Perth Ambassador Hotel, Perth

...I would have plumped for Perth in Western Australia. Like Sydney it has a temperate climate, beautiful beaches on the Indian Ocean and a thriving economy. I'm currently on my third visit to Perth and I'm fortunate in that I'm here on business and the company are picking up the hotel tab (not to mention the bar tab!). I picked my own hotel and the criteria was that it should not be to far from the office and not to far from downtown area or the CBD ...
...in East Perth on my first visit here in 2003, so because I was a little familiar with the area thought I'd try and get somewhere close to there. I came across the Perth Ambassador on the Checkin.com.au web site and it caught my eye because it was in my price range, my hotel allowance runs to $150.00 AUD a night or 40 to 80 GBP. This must have been up rated recently as while Ciao states this is a two star hotel it's actually now three and a half stars. ... more

As regular readers will know I'm lucky enough to live in the beautiful city of Sydney on Australia's Pacific east coast. I settled on Sydney for no other reason that it's a beach city with a fantastic climate and is vibrant and busy. If I'd have wanted a slightly more relaced pace of life then without question I would have plumped for Perth in Western Australia. Like Sydney it has a temperate climate, beautiful beaches on the Indian Ocean and a thriving economy. I'm currently on my third visit to Perth and I'm fortunate in that I'm here on business and the company are picking up the hotel tab (not to mention the bar tab!). I picked my own hotel and the criteria was that it should not be to far from the office and not to far from downtown area or the CBD (central business district). I'd also stayed in a backpackers hostel in East Perth on my first visit here in 2003, so because I was a little familiar with the area thought I'd try and get somewhere close to there. I came across the Perth Ambassador on the Checkin.com.au web site and it caught my eye because it was in my price range, my hotel allowance runs to $150.00 AUD a night or 40 to 80 GBP. This must have been up rated recently as while Ciao states this is a two star hotel it's actually now three and a half stars. It's recently been brought under new management which probably explains it. It's located on Adelaide terrace which is close to everywhere basically, with the main shopping area a 10 minute walk and the banks of the beautiful Swan River just 3 minutes away on foot, and I have a view of the river from my room which is lovely.

I opted for a Corporate Room, which was on special offer, costing $120 AUD and including free unlimited broadband, a complimentary drinks voucher and discounted car parking. The room specified was to include a Queen bed and an ensuite bathroom. You can imagine my delight when I checked in and found I'd been upgraded to a suite! I have a decent size lounge with fairly tasteful green sofa and two chairs, two bathrooms, the ensuite has a walk in shower and separate bath I even have a walk in wardrobe/dressing room. It's very specious and I immediately and unconsciously felt like I had to try and fill the space so left bags and clothes around the place I guess trying to make it less sparse. Don't get me wrong, I'm chuffed to bits to get an upgrade but I guess this is where the place feels like a 3.5 star hotel and not a 4 star hotel. There's nothing wrong with it as such, There is a business centre off the main foyer and all rooms are broadband enabled courtesy of a network cable you get from reception for a $20 returnable bond. I have a desk, 2 TV's, direct dial phone, a mini fridge and tea and coffee making facility's. It's perfectly practical and functional. What it's not however is luxurious. I've visited the Sheraton next door on a previous visit, now that's quite luxurious but costs about a $100 AUD a night more for the average room so in comparison this is great value for money. As I say the facility's are there but they're just ok.

Tonight after dinner and a bit of a walk by the river I decided to visit the sauna and spa located on the fifth floor. It's a small room and the Sauna was out of order but the Spa was ok, apart from the rough looking youths I encountered in there who were almost certainly staying there courtesy of a stolen credit card (I must look a bit dodgy I think they wanted to befriend me!). There was a solitary exercise bike so not quite a fully equipped gym although the hotel does offer free passes to a near by gym.

Breakfast is served from 6.30 to 9am and I just had some toast this morning but the selection looked good. There was full English or Continental to chose from, tea coffee and a few different types of juice. Most decent hotels in Australia have an Asian breakfast selection of noodles or fried rice but I didn't see anything like that on display. My package didn't include a free breakfast but they only charged me a very reasonable $2 or 80p from my two slices of toast and jam. A full breakfast would have cost me $10. or 4 GBP which is great value and although I didn't try it myself it did look tempting. There is a room service menu you can order from 7am to 8.45pm and it's pretty comprehensive, from breakfast to fish and chips or sandwiches all reasonable in price. Battered Barramundi and chips (my favourite, yum!) would set you back $13.00 or about a fiver. Again can't comment on the quality as I haven't eaten here and probably won't as I'm out with colleagues and clients most nights. The restaurant looked clean and orderly and the staff are helpful and pleasant so I won't hesitate to have a meal here if the need arises during my four day stay.

Some criticism would probably be in order for the bathroom facilities. The toilet paper feels cheep, the bath towels are small and not the sumptuous hotel towels I've come to expect. The shower gel/shampoo/body lotion is in dispensers on the wall which I'm not keen on. I'd rather have the little bottles I can half inch before I leave. I suppose it's better for the environment though, less materials and waste. Still I do like the free smellies of the better hotels. Other than that, not a lot of tangibles to criticise, the place holds up pretty well to the critical eye.

The Perth Ambassador is 12 kms or twenty minutes drive from the Airport, it's in a prime position to explore the city, with the free CAT (Central Area Transit) buses stopping just down the road. You have shopping, nightlife, and beaches all within easy reach. It's not the most inspirational of hotels but I'd recommend it wholeheartedly to people who are looking for somewhere decent without breaking the bank.

Perth is a beautiful city, well worth a visit.
 

...less