PRICE:
Frommer's Exceptional

It's the location of this hotel that first grabs your attention: The distinctively tiered building is set within parkland right next to the Swan River, overlooking the city. Then you walk into the full-height, glass-ceiling atrium, all set about with high-flying triangular sails. Glass-sided elevators ascend one wall. The foyer and public facilities have all been upgraded since 2003, with ongoing guest-room refurbishment into 2009. The hotel is part of an entertainment complex that includes Perth's only casino, a large theater, another hotel (the Holiday Inn), and a public 18-hole golf course. The surrounding parks and gardens include lakes and fountains, free barbecue facilities, a heritage walk, an outdoor summer cinema, a tourist helipad, and a children's playground. Being outside the city center, the main focus is on tourists, not corporate travelers. The real stars are the spacious suites with large balconies facing straight downriver; otherwise, ask for river-view rooms. The fitness center is staffed from 6am to 9pm. Facilities: 5 restaurants; 6 bars (including casino); enormous free-form pool; heated indoor pool; tennis courts; well-equipped fitness center and sauna (available 24 hr.); yoga/Pilates classes; day/beauty spa with 13 treatment rooms; bikes for hire; concierge; airline/car rental/tour desk; business center 8:30am-5pm Mon-Fri; secretarial services; salon; 24-hr. room service; dry cleaning/laundry service; lobby shop; florist

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Australia 2009, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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