If you can stand to be slightly outside the city center (and let’s face it, Perth isn’t exactly the first place you’d look for a quintessentially urban experience) then you’ll find, in West Perth, what’s probably the city’s finest luxury boutique hotel. Granted, there isn’t a ton of competition — but even if there were, the Richardson’s casual contemporary-luxe vibe and unhurried apartment-living atmosphere would place it in the first class.

The exterior is frankly a bit undistinguished, but one can’t have everything. Anyway that’s about the last thing that matters; far more important are the views, over the neighboring Kings Park and the Perth skyline, and the rooms themselves, which are conservatively stylish and exceedingly well-appointed. King beds, pillow-top mattresses, six varieties of pillow on the menu — these things all help, as do the LCD televisions and the suites’ private balconies.

Downstairs is the rather formal (dress code and all) Opus restaurant, along with its associated cocktail bar, terrace, and “wine annex.” And last but not least, the ESPA spa, complete with indoor pool and fitness room, along with all the usual pampering treatments. All told, a fine foray into the luxury-boutique business for Western Australia.

How to get there: The Richarson Hotel and Spa is approximately a 35 minute drive from Perth Airport.

Style: Contemporary Classic

Atmosphere: Quiet

74 Rooms - Rates starting at A$ 520.00 (approx. US$ 544)

Hotel amenities and services for The Richardson Hotel and Spa

• 24 Hr Room Service
• Business Center
• Gym
• Pool