THE WESTIN PERTH
The Westin Perth opened its doors this summer, with its spaces inspired by the abundance of natural beauty surrounding Perth and reflecting the relaxed mood of the city. Encouraging guests to connect with nature, the 368-room urban retreat pays homage to the capital of Western Australia. Victoria Noakes takes a closer look…
Featuring contemporary design by Melbourne-based boutique design firm BAR Studio – in collaboration with Australian architectural design practice HASSELL and BGC Development – The Westin Perth is situated in the new Hibernian Place precinct in the CBD’s East End. Combining international expertise with a local perspective, BAR Studio’s design has light at its core, incorporating airy spaces paired with strong and simple forms which mirror the surrounding geography. Being originally from Perth, BAR Studio’s co-founders Stewart Robertson and Felicity Beck made use of their deep understanding of the city’s coastal location and alfresco lifestyle, creating zones that seamlessly transition from indoor to outdoor. The boundaries of enclosure are blurred, as displayed in the high-ceilinged, light-filled lobby lounge which opens out to a terrace overlooking a verdant courtyard.
The design team’s aim was to also showcase the importance of the city’s remote hinterland to the residents of Perth, and how it is intrinsically linked to their casual, natural spirit. This is achieved by the hotel’s intimate, intuitive and revitalising interiors, which also directly correspond to Westin’s core values – ‘personal, instinctive, renewal’.
The hotel’s guest rooms and public spaces follow the concept of a cosmopolitan Perth residence, resulting in a chic but relaxed feel. Incorporating clean, modernist lines, the spaces are kept simple and understated to allow for contemporary, natural and indigenous elements to be effortlessly integrated. The calm interior palette is drawn from Perth’s coastal colours, combining soft beachy hues with accents in citrus tones. This is combined with the extensive application of warm, natural materials such as both raw and refined timber and sandstone. Designed with elegance and comfort in mind, the spaces flow gracefully, always framed with a connection to daylight and the view.
Bedrooms are generous in size, ranging from the 42 square-metre Deluxe Room to the superior 240 square-metre Presidential Suite, and feature floor-to-ceiling windows, a Heavenly Bed and a walk-in rain shower. Asymmetrical tables in living areas, subtly striated stone and landscape- inspired artwork make for a unique and memorable stay.
Thoughtfully-chosen hero furniture pieces, accessories and over 2000 handpicked Australian artworks are positioned throughout the hotel, indicative of the character and landscape of Western Australia. External sandstone walls combine local material and motifs, engraved with stylised barramundi scales and spears by indigenous artist Lena Nyadbi, whilst inside, these walls feature the contemporary mark making of artist Clare Beausein. Representations of light and abstract forms of leaves and landscape are achieved in sculptures by Robert Bridgewater, and complex, three-dimensional wall pieces made from natural materials have been created by Wona Bae. In addition, striking aerial shots of iconic locations including Broome’s Cable Beach by photographer Christian Fletcher are on display.
The Westin Perth offers a variety of dining and drinking options, including high tea, cocktails and light dishes served in the welcoming lobby bar, The Haven Lounge, plus Italian cuisine at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Garum, headed up by renowned Melbourne chef Guy Grassi. The menu offered is a modern twist on ancient Roman cooking, paying respect to the 120-seat restaurant’s location in Perth’s heritage-listed Hibernian Hall, which existed previously as a Catholic community and church hall.
The impressive 1902 building has been restored to its former glory, with the bay windows enhanced and the space opened up to showcase the original Jarrah wooden ceiling, now adorned with eye-catching glass pendants. Other intriguing features of the space include exposed brick walls, marble, and tan leather seats to bring an industrial edge, whilst the osteria takes on a more modern vibe with white and warm wood tones. Garum has an open kitchen, with the magnificent proscenium arch of the original building as its backdrop. Guests can also enjoy a Roman snack and aperitivi in the bar on the building’s former balcony, with the option of an outdoor area with sleek wooden tables and a private dining room.
The 28-storey hotel incorporates Hibernian Hall into the street frontage, and sits next to the Old Perth Fire Station; its 1901 Romanesque Revival structure an effective contrast to the 28-story glassy tower in which The Westin Perth is housed. The hotel is ideally positioned to afford guests with incredible views towards the Perth Hills, and from an external view is embellished with an impressive portrait of a woman’s face, provided by Melbourne Street artist Rone.
Guests wishing to make use of the hotel’s wellness facilities are spoilt for choice, with a 20-metre outdoor infinity pool lined with loungers, parasols and plants, plus a fitness studio and rejuvenating Bodhi J day spa with six treatment rooms in partnership with Australian skincare brand Sodashi. What’s more, the hotel is well-equipped to accommodate varied business needs, featuring flexible meeting spaces, the plush Executive Club Lounge and a grand ballroom.
Truly unique in design and concept, The Westin Perth offers guests an unforgettable and reviving stay, allowing them to fully connect with the beautiful surroundings and varied culture of Western Australia. By being immersed in the calming spirit of nature, hopefully guests can leave with a renewed sense of wellness, so vital with the increasingly fast-paced and demanding nature of modern-day living.
ARCHITECTURE: HASSELL/BGC Development
INTERIOR DESIGN: BAR Studio