Sunset On Esplanade

Overview

You know what struck me first about Sunset On Esplanade? It’s actually positioned perfectly – not right on the beach where you’d expect chaos, but just back enough that you get all the ocean views without the constant foot traffic. I mean, Scarborough’s definitely picked up its game in recent years, and this place sits right in the sweet spot of that transformation.

The hotel itself has this sort of understated elegance that works really well for Perth’s coastal vibe. It’s a solid 4-star property, and honestly, it feels like it earns every one of those stars without trying too hard. The rooms are what you’d hope for – clean, modern, with those floor-to-ceiling windows that actually make a difference when you’re watching the sunset (hence the name, I guess). What I really appreciated was the attention to small details that most places miss – like blackout curtains that actually block light, and air conditioning that doesn’t sound like a helicopter landing. The bathrooms are surprisingly spacious too, which is a blessing after you’ve been out exploring Fremantle or hiking in the hills.

Location-wise, you’re basically a two-minute walk to the beach, but more importantly, you’re close enough to everything that matters in Scarborough. The new dining precinct along the esplanade is right there – and trust me, the food scene has come a long way from the old fish and chips joints (though those still exist if that’s your thing). What’s really convenient is being able to walk to the train station when you want to head into the city – it’s about a 20-minute ride to Perth CBD, which beats dealing with parking downtown. I also loved that you could grab groceries at the Coles nearby, because let’s face it, hotel breakfast gets old after a few days, and Perth prices mean you’ll want to eat in sometimes.

The service here is genuinely friendly without being over the top – very Western Australian in the best way. Check-in was smooth, and the staff actually gave useful local recommendations instead of just handing over a generic tourist brochure. They warned me about the weekend crowds at the beach (good call) and suggested some quieter spots up the coast that turned out to be perfect. One small thing – the elevators can be a bit slow during busy periods, but honestly, that’s a minor gripe. The pool area is decent, though you’ll probably spend most of your time at the actual beach anyway. What really sold me was sitting on my balcony in the evening, watching the sunset paint the Indian Ocean every shade of orange and pink you can imagine, with just enough breeze to keep things comfortable. It’s the kind of place where you actually want to spend time in your room, which isn’t something I can say about most hotels.