Garde Hotel, Fremantle, Western Australia
Garde Hotel, which now incorporates what was previously known as Warders Hotel, is a true Fremantle landmark. The main hotel is built from the bones of the former Fremantle Police Headquarters, and also includes a collection of limestone cottages that previously served as warders’ homes. Each part of the property has been meticulously redecorated into sleek, modern city boltholes, packed with amenities, that carefully preserve their historic charm.
Little touches, such as welcome drinks for all guests and complimentary continental breakfasts make a stay here feel fully composed. But it’s really the chance to experience such a historical precinct firsthand that makes every visit feel truly unique.
Need to Knows
- Rooms: Luxury Villa One and Two both offer 2 bedrooms with ensuite (Villa Two having an outdoor bath also) and sleep up to 4 people; The Residence offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and sleeps up to 8 people.
- Check-in / Check-out Times: 2pm / 10am
- Conference rooms are available
- Free minibars
- On-site massage treatment rooms and dry-heat sauna
- Lift access
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What’s There
Each room is sleek and contemporary, with just enough funk and fun to keep things interesting. The Helen Suite – named for one of the colony’s first female police officers – is a true beauty, featuring its own deep bathtub and a private balcony that overlooks Fremantle, while the Laura suite also has its own kitchenette, making it ideal for longer stays, and its exposed internal brickwork reminds guests of the property’s long heritage.
There’s no need to venture beyond the property for dining options, with the modern Asian-inspired Emily Taylor, Korean-Japanese Anglesea and suave little cocktail bar, Gimlet all part of the venue. Plus there’s a dry heat sauna that can be booked at any time of the day, as well as massages on demand if you need to shake off the cramps from a long flight. There are even laundry facilities available for guests’ use for a mid-journey wardrobe refresh.
Perhaps the most memorable feature, though, are the wide smiles, and helpful assistance of the front desk team who make every stay feel seamless and warm.You’re right in the heart of Fremantle so there’s tons to do. Fremantle Markets – featuring hundreds of stalls inside a historic Victorian building – are just footsteps away, and you can also wander down to Bathers Beach for a dip. The ferry for Rottnest Island is waiting to whisk you away to every local’s favourite day trip, and no Fremantle stay is complete without cruising the city’s famous Cappuccino Strip, which is also barely five minutes’ walk from your room.
What’s Around
You’re right in the heart of Fremantle so there’s tons to do. Fremantle Markets – featuring hundreds of stalls inside a historic Victorian building – are just footsteps away, and you can also wander down to Bathers Beach for a dip. The ferry for Rottnest Island is waiting to whisk you away to every local’s favourite day trip, and no Fremantle stay is complete without cruising the city’s famous Cappuccino Strip, which is also barely five minutes’ walk from your room.
What’s Super Special
Everyone loves a freebie. The minibars in every room are yours to raid: treat yourself to a pack of Red Rock chips, a Twix or a craft beer from Fremantle brewers Calamity’s Rod. The generosity doesn’t stop there: every guest is invited to mingle with their fellow travellers for a complimentary evening sundowner at either Anglesea or Gimlet.
Children
The Family Courtyard Cottage sleeps four, making it perfect for families. There are bunk beds for the kids, and the cottage also comes with its own mini kitchenette and dining table so you can take care of early suppers or snacks without any tears or tantrums.
Eating and Drinking
The property is packed with top-shelf places to eat and drink, meaning there’s very little reason to venture elsewhere. Gimlet is a charming little hideaway tucked among The Warders cottages, and it’s the ideal spot – obviously – for a gimlet, but it also has an extensive range of amari. There’s also Emily Taylor, similarly hidden discreetly in an alleyway near the cottages, which is famous for its wagyu oxtail dumplings and roast duck. And then there’s the newest opening: Anglesea. A meal at this modern Korean/Japanese restaurant and bar begins with a snack tray packed with treats – perhaps a little fried tofu, some pickled eggplant or edamame dip – before you choose your own main such as a salad of seared marinated tuna or Japanese whisky-cured wagyu.
A continental buffet breakfast is also included with your stay – featuring the usual array of breads, pastries (don’t sleep on the gluten-free cherry ripe bites if they’re on offer), fruit and juices, with the option to order a more substantial hot dish.
Things to Book
The front desk team can assist with local bookings if required: such as tickets to an AFL or WAFL game at the Fremantle Oval over the road, or a spine-tingling tour of Fremantle Prison. They can also help with booking a session at the in-house sauna or a private massage, though there’s also a scannable QR code on the ground floor for a DIY booking option.
Notes
Spare a few moments to read the tale of ‘The Romance of Joobytch and Gootalan”, taken from a news story in the Western Mail from 1908 and reproduced on the walls across several storeys of the hotel. It’s a moving melodrama that tells of the story of two First Nations lovers whose ill-fated courtship ended in tragedy.