Perth hotels: From State Buildings to shipping containers

Check out the top places to stay in Western Australia's capital and neighbouring Fremantle

Como The Treasury, CBD

Como The Treasury, CBD

The 140-year-old State Buildings that give this hotel its name have been used as various public offices over the years, including the Lands, Titles and Treasury departments. Vacated by the government in 1996, the buildings have been transformed into one of the city's most luxurious hotels – part of the Como stable (Parrot Cay in the Turks & Caicos, The Metropolitan Bangkok, Uma by Paro in Bali and more). The 48 bedrooms and suites feature original high ceilings but are clean and bright with blond wood and neutral colours. There's also a 20-metre pool with rooftop views of the city.

1 Cathedral Avenue, CBD (00 61 8 6168 7888; comohotels.com/thetreasury). Double rooms start at A$595 (£294), room only.

Cottesloe Beach Hotel, Cottesloe

Cottesloe Beach Hotel, Cottesloe

This beachside suburb is a smart choice of location, just 18 minutes west of Perth by train and eight minutes north of Fremantle. The Cottesloe Beach Hotel first opened in 1905, with Art Deco flourishes added in the 1930s. It has since been updated with a buzzing beach club, outdoor cinema, craft beer bar and a popular fish restaurant, as well as bright but simple rooms, many of which have views of the white sand and teal waves of Cottesloe Beach across the road.

104 Marine Parade, Cottesloe (00 61 8 9383 1100; cottesloebeachhotel.com.au). Doubles start at A$200 (£99), room only.

The Richardson Hotel & Spa, West Perth

The Richardson Hotel & Spa, West Perth

This hotel in the west of the city is recognisable for its unusual curved triangle design, conceived by London architect Sir Terry Farrell. The interior is decorated using warm Western Australian shades of red, orange and gold. Bedrooms are simple and traditional, while the striking glass and marble lobby features works of modern art. As well as two restaurants and a cocktail bar, you'll find an indoor swimming pool and spa, and a compact garden.

32 Richardson Street, West Perth (00 61 8 9217 8888; therichardson.com.au). Doubles from A$555 (£275), including breakfast.

Fremantle Prison YHA, Fremantle

Fremantle Prison YHA, Fremantle

Another criminal offering is the Fremantle Prison YHA, which was converted into a youth hostel last year. This World Heritage Site was a jail from 1855 to 1991 and now the women's division has been completely renovated, becoming the go-to spot for budget travellers seeking a quirky place to bed down. Guests can choose between the snug prison cells, or the Victorian-style guards' cottages, which are slightly more spacious.

6a The Terrace, Fremantle (00 61 8 9433 4305; bit.ly/FremantlePrison). Dorm beds from A$29 (£14), doubles from A$125 (£62). Discounts for YHA members.

Hougoumont Hotel, Fremantle

Hougoumont Hotel, Fremantle

Named after the last ship to transport convicts to Australia, the Hougoumont has been built out of shipping containers and is located across the Swan River in Fremantle, 30 minutes from Perth's city centre. Outside, the cabin-style rooms are stacked like brightly coloured building blocks, while inside they're comfortable and modern. A somewhat grisly touch is the list of convicts (and their crimes), which is painted on the wall of the lounge.

15 Bannister Street, Fremantle (00 61 8 6160 6800; hougoumonthotel.com). Doubles start at A$210 (£104), room only.

Alex Hotel, Northbridge

Alex Hotel, Northbridge

One of Perth's newest boutique hotels, the Alex opened last summer. Located in the arty Northbridge neighbourhood and surrounded by galleries and bars, this 74-bedroom hotel features simple but colourful rooms; the idea being that you'll spend as much time out and about as possible. To this end, it has its own fleet of vintage-style Lekker bikes for guests to borrow along with a map, a lock, and a helmet. There's also a roof terrace with sweeping city views.

50 James Street, Northbridge (00 61 8 6430 4000; alexhotel.com.au). Doubles start at A$200 (£99), with breakfast.