Rooms with Views: Pan Pacific Perth

Photo: Pan Pacific Perth is located south of Perth's central business district

According to Australian Aboriginal mythology, the Swan River was created by the Wagyl, a snake-like creature which meandered through the hills, carving out the curves of rivers as it slithered along. When the Wagyl stopped to rest, it created lakes and bays such as Perth Water, the picturesque shallow area of the Swan just south of Perth’s central business district. To delight in sensational views of Western Australia’s first heritage icon, check in for a night at the adjacent Pan Pacific Perth.

Photo: Pan Pacific Perth offers unbeatable views of the Swan River

This five-star hotel, located on the eastern edge of Perth’s CBD, boasts 486 rooms and premium suites spread across twenty-three floors. Entering the lobby, the bottled up aroma of clear blue skies, tropical flowers, and the Pacific Ocean tickles your nostrils, while someone such as James, with his bright, toothy smile, quickly learns your name and welcomes you at reception.

I stayed in a corner River Suite on the 22nd floor, where I was blessed with a majestic panoramic view of the setting sun as sailboats skidded back towards their home harbours, accented by the lively Barrack Street Jetty and Bell Tower, located just a few blocks below, and the popular Kings Park perched off in the distance.

The spacious 60-square-metre suite held a classic, executive ambiance, with walls bathed in strips of cream and beige, anchored by natural sienna curtains and vintage botanical prints. The living area featured a marble-topped coffee table flanked by plush furnishings, an LCD television (useless, as you’ll be too busy gazing out of the windows), as well as a modest work space and minibar, allowing for a mix of business with pleasure.

In the bedroom sat an opulent king-sized bed dotted with four plump pillows. The child in me couldn’t resist using a running, flying leap as the testing standard for softness: with arms and legs at full wingspan, I was gracefully absorbed into the mattress. A plump little lounge chair with ottoman was positioned in the corner, separating another LCD television from an additional westerly view of the horizon.

Connecting the bedroom with the bathroom was an expansive vanity foyer, offering generous bench space, a wall-sized mirror, and controlled lighting from multiple angles, providing the perfect stage for applying makeup and donning evening attire, not to mention flawlessly-lit selfies. The marble bathroom itself was a standard affair, with Australia’s own Em-brace line of amenities waiting patiently to transport you to bath-time nirvana.

After sizing up the room, I ventured back into the lounge to view the contents of my welcome packet: a pen and sticky notes, a bar of chocolate (devoured immediately), and a warm, personalized welcome note with a reminder of complimentary pre-dinner drinks and canapés available in the exclusive Pacific Club Lounge from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Already feeling peckish, I scampered down to Level 7 for a look.

Photo: The Pacific Club Lounge offers guests a home away from home

The Pacific Club Lounge was consistent with the air of business I detected throughout the hotel. A spacious dining room coupled with casual corners accommodated privacy or polite conversation, and smart casual attire is a must. Canapés were plentiful: meat and cheese platters, tuna and cos lettuce sandwiches, chicken skewers, spring rolls, and seafood shooters - baby prawns and mussels coated in a light, creamy chilli sauce and served in shot glasses. White wines and a selection of beer and non-alcoholic beverages chilled in a large ice bath, while bottles of red peered on from the edges. An espresso machine and a selection of teas rounded out the drinking options. I settled on a glass of South Australia’s Koonowla Shiraz: delicate and lightly spiced with a hint of berries.

Further dining can be found at two locations on the ground level. Montereys Restaurant offers daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets, and an a la carte menu. On our visit, made-to-order omelets, fresh seasonal fruits, and roast ham highlighted the Australasian breakfast cuisine.

Photo: Opt to stay on the weekend to indulge in Origins Restaurant's high tea

Weekend guests can treat themselves to Sparkling High Tea at Origins Restaurant (only available Saturday and Sunday afternoons, 2pm to 5pm), featuring an assortment of loose leaf tea, organic coffee, and sparkling wine served with sweet and savory treats, such as hazelnut cake with orange ganache and salmon and prawn roulade with crispy croûte and caviar.

Photo: Soak up the afternoon rays poolside

Beyond the restaurants, hotel amenities include an impressively well-equipped 24-hour fitness center, a peaceful outdoor pool (open from sunrise to sunset, though if you are seeking direct sun it is better to wait until the afternoon), and complimentary Wi-Fi in public areas. Pan Pacific Perth’s CBD location also puts you within walking distance of several day spas, jogging/cycling paths along the Swan River, Heirisson Island (home to six free-roaming kangaroos), shopping at the boutiques of Ye London Court or the more mainstream Hay Street Mall (venture further west to the junction of Hay St and King St for the high end), and boats for Rottnest Island or Swan Valley Wine cruises.

Photo: Pan Pacific Perth has just received an update, with a new and modern look

Pan Pacific Perth caters heavily towards their strong business clientele, but their central location and five-star comfort make it a worthy investment for the leisurely patron. At the time of writing, Pan Pacific was in the early stages of a four-month refurbishment project aimed at modernizing their premium rooms. As of this week, expect to see new interiors of stony shades of grey juxtaposed with vibrant white designer furnishings as well as an upgrade in room amenities. Combined with the existing river views, you’re certain to come away feeling refreshed.

For reservations call 61 8 9224 7777

www.panpacific.com

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