Perth & Surrounds

Esplanade Hotel Fremantle

‘Freo’ is known for its nautical charm, and you’ll understand why the moment you set foot along one of its many quaint streets.

Chock full of colourful nineteenth-century shopfronts and heritage buildings, the port city is a mix of old-world maritime history and modern cosmopolitan culture by the sea, making it a popular stop on many Western Australia itineraries. The Esplanade Hotel boasts an equally heady history; the oldest part of the property dates back to 1850, and today it reigns as the largest hotel in the area with, multiple dining options and an enviable position that puts it within easy reach of first-rate attractions nearby. The interiors – all deep blues and grey hues – nod to the hotel’s coastal setting, and a recent refurb has upgraded the rooms, most of which feature private balconies and views of its namesake park or one of the Esplanade’s two outdoor swimming pools.

Need to Knows

  • 300 rooms and suites (Superior Room, Superior Double Room, Superior Twin Room, Park View Room, Superior Pool View Twin Room, Superior Pool View Queen Room, Accessible Room, King Spa Room, King Pool View Spa Room, Premier Spa Suite, Deluxe Spa Suite).
  • Check-in: 2pm; Check-out: 11am.
  • Rooms feature full-length windows with blackout curtains, custom-made Rydges Dream Beds with pillow-top mattresses, feather-down doonas, luxe white linens and a pillow menu. There is also a minibar, an LED TV, complimentary WiFi and 24-hour room service.

What’s There

Despite your centrality, you could totally be forgiven for wanting to stay put given you’ve got two swimming pools at your disposal, along with multiple on-site dining possibilities, two bars, the option to dine outside and even by the pool in summer months, plus in-room dining around the clock. As if that weren’t enough, the Esplanade is home to one of the state’s largest convention centres, with space for 1,000 delegates across the 1,300-square-metre facility.

What’s Around

The renowned Gage Roads Brew Co – named after the shipping channel between Freo and Rottnest Island – has its HQ and brewery bar in a century-old warehouse just a 15-minute stroll away. For a fundamentally Freo experience, grab a Single Fin summer ale and watch the ships glide in from the port-side seats. Not far away, urban distillery Republic of Fremantle serves its own grape-based gin and vodka cocktails, and also offers tours and tastings. And there’s no better place to catch one of WA’s famed sunsets than Bathers Beach House – home to Australia’s first-ever on-beach license – which you can reach in a six-minute walk.

What’s Super Special 

Here, it’s all about location. Being in the heart of Freo means you’re always immersed in the rich history of the iconic port city. The likes of Fremantle Markets, Fremantle Prison, the WA Shipwrecks Museum and bustling waterfront cafés and restaurants are minutes by foot. Ferries depart directly for Rottnest Island from nearby Victoria Quay, and Perth’s CBD and international airport are both only 30 minutes away by car.

Children

Interconnecting rooms are ideal for families, and kids will love the two secluded outdoor pools and generous buffet brekkie. The proximity to Esplanade Park, with its skate park and Ferris wheel, is a big tick, too, as are the surrounding museums, shops and Fremantle Markets.

Breakfast

The Atrium Garden Restaurant serves a buffet breakfast daily from 6:30am, featuring a classic mix of fresh fruits and cereals, bread and pastries, as well as hot dishes. For an extra-strong caffeine kick, be sure to order a barista-made coffee.

Eating and Drinking

You’re not going to go hungry or thirsty at the Esplanade, with several in-house restaurants and bars to choose from. The Atrium Garden Restaurant opens early each day and offers all-day dining, while the Marine Lounge Bar has proven popular for a casual sun-drenched lunch or alfresco cocktails in the early evening, complete with views of Esplanade Park. You’ll find the Ball & Chain – one of Fremantle’s first established bars – tucked in the oldest part of the hotel, which does a fine line in craft beers, cocktails, local wines and fitting snacks like pizzas, fish tacos and loaded fries. If you’ve got a large group, private dining in The Harbour Master bistro is a smart option and, come summer, The Poolside Bar opens exclusively for guests on weekend afternoons so you can splash and Spritz the day away.

Things to Book

Kick back and relax over High Tea, which takes place every Sunday afternoon in The Harbour Master from 2-4pm. For $47 per head, you’ll score bottomless cups of tea from the Seven Seas range, alongside English scones with strawberry preserves and whipped cream, plus a selection of savoury snacks and sweet treats, including finger sandwiches and canelés. The option to add a Mimosa or Broken Bean Espresso Martini is probably one worth taking, too. Pro-tip: bookings are required 72 hours in advance, so plan accordingly.