Crown stakes its claim in the west

UNDERNEATH and around that prominent Perth pyramid the Intercontinental Burswood, a lot of construction work is going on as the hotel prepares to become Crown Metropol Perth on June 27. The neighbouring Holiday Inn Perth Burswood is also in for a name change — from Wednesday it will be the Crown Promenade.

The changes are part of a $750-million makeover aimed at transforming the Burswood Entertainment Complex into a "destination" to be called Crown Perth from September. The Intercontinental has been busy refurbishing guest rooms and suites with a striking monochromatic palette that emphasises modern angular lines.

Downstairs, changes include a $20 million splurge on a day spa and a sprawling palm-fringed multi-pool entertainment area that's very Las Vegas meets Middle East. Those who've done well in the casino can lounge in one of six private cabanas ($165 weekdays, $250 at weekends) in an area known as the Enclave.

Chef Guillaume Brahimi, who already delights diners at his Sydney Opera House restaurant and Melbourne's Crown complex, will open a Bistro Guillaume at Burswood in September. A gastro-pub, The Merrywell, will open in the same month. Intercontinental/Crown Metropol rooms start from $435 a night; Holiday Inn/Crown Promenade rooms start from $285 a night. See burswood.com.au.

Trio of boutique stays

Perth's shortage of accommodation will ease with the opening of three hotels in the next six months. The Terrace Hotel, comprising 15 suites, is due to open in the city centre next month. The 236-room Fraser Suites Perth will open on the East Perth foreshore in October, and the 56-room Quincy Boutique Hotel is due for completion in November following an ambitious seven-month build in a former car park tucked behind the Perth Ambassador Hotel. Perth may need at least 1900 more hotel rooms by 2020.

To help things along, the Western Australian government has a raft of hotel development incentives: the first "incentivised" hotel site is the redevelopment of FESA (Fire and Emergency Services Authority) House in the city.