It may not be a household name for those living on the east coast, but it’s the stay of envy among locals. So does it live up to the hype?
It’s consistently been named the best hotel in Australia, it has one of the country’s top restaurants and calls the most impressive building in Perth home.
Como The Treasury may not be a household name for the east coast, but Perth’s luxury wellness inspired hotel is the stay of envy among locals, reports Escape.
Occupying the city’s 140-year old State Buildings that were once used as a post office, land titles office and treasury (hence the name), the hotel opened in 2015 after a $110 million transformation overseen by Perth designer, Kerry Hill. Fast forward a few years and the building is now home to some of Perth’s trendiest restaurants and bars.
The hotel may sit on bustling prime real estate, but once inside you’ll find a haven hard to leave. So does it live up to the hype? Absolutely. Here’s why.
You can judge a hotel by its check-in
Our taxi door opens, our luggage whisked away, we’re greeted with a “happy birthday” and a glass of champagne. Clearly someone’s done their homework.
There is no line to check in, rather we’re seated on an elegant couch in what feels more like a lavish living room than a hotel reception. Hues of beige and soft greens instantly calm any travel angst, the building a seamless blend of history and luxury.
Paperwork is dealt with efficiently from leather-bound folders before we’re shown to our room down a softly lit corridor.
Size really does matter
Moody hallways framed by arches lead off to the hotel’s 48 rooms, each with their own unique character. We’re in a heritage balcony room that is deceivingly understated, elegant and all class – and it’s huge by hotel standards.
A Juliet balcony from the bedroom overlooks Cathedral square, perfect for sipping on a local wine from the complimentary minibar. The design is a clever fusion of old and new – high ceilings, soft curtains and all the mod cons – while retaining its 19th century grandeur feels.
Sink into the king bed and find instant calm in the soft grey-green furnishings designed to reflect the West Australian landscape. For someone currently furnishing their home (me), it’s a design muse.
While the oversized bedroom is standout, it’s the bathroom that will blow you away. Enormous, the freestanding bath is centrepiece, with heated travertine stone floors and a ceiling shower that cascades down like rainwater.
Where to eat
Wildflower is the hotel’s fine dining restaurant and recognised at home and abroad as one of the top places to eat in Australia.
The menu is inspired by the six seasons of the Noongar calendar focusing on the best of West Australian produce. Head chef Matthew Sartori, a WA local, experiments with the flavours of the bush. The dishes are Noma-esque in their creation – think marinated heirloom tomato with native lemongrass, roasted Manjimup marron and southwest wagyu.
Located on the top floor of the hotel, it has views out over the Swan River. The tasting menu – four or six-course – has an eye-watering price tag. But that doesn’t stop the crowds. Reservations are hard to come by, the dining room packed with couples, families and tourists. If you’re going to pick one meal to splurge on, make it this.
Breakfast with a twist
Breakfast is served in Post cafe on the ground level. Once the franking room of Perth’s original post office, it’s now an osteria open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are no feels of characterless hotel dining rooms here – the Italian-inspired cafe hits the mark with bentwood chairs, circular European-style tables and local produce.
Taking its inspiration from the hotel’s wellness focus, you’ll find cold-pressed juices, raw food menu items and dishes rich in nutrients. The coffee is excellent (we have two) and the nut and seed “real” toast makes me feel instantly healthy and smug.
The spa
Unfortunately our visit didn’t allow enough time to visit – but the Como Shambhala Urban Escape spa is legendary. Combining Eastern and Western wellness traditions, it’s a unique take on massages, facials and holistic treatments. I take a sneak peek at the 20m heated indoor swimming pool, steam room and gym – and make a mental note to tack on a day of pampering next time.
Check-out
Our departure is just as smooth as our arrival. We linger in the living room as we wait for our taxi, googling the hotel’s furniture. It’s time to start a savings plan.
This writer was a guest of Como The Treasury Perth
This article originally appeared on Escape and was reproduced with permission
