“Never to return!!”
When booking the hotel, we had contacted Expedia to ensure that the reception area would be open at our 2am arrival time. It was confirmed that someone would be there.
There was one member of staff on reception, who seemed a bit 'put out' at the hour of our arrival. There was no offer of help with our luggage and the tiny lift made it quite difficult to manoeuvre into, with one suitcase, nevermind two and hand luggage. (A member of staff who looked as if he would be assisting with luggage had disappeared!)
We had booked a room overlooking the Swan River and were initially shown a room on one of the lower floors. Although it was dark, I could see some water -which turned out to be the swimming pool!!
Not only that, but a dirty plaster, blood included and off someone's finger/toe, lay on the floor!
The hotel charges a premium because of its view so considering the price paid, we returned to reception, complete with dirty plaster, and requested a room with at least a view of the river.
The man on reception was even more 'put out' and eventually stated that a room on a higher floor was available so we made our way there to find that the toilet was faulty! The cistern was continally filling! A further visit to reception! I reported the fault and the same receptionist we had seen before advised us that as and when a room on a higher floor became available, we would be moved again. That never happened.
The toilet, however, was fixed during our firstt day. Never saw a cleaner!
Area recommendations
Tthis was our first visit to Perth and we loved the place. We had planned to do the usual touristy sights but decided instead to explore Perth itself.
The walk along the river is most pleasant.
There are plenty of shops along the main street and the usual shopping mall.
The local people are some of the friendliest we have ever met on our travels abroad.
They are genuinely interested in what you have to say - particularly when they heard our English accents as so many of those we met were originally from the UK!
Getting around
It is easy to walk around the centre of Perth, although the roads leading up from the river area to the shopping area are somewhat steep.
There are the free CAT buses which are different colours, depending on where you wish to go.
The ferries are also frequent and easy to use.
Must see
King's Park is huge and would take at least one full day to visit.
One of the free CAT bus takes you very close to the park too.
Dining
We had an excellent meal in the King's Hotel. It wasn't cheap but due to our poor exchange rate and the cost of living in Australia, it's difficult to eat cheaply in Oz.
The meal in the King's Hotel, however, was worth every dollar and I would definitely recommend it.
We had a meal in 'Dome', which can be reached by ferry and is in South Perth.
Nothing fancy - we had fish and chips - with very generous portions and reasonably priced.
One place worth a visit is Miss Maud's although I wouldn't recommend the carvery. Everything is laden in salt - even the veg.
I would recommend it for the atmosphere although the 'live' entertainment could have been better.
The ageing accordianist was there,but looked more dead than alive! He was presumably there for payment. No stage presence at all and just did what he had to do. (Yawn, yawn!).
Family-friendly activities
A trip to Perth Zoo is worth a visit.
