Many hotels market themselves as being central, but few have a greater claim to the label than COMO The Treasury, which is housed inside the 19th-century ‘State Buildings’, the exact point from which the distance to central Perth is measured. Its prime location also makes the hotel an ideal starting point from which to explore the city’s Central Business District and beyond.
The COMO brand’s reimagining of Victorian municipal offices, which included the treasury and the general post office, is now one of Perth’s hottest social and gastronomical destinations. There’s the hotel’s own fine dining restaurant, Wildflower, with its award-winning farmer-and-forager-driven menu inspired by the Indigenous Noongar six-season calendar, emphasising fresh, local ingredients. This sits alongside the relaxed contemporary Italian, Post, where guests are served breakfast and a dinner offering of handmade pasta and fresh seafood. In addition, the State Buildings also house the excellent Long Chim, a buzzy Thai street food eatery by David Thompson, which champions local wines with typical Aussie enthusiasm.
In an area dominated by contemporary architecture, the State Buildings stand out for their classical elegance, which has been sympathetically enhanced by Singapore-based, Australian architect William Kerry Hill. This is no thrown-together awkward refit, nor does it feel stuffy and reverential. Hill has artfully combined the building’s original features: generously proportioned communal spaces and private rooms, with their high ceilings and tall windows, filling the interiors with natural light. He has retained the white walls and dark Jarrah wooden flooring, but complemented them with contemporary touches in the furniture and art curation. The uncluttered foyer houses a piece by British artist Antony Gormley and the sculptures by local emerging artist Abdul-Rahman Abdullah displayed on the stairwell as well as works by Japanese-born artist Akio Makigawa on the mezzanine level, must not be missed, either.
Although the hotel’s layout over several levels and interconnected buildings is a little confusing, when we eventually found our room (one of 48 accommodations that also include a number of suites), we couldn’t have been more delighted. The room had a sense of airiness that instantly captivated us. It was exactly what we needed after a four-day-long train journey staying in a characterful but somewhat spatially challenged cabin on board the Indian Pacific railway, and it made us not want to leave to venture out into the city. The use of a large floating wall separating the bedroom from the luxuriously generous bathroom while retaining the flow of open-plan living was about as good an example of this architectural device as we’ve seen.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Sophisticate | PER | GMT +8 |
| While you’re Out There |
| Time permitting, a visit to picturesque Rottnest Island is a must. Most visitors take the passenger ferry, however if you prefer a little more flexibility and comfort, the concierge team at COMO The Treasury can organise private charters by boat or even seaplane, allowing you to experience the island’s beauty with complete flexibility and comfort. They can also arrange guided nature walks, giving you the chance to learn about the island’s unique ecosystem, or a private boat tour to visit hidden coves. Rottnest is home to the Insta-famous quokka, a small, friendly marsupial known for its curious nature, but keep your eyes peeled and you might also spot New Zealand fur seals at Cathedral Rocks or catch a glimpse of ospreys nesting along the rugged coastline. In the right season, migrating humpback whales can sometimes be seen offshore. Make sure to pack your swimmers as the island is fringed by beaches. The Basin is a perfect spot for a dip with its shallow, crystal-clear waters and natural limestone reef. Meanwhile, Little Salmon Bay offers some of Rottnest’s best snorkelling, with vibrant coral and an abundance of marine life. For those who prefer a quieter escape, Parakeet Bay is a secluded beach with soft white sand and calm waters. |
COMO The Treasury is a hotel that takes relaxation seriously, with rooms combining thoughtful details and modern comforts. Custom-made beds, dressed in soft Egyptian cotton, help ensure a restful night’s sleep, while electronic sheer blinds and blackout options ensure total darkness when needed. Whether you prefer blackout Roman blinds or curtains, the room adjusts effortlessly to suit your personal preference. For those looking to unwind further, the in-room TV offers access to yoga channels and meditation videos, allowing you to practice mindfulness without leaving your suite. Every element is carefully chosen to create a peaceful, restorative environment.
Beyond our lodgings, we also appreciated the opportunity to stretch out and relax our muscles in the heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and well-equipped gym, which are housed on the top of the building, enclosed within an airy glass-walled triple-height space. For those who wish to unwind further the COMO Shambhala Spa offers a range of treatments, from deep-tissue massages to specialised facials, all designed to help you relax and reset.
COMO The Treasury is an elegant, chic city hotel. That said, it’s not for everyone. Its focus on tranquillity and relaxation means it may not be the best fit for those seeking a more lively atmosphere. On-site parking is limited, which could be a consideration if you’re driving. Still, this is a seriously popular place to stay while in town, and availability can be tight during peak seasons… booking in advance is recommended.
Photography courtesy of COMO Hotels
