The Richardson Hotel & Spa

This 74-room destination hotel has serious style, a sumptuous spa and Sir Terry Farrell design

The Richardson’s unique curved triangular design, created by famed London architect Sir Terry Farrell, rises from the quiet streets of the inner-city suburb of West Perth. Found between the CBD and the gourmet district of Subiaco, this hip hotel combines the welcoming West Australian hues of Outback reds and ochres with equally attentive and outstanding service, inspired by charismatic owner-manager, Joe Oxley.

A hit with celebs, media folk and business people alike, The Richardson is real top-dollar luxury, packed with quality punches. Its glass and marble lobby is supremely elegant; its award-winning restaurant is one of Perth’s most fashionable. Better still, the spa offers excellent specialty programmes, facials, body wraps and a range of treatments for women and men. The city’s famed Kings Park on the Swan river is a walk away, as is the Perth Convention Centre and downtown.

Highs

• There's fine dining at the restaurant, Opus, plus a 24-hour room service menu and in-room kitchenettes with microwaves
• The spa is currently the only one in Australia to use ESPA products
• The rooms and suites are well-designed, large and comfortable, with clean, modern décor
• There's an extensive pillow menu to ensure you get a perfect night's shut-eye
• It's ideal for work travel, thanks to its in-house business centre
• The gym is state-of-the-art
• The staff are helpful, organised and friendly; a concierge service is available

Lows

• West Perth is dead on weekends and after 5pm; walk or get a taxi to Subiaco, which has a happening restaurant scene and trendy boutiques, or head downtown
• Rooms are pricey, although spacious and well-equipped
• If you catch the hotel on a less busy evening, it can lack atmosphere
• Due to the bland beige (although luxurious) décor, some say it feels a bit soulless