Doubletree by Hilton Perth Waterfront – Hotel Review

Set on the Swan River in Perth’s sculpture-studded Elizabeth Quay precinct is an artwork you can sleep in: DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront. The exterior is clad in artist Tom Muller’s Aqua Lux (meaning ‘light of the water’), creating a striking facade that mirrors the glittering panoramic view. Read on for our full review.

Where is DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront?

The hotel’s address, at Barrack Square in Elizabeth Quay, about 25 minutes’ drive from Perth Airport, positions it in one of the city’s buzziest districts, next to the historic Bell Tower and the ferry to Rottnest Island.

What’s DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront near?

Outside the entrance is The Bell Tower, housing the centuries-old Swan Bells (hear them ring on Thursdays and Sundays from 12-1pm). The bars, restaurants and public art of Elizabeth Quay are on the doorstep, too. Across the road are the Supreme Court Gardens, and a short walk north takes you to the CBD and the Art Gallery of Western Australia. The famed Kings Park and Botanic Garden is a 25-minute walk west.

Room types

The hotel’s 18 storeys house 229 contemporary rooms, most with panoramic views of the Swan River and the city skyline to the south, and some offering views over the city to the north. The hotel opened in December 2020, so the interiors still feel fresh, with décor featuring soothing greys, pale timber and motifs reflecting its waterside location, such as the ripple-patterned carpet. The corner rooms have the best aspects; from room 1505 you’ll feel so close to the river you could imagine you’re captaining a river vessel – even from the shower.

Restaurants and bars

The setting alone makes the hotel’s onsite restaurant and bar worth visiting but the food and drinks cinch the deal. The light and bright Reel Kitchen is flanked on one side by the open kitchen, with a wall of windows to the river on the other. On the top floor, 18 Knots rooftop bar has 360-degree views of the river and city below. Both venues have excellent drinks lists and menus showcasing grilled dishes and fresh local seafood such as Akoya oysters, Exmouth jumbo prawns, Shark Bay scallops and Abrolhos Island octopus. 

Travel for work

Business travellers should pay for the faster premium wi-fi ($14.95 for 24 hours). The hotel has two boardrooms and three conference rooms, all with in-built audiovisual technology including videoconferencing capability. The outdoor pool terrace can be booked for events and meetings. 

Pool and gym

The outdoor rooftop swimming pool (open 6am to 6pm) is adjoined by lovely manicured garden beds and seating areas but the limelight is stolen by that amazing river view. You may well be distracted mid-lap. There’s also the air conditioned 24-hour fitness centre; it’s small but well equipped. 

Sustainability

The hotel’s used soaps are recycled to Soap Aid, a not-for-profit organisation that recycles the soap and sends it to communities facing critical hygiene challenges. Empty amenity bottles (from Crabtree & Evelyn) go to Beyond Skin Deep, where the plastic is recycled and given a second life as fence posts for farmers. All the meeting and event spaces are filled with natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting. 

What you need to know

Join the Hilton Honors program for free premium wi-fi, a small discount and loyalty points; the corresponding app lets you choose your room and use your phone as the room key. 

SEE ALSO: All the Best Things to Do on a Weekend Escape to Perth