InterContinental Perth City Centre by IHG

Overview

Look, I’ve stayed at quite a few hotels in Perth over the years, and the InterContinental on Hay Street honestly surprised me – in a good way. You know how sometimes these big chain hotels can feel a bit soulless? This one actually has some character to it. The lobby’s got this warm, modern Australian vibe without being too try-hard about it, and the staff genuinely seemed to know Perth well when I asked about getting around.

The location is pretty much perfect if you want to be in the thick of things. You’re literally a two-minute walk from the Murray Street Mall, which is handy for shopping or just people-watching with a coffee. What I really appreciated though – and this is something you don’t always think about until you’re there – is how easy it is to get to the river. The walk down to Elizabeth Quay takes maybe ten minutes, and honestly, that’s where Perth really shines, especially around sunset. The hotel’s also right on the free CAT bus route, which locals use all the time but tourists often miss. Smart move staying here if you want to skip the parking hassles in the CBD.

The rooms are what you’d expect from a proper five-star place – spacious, well-designed, with those floor-to-ceiling windows that make Perth’s blue skies look even more dramatic. I mean, the beds are ridiculously comfortable, and the bathrooms have those rain showers that actually work properly (you’d be surprised how many hotels mess that up). What struck me most was how quiet it was, even though you’re right on Hay Street. Perth’s not exactly New York when it comes to street noise, but still – impressive soundproofing. The concierge team knows their stuff too, which matters when you’re trying to figure out whether to head to Cottesloe Beach or Fremantle for the day.

Here’s the thing about Perth – it’s got this laid-back confidence that takes a while to appreciate, and this hotel actually captures that pretty well. The service is polished but not stuffy, the restaurant serves decent modern Australian food (though honestly, you should get out and explore the food scene – there’s some incredible stuff happening in Perth right now), and the whole place feels like it belongs in the city rather than just being dropped there. The pool area’s a nice touch too, especially if you’re visiting during summer when Perth turns into an oven. Sure, it’s not cheap – five-star hotels in Perth CBD never are – but you’re getting genuine quality here, not just fancy marketing. If you’re the type who wants to be walking distance from everything but still wants to come back to somewhere that feels special, this place delivers.