Econo Lodge Rivervale

Overview

First Impressions

The Econo Lodge Rivervale sits right on Great Eastern Highway, and honestly, that’s actually a good thing here. I mean, you’re just minutes from Perth CBD but without the city price tag — which is exactly what you want from a three-star property. The building itself is straightforward, no fancy facade, but it’s clean and well-maintained. You know what struck me? The number of cars I recognized in the parking area during my second visit — turns out this place has a serious following of repeat guests, and that usually tells you something.

Location That Actually Works

Here’s the thing about Rivervale — it’s one of those Perth suburbs that locals know but tourists often overlook. You’re literally five minutes from the Swan River, and the airport is close enough that you won’t stress about early flights but far enough that you won’t hear planes all night. Great Eastern Highway might sound busy, but the room I stayed in faced away from the road, so noise wasn’t an issue. Plus, there’s a decent shopping center within walking distance, and — this matters more than you’d think — several good coffee spots nearby that aren’t tourist traps.

The Room Experience

Look, this is a solid budget option, but the rooms are bigger than I expected and genuinely comfortable. The bed was firm (which I prefer), and the air conditioning actually worked properly — you’d be surprised how often that’s not the case in budget properties. The bathroom was compact but functional, with decent water pressure. What I really appreciated was the little kitchenette area with a microwave and mini-fridge. It’s not a full kitchen, but perfect for storing leftovers or making a quick snack without having to venture out.

Breakfast and Practical Perks

The continental breakfast is pretty standard — cereals, toast, coffee, some fruit — but it’s included and gets the job done. I actually found myself chatting with other guests most mornings, which doesn’t always happen at hotels. The free on-site parking is honestly worth mentioning because finding affordable parking in Perth can be a real headache. There’s also a small restaurant attached, though I only tried it once — decent pub-style food, nothing fancy but satisfying after a long day.

Why Guests Love It

The repeat guest thing really makes sense once you stay here. It’s reliable, reasonably priced, and the staff actually remember you if you come back. Couples seem to particularly appreciate the location — I overheard several guests talking about how easy it was to get around Perth from here. The value proposition is solid: you get a clean, comfortable base without paying city center prices, and you’re still well-connected to everything Perth has to offer. It’s not going to wow you with amenities, but sometimes that straightforward approach is exactly what you need.