Eight Nicholson

A style gem in Perth's most happening suburb for lovers of art and wine

Subiaco, on the west side of Perth, is the city's "it" suburb, brimming with cosmopolitan dining and upmarket shopping. A block inland from Kings Park, this Edwardian residence feels more private home than boutique hotel: manicured front garden, white walls and a red door opening onto contemporary interiors styled by owner Cheryl de Jong.

Walls are hung with eclectic canvases from her time in Asia and Africa; a communal lounge with sweet topiary courtyard is perfect for resting at day's end. There's an open-plan kitchen-diner, whose mammoth table for 10 is flooded with light from a floor-to-ceiling glass wall; and an outside dining area with water features and burning candles. Four warm and inviting guest rooms come in shades of charcoal, brown and red with dark jarrah wood floors. Then there’s the secret den: a purpose-built wine cellar with a tasting table (Cheryl and her husband own a vineyard in the Margaret River, whose grapes go into the best Cape Mentelle wines). And for anyone who prefers intimate, homely style over big business CBD hotels, this is vintage stuff.

Highs

• Cheryl, who has worked with the state’s Governor Generals, is as graceful a hostess as you could wish
• Seriously comfortable French Dunlopillo beds and pillows
• Each guest room has a dressing room with big mirrors and good lighting
• WiFi will suit corporate types mid week, while weekends are couples heaven
• Rokeby Road’s shopping strip is just down the road, while Kings Park is on hand for early morning jogs through native bushland to the Swan River

Lows

• No baths in the ensuites
• Close to a main road
• No on site restaurant