This was published 7 years ago
Peppers Kings Square Hotel review, Perth: Affordable hotel with substance and style
Peppers Kings Square Hotel provides style and substance at a reasonable price.
THE HOTEL
Peppers Kings Square Hotel, 621 Wellington Street, Perth
THE LOCATION
Peppers Kings Square Hotel, Perth.Credit:
Peppers opened last November on the western edge of the CBD, smack bang in Perth's latest multibillion-dollar business and commercial project – Kings Square. The revamp has kick-started a once neglected area of the city and provided easier access to Northbridge nightlife – just a short walk from the hotel. The Bunnings-blue Perth Arena concert and sports venue is just up the road, as is the bus hub and the station if you fancy a trip to Freo. The hotel is also a short walk to laneway bars, big retailers in the Hay and Murray street malls, Shafto Lane, restaurants, cafes and shops.
THE SPACE
So you're in town on business or to catch a concert at Perth Arena. The tickets you shouted the husband cost you a fair whack (maybe it was Bruce in January) so you don't really want to spend a fortune on accommodation. On the other hand, it's a special weekend. Here's where Peppers has filled a bit of a gap, providing style and substance at a reasonable price. You enter from the street into a small reception area just off the hotel's light and funky Stage Bar & Kitchen. Cool blues and greys give the space a bright, modern feel and we notice guests linger over breakfast, lunch and in between. It's a pleasant place to perch with a laptop, a drink or coffee. There is no pool or gym but an in-room Rosemoon spa service is available, offering massages and facials.
Rooms with city views: Peppers Kings Square Hotel
THE ROOM
Our King Room is spacious and light with a king-sized bed, plenty of room for luggage, a desk and a large TV with Foxtel and digital channel offerings. The mini-bar is stacked with locally-sourced chocolate and snacks, wines and juices and there's a coffee maker and kettle. The large bathroom pushes above its weight with a rain shower, Apothecary products, good quality robes and cute brightly-coloured soaps. Inter-connected and family rooms are available and there is free Wi-Fi in all rooms.
THE FOOD
The Stage Bar & Kitchen.
It seems Bruce did not venture up the road for a bite at Peppers Stage Bar & Kitchen. We pity him – the food is seriously good. We are hungry but in the mood for something light on an unusually sticky day and our crispy calamari with chilli, garlic and gremolata is one of the best meals we have during our trip. Other standouts on the tapas-like menu include panco-coated haloumi with spiced barbecue dip; West Australia crab wonton, avocado mousse and caramelised lemon, and Thai-infused duck dim sum. Bruce, we were on fire. Again, there is a strong emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients and wines as well as an international spirit list.
STEPPING OUT
Nearby Northbridge has managed to shake off its once seedy reputation and is now a vital restaurant and performance hub. We are in town for the West Australian Fringe Festival, which rivals Adelaide's as the second-biggest such festival in the world – after Edinburgh. It's on at the same time as Perth's International Arts Festival – rather confusingly advertised as PIAF in banners around town. The upshot is that Perth is jumping: the Northbridge Fringe venues are packed each night; restaurants are full and the cabbies are smiling. What was that mining boom again? Other options include jumping on a free bus to take in spectacular views of the city and the Swan River from Kings Park, or savouring some of the delights in the Print Hall dining hub at 125 St Georges Terrace (see printhall.com.au) Or head to Fremantle for more great food and wine – try Gino's Cafe & Trattoria (1 South Terrace, ginoscafe.com.au); Bread in Common (breadincommon.com.au) and Little Creatures Brewery (littlecreatures.com.au) – or scare yourself witless on a tour of Fremantle Prison (fremantleprison.com.au). And you can't really go to Perth without taking a dip at Cottesloe Beach or jumping on a ferry to Rottnest for a day of bike-riding, snorkelling, seafood eating and quokka spotting.
A bathroom at Peppers Kings Square Hotel.
THE VERDICT
Peppers is a rare beast in that it offers reasonable rates without making sacrifices on style or substance. It's a great option for singles, couples or families, whether you are in Perth on business or to see a show. Business travellers will appreciate the friendly vibe.
ESSENTIALS
Rooms from $159* per night (Fri-Sun) or $179 per night (Mon-Thur) in a King or Twin room. Includes an arrival amenity from the chef, two bottles of water and an espresso coffee per person. *Conditions apply. See peppers.com.au or phone 08 9483 9600.
Valet parking from $38 per day or offsite parking $30 per day. Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception.
BEST BIT
The location. You are can pretty much be among everything in five minutes.
WORST BIT
No pool or gym though guests can use a fitness centre nearby.
Jane Richards was a guest of Peppers Kings Square Hotel. She paid for her own flights.
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