That’s right, last month COMO The Treasury was awarded top of the podium when it was voted the No. 1 City Hotel in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific by Travel + Leisure readers. The magazine is beloved by well-heeled American travellers, and we have to say, we’re in agreement with them.
A city hotel in Perth you ask? Not Sydney, or Melbourne, or even Brisbane? That’s right. COMO The Treasury has plenty of gongs to its name because it has a winning formula. This is not your average five star hotel – it’s a special kind of property that elevates Aussie history, service and style to pretty spectacular heights.
It starts at check in, with a glass of WA Singlefile sparkling wine, and these days a quick temperature check (thanks COVID!), where you sit in the lounge surrounded by minimalist art pieces and low line furniture. The COMO was part of a multi million dollar restoration of the old State Buildings – a 19th century Victorian building home to the Treasury, Post Office and Land and Titles offices. Today, the 48 room boutique hotel makes the most of the beauty of the grand space, but adds COMO’s signature brand of cool, calm energy. As we walk down the domed archways to our room we’re half expecting to see a yoga instructor walk down to meet us. Which wouldn’t be too far fetched since there is a COMO Shambala retreat on site. This Urban Escape version of the famous spas found around the world is housed in the building’s old vault, offering massages, facials, yoga and relaxation sessions. Fully booked during our stay, we have to settle instead for relaxing in our room.
Luckily there is no place I’d rather be. Fitting within the unusual floor plan of the heritage buildings start at a very generous 55sqm. A study in white, cream and Scandinavian oak, they have high ceilings, an all inclusive mini bar (refreshed daily with goodies like shortbread, local beer and cold press juices) and a bath tub you just cannot say no to. Don’t go easy on the Shambala Invigorate bath salts either – eucalyptus, geranium, lavender oh my.
Heritage Balcony rooms with a colonnade of Corinthian columns are made for afternoons reading a book wrapped up in the cosy throw from the day bed inside. Like we said, relaxation central.
It is worth emerging to explore the rest of the hotel’s delights. A heated lap pool in a glass walled atrium is the stuff of Instagrammer dreams, the state of the art Kinesis gym machines still look brand new, and the property’s famous Wildflower restaurant is made for fine dining special occasions. We take a shine to the recently refurbished Petition Wine Bar + Merchant, not part of the hotel but within the State Buildings. It spills out into the grand entrance to the old Post office, and is now a bottle shop/bar. Grab a bottle from the shelves – well stocked with local up and coming wines alongside industry heavyweights – or sit down and let the bar tenders do the work. Dinner next door at Petition Kitchen gives local produce a very modern makeover. It’s cool, it’s trendy, it’s very new world Perth and we like it.
Even better, we very much like being able to walk down the hall to bed. Good wine, a good meal, and a good night’s sleep – now that’s wellbeing.
Lisa was the guest of COMO The Treasury.
COMO The Treasury
1 Cathedral Ave, Perth
https://www.comohotels.com/en/thetreasury/
