Australia’s only Como Hotel occupies one of Perth’s – and Australia’s – most beautiful premises: the opulent, 19th-century State Buildings. The complex’s heritage design, reconfigured by Kerry Hill and Palassis Architects, means rooms have soaring high ceilings and are luxuriously spacious. Every detail at Como The Treasury – from the fragrant bath salts provided by the onsite Shambhala Spa to the botanical watercolours by local artists – is the pinnacle of quiet luxury.
The rooms
Each of the 48 rooms and suites is deliciously oversized, and many have iron lace balconies and views to Cathedral Square or the city’s rooftops. Most are decorated in soft creams with discreet pale olive and leather touches and mini bars packed with local treasures like Idée Fixe sparkling wine and Little Creatures ale. For something a bit different, the Cabinet Suite is rich with history – the Perth Government once held its cabinet meetings there – and its traditional wood panelling, slate grey colour palette and fireplace feel weighty and nostalgic.
Food & drink
With 11 restaurants, cafes and bars on site, there’s little reason to eat beyond The State Buildings during your stay. The jewel is Wildflower, whose new head chef Paul Wilson is steering its native ingredient-led menu to new heights, while at Petition, Chef Jessica Roe is serving flavourful, easygoing eats. In the mornings, join half of the city in the fast-moving queue for a flat white at Telegram Coffee, and be sure to book in a uniquely Australian afternoon tea in the Cape Arid Rooms.
The service
The sense that you’re staying at the elegant mansion of a welcoming diplomat begins on arrival, when you’re led not to a check-in desk but to a cavernous reception hall where you’re invited to sink into a sofa, enjoy a drink and settle in, before worrying about any pesky paperwork. At other times, your interaction with staff will be minimal and discreet as the hotel’s large footprint and generous hallways mean you rarely cross paths with others. But when you need them, of course, the 24-hour reception desk is quick to attend to any enquiries.
Ideal for: Sophisticated city staycations
Why we love it:
- The pool and spa. A few lazy laps in the top-floor indoor pool – with its travertine tiling and light jazz floating through the speakers – is an invigorating way to start the day. Downstairs, the famous Como Shambhala wellness space is a low-lit sanctuary of tranquility; and the signature massage will banish any long flight aches and pains.
- The bathrooms. It’s impossible to overstate the generosity of the ensuite bathrooms in every room category. Even the entry-level City Rooms have standalone oval baths, rain showers and side-by-side dual vanities, as well as acres of soothing, creme-caramel marble.
- The floristry. The State Buildings’ architecture is the hotel’s most arresting design feature, but the wild, sculptural floral arrangements, created by onsite florists Fox and Rabbit, accent the structural features perfectly. The deeply considered use of Western Australian natives gives the rooms, suites and common areas at Como The Treasury an eye-catching – and fragrant – sense of place.
Gourmet Traveller Hotel Guide
Celebrating the very best Australian hotels and resorts.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
