Overview
First Impressions
Walking into The Stirling Arms Hotel on James Street, you immediately get that comfortable neighborhood pub vibe — but in the best possible way. This four-star property sits right in the heart of Guildford, and honestly, it feels more like discovering a local gem than checking into a typical hotel. The building has character, you know what I mean? It’s got that authentic Australian pub charm without feeling touristy or overdone.
Location & Neighborhood
Here’s the thing about Guildford — it’s one of those Perth suburbs that actually has soul. You’re close enough to the city center but far enough out to feel like you’re experiencing real Western Australia. The couples who stay here absolutely love it (they rate the location 8.6 out of 10), and I can see why. You can walk to local cafes, there’s decent public transport connections, and the Swan River isn’t far if you want to stretch your legs. Plus, and this is huge for Perth — there’s free parking right at the hotel, which saves you a headache and some serious cash.
The Room Experience
The room I stayed in was surprisingly spacious for what you’d expect from a pub hotel. Clean, comfortable bed, and the air conditioning actually works properly — which matters more than you’d think in Perth’s summer heat. The decor is nothing fancy, but it’s well-maintained and functional. You get the essentials done right: good water pressure in the shower, reliable WiFi, and blackout curtains that actually block out the morning sun. Sometimes that’s all you really need.
Dining & Social Atmosphere
The ground floor restaurant and bar area is where this place really comes alive. The food is solid pub fare — think proper steaks, fish and chips that don’t disappoint, and cold beer that hits the spot after a day exploring Perth. What I noticed is how many locals come here regularly, which tells you something about the quality and atmosphere. The staff seem to know half their customers by name, and there’s this easy-going vibe that makes you want to linger over a drink rather than rushing back to your room.
Why Guests Love It
You know what really impressed me? The number of repeat guests this place gets — apparently way more than most other properties in the area. That speaks volumes, doesn’t it? People don’t come back unless they genuinely enjoy the experience. The combination of reasonable rates, that prime Guildford location, free parking, and the authentic local atmosphere creates something that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s not trying to be fancy or pretentious — it’s just doing the basics really well, with a bit of Australian character thrown in for good measure.
Accommodations
Standard Studio
1 large double bed
Max persons: 2
From $141
Queen Studio
1 double bed
Max persons: 2
From $148
Deluxe Queen Studio
1 large double bed
Max persons: 2
From $149
King Studio
1 large double bed
Max persons: 2
From $153
Superior King Suite
1 large double bed
Max persons: 2
From $153
Deluxe King Studio
1 large double bed, 2 single beds
Max persons: 2
From $155
Three-Bedroom Apartment
3 x 1 large double bed, 2 sofa beds
Max persons: 6
From $381
Facilities & Amenities
Bedroom 1
- Linen
Kitchen 2
- Electric kettle
- Refrigerator
Bathroom 7
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Shower
Outdoors 3
- Outdoor fireplace
- Outdoor furniture
- Garden
Services 7
- Private check-in/check-out
- ATM/cash machine on site
- Luggage storage
- Fax/photocopying Additional charge
- Packed lunches
- Express check-in/check-out
- Barber/beauty shop
Transport 1
- Public transport tickets Additional charge
Activities 4
- Bingo
- Live sport events (broadcast)
- Live music/performance
- Evening entertainment
Food & Drink 8
- Coffee house on site
- Wine/champagne
- Kid meals Additional charge
- Special diet menus (on request)
- Snack bar
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Tea/Coffee maker
Languages spoken 1
- English
Safety & security 4
- Fire extinguishers
- CCTV outside property
- CCTV in common areas
- Smoke alarms
Media & Technology 2
- Flat-screen TV
- TV
Reception services 1
- Invoice provided
Great for your stay 10
- Private bathroom
- Restaurant
- Parking
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Street parking
- Shower
Parking Free public parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed). 2
- Street parking
- Accessible parking
Other for your stay 6
- Designated smoking area
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Ironing facilities
- Non-smoking rooms
- Iron
Guest Reviews
A night's stay we won't forget
Massive apartment. We got our steps up from the front door to the bedrooms!
Quirky.
What could be improved: Noise from the beer garden.
Superb
It was so easy to check in. The keypad was so good. Better than using a key.
The room was clean and fresh.
I would stay again
Very good
Warm and comfy, beautiful room! Arrived very late and staff were very accommodating. Great location to walk to plenty of cafes, restaurants, shops.
What could be improved: Shower was a little disappointing, water wasn't really hot enough and could have used a little more pressure but understand water consumption priorities.
Staff were lovely. Food was enjoyable. Bed super comfy
Didn't have breakfast
What could be improved: Chairs weren't that comfortable
Very good
Great location
What could be improved: Expensive
Mixed feelings
I have mixed feelings on this property.....
I booked online with a non-refundable room as we were not going to change our plans. Unfortunately we had to attend a funeral and had to leave a week earlier than planned. We called the property to discuss our options and the guy we spoke to couldn't have cared less which was disappointing. I jumped onto the booking on booking.com and asked if we could transfer the date as we were flying back into Perth and needed accommodation. This request was approved and it was done very quick which we really appreciated.
We ended up booking an extra night as we were flying in at 2am and didn't really want to check out at 10am so booked an extra night.....I was a bit gobsmacked at the $200 per night rate for the 2nd night as it's just pub accomodation (the 1st night booked was $160) but we paid it.
Check in was seamless. They sent the details via text for our after hours check in which was great.
The room is a good sized. The bed is so comfortable and the pillows were pretty good. The bathroom has been renovated. The basin tap is not ideal as you can only just get the kettle underneath it and fill it part way and you can't get your water bottles underneath it either.
We were able to open our doors out onto the balcony which was a bonus.
The one thing about this property is that from about 6am or a bit earlier till after 10pm, trains go past every 5 - 10 mins. So the boom gates start clanging and the train toots its horn on the way through. So if you are wanting a sleep in, this isn't the place to stay.
The day before check out, we asked for a late check out which they said was fine till 12pm but then they wanted to charge us $20 per hour extra to stay longer (which we did not do)
All in all this property was a comfortable stay for us within 10 mins of the airport, walking distance to cafes and restaurants, but I feel like the room rates are too high for what you get.
What could be improved: The price and the train noise.
A great pub-style accommodation with great restaurant
Nice pub-style accommodation with ensuite, that has a great restaurant with fantastic food. We stayed on Mothers Day so the place was very busy and a little noisy, but not until very late. Staff were friendly. Price-point was good.
If you like staying in old country pubs, you'll love this place.
I loved the location in the heart of historic Guildford.
The room was large and tastefully furnished, and the bathroom was pretty good, too (considering the limitations imposed by heritage requirements).
The balcony afforded a taste of what lay beyond.
The staff were unobtrusive but extremely helpful.
The meals were typical pub fare, done well. Plentiful other options for breakfast, lunch and dinner were only a short stroll away, too.
What could be improved: I forgot to pack earplugs (rookie mistake when staying in a pub over the weekend) but I fixed that on the second night.
Very good
Location to airport.
Staff were excellent.
Very comfortable beds
Booked the 3 bed apartment, very spacious. Older building although had everything we needed
What could be improved: In flight path although not too noisy
Comfortable room enjoyed my stay would go back again.
Poor lighting at entrance to accommodation, doors in bedroom opening onto balcony not secure very loose. The rest was very good room clean bed comfortable fridge and microwave so handy rail station close by cost for ticket into town very reasonable. Was comfortable during my stay room was quiet staff excellent willing took my heavy up and down stairs. I really enjoyed my stay.
What could be improved: Very reasonable improve lighting at entrance to accommodation
Location
117 James Street Guildford, WA6055 Perth, AustraliaSurroundings
What's nearby:
- The Flats: 950 m
- Whites Group: 6 km
- Jack Mann Oval: 6 km
- Watercress Park: 5 km
- Max Hunt Reserve: 2.4 km
- Claughton Reserve: 6 km
- William Henry Oval: 4.5 km
- Kings Meadow Reserve: 850 m
- Woodbridge Riverside Park & Play Space: 2.7 km
- Noor Bees Perth Beekeeping Beekeeper Equipment Australia: 4.4 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- Restaurant Rusty Old Boat: 100 m
- Restaurant The King and I: 150 m
- Restaurant Alfred's Kitchen: 100 m
Top attractions:
- Kings Park: 18 km
- Burswood Park: 13 km
- The Cloisters: 14 km
- Elizabeth Quay: 14 km
- The Bell Tower: 14 km
- Central Park Tower: 13 km
- State War Memorial: 16 km
- Fremantle Motor Museum: 11 km
- Caversham Wildlife Park: 10 km
- John Forrest National Park: 11 km
Public transport:
- Train Guildford: 650 m
- Train East Guildford: 950 m
- Metro Perth Underground Station: 13 km
Closest airports:
- Perth Airport: 5 km
- Jandakot Airport: 33 km
- Rottnest Island Airport: 41 km*
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