prefer to stay on the river or on the beach when you’re visiting Perth? Let us know in the comments below.
Resources
