From the beaches to the ‘burbs, Perth has plenty of top areas to stay to enjoy all the bountiful attractions and activities on offer. Whether you’re after a short city visit or a longer seaside vacay, Perth has accommodation options in spades, catering for all types of travellers in the WA capital.
Choose from inner-city areas or beachy spots as your Perth home base. A myriad of hotels, apartments and other convenient accommodations are available for budget-conscious travellers and families, as well as 5-star, heritage and boutique hotel options.
Top locations include Perth CBD, inner-city areas such as Northbridge and South Perth, upscale suburbs like Subiaco and Burswood, and the popular beachfront destinations of Scarborough Beach and Fremantle.
Whether your next trip to Perth is for business or leisure, with family or friends or solo, our handy area and accommodation guide will help you select the where to stay in Perth to suit your itinerary and travel arrangements.
Our guide will take you through each area, which travellers its suited to, and why you might want to book your accommodation there.
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Main areas to stay in Perth
Want to be in the thick of it all? Perth’s best places to stay are conveniently close to the airport and CBD, so you’ll always be near all the action and Perth’s top attractions. The WA capital’s compact size means easy access to world-class hotels, lifestyle and cultural offerings and dining, entertainment and activity options. Find the Perth location that appeals to your travel needs and read on for a more in-depth look at each area.
- Perth CBD: Offers all the major city amenities, dining and shopping, plus the sprawling Kings Park and WA Botanic Garden, Elizabeth Quay waterfront precinct, riverside walking trails, street art and cultural diversions.
- Northbridge: Inner-city home of the Perth Cultural Centre with independent galleries, boutiques and restaurants alongside a sought-after small bar scene.
- Fremantle: A vibrant port city on the southern fringe of the Perth metropolitan area that boasts beautiful beaches, maritime history and a laidback appeal.
- South Perth: Around 4km directly south of the Perth CBD, this area offers proximity to the city centre, panoramic views of the river and cityscape and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Scarborough Beach: A buzzing beach and surf spot north of the city with bars and restaurants for idyllic seaside escapes and a covetable alfresco lifestyle.
- Subiaco: Leafy upmarket suburb west of the CBD and a stylish mecca for boutique shopping, elegant dining and wine bars and live music and theatre.
- Burswood: This burgeoning precinct to the west of the airport houses the Crown Perth casino and world-class Optus Stadium with nightlife, shopping, dining, entertainment and accommodation options, plus riverside parks and trails.
1. Perth CBD
Stay in Perth CBD for seamless access to all the capital city attractions and amenities. Perth city boasts the widest range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury, along with Transperth public transport and pedestrian walkways to get around Perth. Beyond the ease of ticking off your list of things to do in Perth, enjoy retail therapy on the open-air Hay Street Mall, sample the small-bar scene and multicultural cuisines, check out the laneway murals and hidden bars and take advantage of the lush, expansive Kings Park and WA Botanic Garden on your doorstep.
Where to stay in Perth CBD
- Best budget-friendly accommodation: Ideally located near Hay Street Mall, the state-listed heritage Art Deco Criterion Hotel Perth offers comfortable, air-conditioned rooms.
- Best accommodation for families: QT Perth is a trendy, dog-friendly boutique stay, sure to delight young and old with colourful interiors and onsite restaurants and cafes.
- Best luxury accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton, Perth is the epitome of 5-star luxury, overlooking Elizabeth Quay with elevated views and amenities, including fine dining, a pool and fitness centre and The Ritz-Carlton Spa.
- Best boutique accommodation: With a focus on wellness, COMO The Treasury contains 48 elegantly neutral-styled rooms and suites in the historic State Buildings.
2. Northbridge
For an urban stay with a grungier feel, look no further than Perth’s hipster haven of Northbridge. Located on Perth CBD’s northern fringes, Northbridge offers both connectivity to the cosmopolitan city offerings and an immersive arty experience, thanks to the Perth Cultural Centre, vibrant murals and live music scene. Pair your cultural exploration with culinary finds amid Northbridge’s multicultural restaurants, cafes and bars and enjoy retail therapy in the independent micro boutiques.
Where to stay in Northbridge
- Best budget-friendly accommodation: A heritage-listed 4-star property,
Hotel Northbridge has comfortable rooms and offers free noodles and a glass of wine. - Best accommodation for families: With studio rooms, one- and two-bedroom self-contained apartments and an interconnecting family suite, the modern Attika Hotel has everything on site to accommodate the whole crew.
- Best upmarket accommodation: Just two minutes’ walk to the Perth Cultural Centre, DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Northbridge is in the heart of the trendy food and retail hub.
- Best boutique accommodation: Enjoy an eco-stay at the Euro-inspired, 74-key Alex Hotel with locally sourced Vasse Virgin amenities, free bicycle hire and a wine bar.
3. Fremantle
Freemantle mixes sea-going history, breezy oceanside ambience and cultural appeal to great effect, making this vibrant port city a popular retreat for locals and visitors alike with unique accommodation options that reflect its heritage. Just 25 minutes from Perth CBD by train, “Freo” is home to plenty of unique attractions to warrant an overnight stay or longer to experience it all, from touring Fremantle Prison and maritime museums to savouring fish and chips at Fishing Boat Harbour, checking out the public art and beach time.
Where to stay in Fremantle
- Best budget-friendly accommodation: Spend a night behind bars in a shared cell or private ensuite room at YHA Fremantle Prison – WA’s only UNESCO-listed property and a one-of-a-kind hostel stay.
- Best accommodation for families: The waterfront Tradewinds Hotel is close to attractions and dining options and offers a spacious two-bedroom apartment with a well-appointed kitchenette for up to five guests.
- Best luxury accommodation: The petite and boutique Warders Hotel Fremantle offers the city’s most luxurious stay in historic cottages with onsite dining and complimentary extras, such as a minibar, still and sparkling water on tap and a daily light breakfast.
- Best boutique accommodation: The all-inclusive small-room Hougoumont Hotel touts a minimalist feel with maximum appeal through custom-designed suites, personalised minibars and free wine and cheese nights and light breakfasts.
With the sparkling Swan River and cityscape in its sights, South Perth is ideally placed for the traveller who wants to be close to the CBD without staying within its confines. South Perth offers a serene alternative with ample access to the Perth Zoo, South Perth Foreshore walking and cycling trails, panoramic views and riverside restaurants and cafes. Visit the Perth CBD with just a short trip across the river by bus, ferry or on foot.
Where to stay in South Perth
- Best budget-friendly accommodation: With various room options available, Metro Hotel Perth offers comfort and convenience with an onsite restaurant and gym.
- Best accommodation for families: Close to supermarkets, parks, playgrounds and Perth Zoo, The Peninsula Riverside Serviced Apartments has family and connecting suites for up to six plus games and complimentary barbecue utensils on hand.
- Best upmarket accommodation: The modern Quest South Perth Foreshore caters for all with studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom and accessible self-contained apartments in a desirable location,
- Best boutique accommodation: With 29 spacious, serviced one- and two-bedroom apartments only a short stroll from Swan River and ferry access to Perth CBD, Lodestar Waterside Apartments also offers free onsite parking.
5. Scarborough Beach
Scarborough Beach is just 20 minutes’ drive or bus ride north from Perth CBD but a world away from the urban hustle and bustle. A popular surfing and watersport destination by day, the Scarborough Beach foreshore transforms into a vibrant nightlife strip with pubs, restaurants, bars and even public barbecue facilities for evening alfresco picnics. Accommodation in this popular holiday hotspot runs the gamut from independent apartments to upscale hotel stays.
Where to stay in Scarborough Beach
- Best budget-friendly accommodation: Seashells Scarborough offers budget beachfront apartment options with two outdoor pools and onsite barbecue facilities.
- Best accommodation for families: Located right across from the Aquarium of Western Australia and Rottnest Island ferry terminal, Nautica Residences Hillarys features a self-contained three-bedroom house that sleeps up to five.
- Best upmarket accommodation: Ramada by Wyndham VetroBlu Scarborough Beach aparthotel has a selection of self-contained apartments, including three- and four-bedroom split-level luxury penthouses with 180-degree Indian Ocean views.
- Best boutique accommodation: The iconic Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough is Perth’s only true beachside high-rise with a storied history, dining and open-air cinema.
6. Subiaco
One of Perth’s premier leafy suburbs, trendy Subiaco (or “Subi” to locals), offers a stylish and quiet residential retreat just 5km from the CBD. Visitors can immerse themselves in the cosmopolitan community’s ambience and heritage architecture and enjoy unfettered access to the area’s many drawcards, including a must-visit shopping, gallery and café strip and an after-hours multicultural dining and theatre scene.
Where to stay in Subiaco
- Best budget-friendly accommodation: Popular for its proximity to hospitals and the Subiaco shopping precinct, Kings Park Motel has a range of comfortable, clean rooms.
- Best accommodation for families: Holiday Inn West Perth is conveniently situated on Hay Street for access to Subiaco shopping and dining, plus kids stay and eat for free.
- Best upmarket accommodation: Vibe Hotel Subiaco Perth – This 4-star modern lifestyle hotel contains a lobby café and rooftop pool, gym and restaurant.
- Best boutique accommodation: Bright and eclectically styled, Tribe Perth Kings Park caters for the tech-savvy traveller or digital nomad with free Wi-Fi and bikes and shared spaces to stay connected.
7. Burswood
Dominated by the Crown Perth casino, hotel and entertainment complex, Burswood is perfectly located between the city and the airport. It is easily accessible by car, train, and bus and offers a convenient stay for both interstate and international travellers. It’s also a top spot for sports and music fans with Optus Stadium nearby, plus Crown Perth’s own theatre and entertainment facilities. Almost all of Burswood’s accommodation and dining options are centred around the Crown Perth complex.
Where to stay in Burswood
- Best (more) budget-friendly accommodation: Crown Promenade Perth Hotel is the complex’s 4-star stay and doesn’t skimp on facilities with an onsite pool and gym.
- Best accommodation for families: The family-friendly Crown Metropol Perth Hotel offers a 5-star holiday destination with a waterside playground for the kids and a poolside cocktail bar service for the grownups.
- Best luxury accommodation: Crown Towers Perth is considered the height of luxury and a 6-star experience with luxe guestrooms, first-class facilities and custom service.
- Best boutique accommodation: Close to Perth Airport and within walking distance of Optus Stadium and Crown Perth, Aloft Perth brings a pop of colour and urban style with an array of rooms and suites and plenty of onsite amenities.
What is the best part of Perth to stay in?
Perth has several prime inner-city and suburban destinations for a short or longer stay with a selection of accommodation options, depending on your itinerary and preferred travel style. For the best access to all that the WA capital has to offer, Perth CBD wins for ease of getting around, proximity to attractions and diverse activities.
Staying in the CBD means you’ll be near Perth’s popular sites, major venues, parklands and dining, entertainment, cultural and lifestyle precincts, whether you’re visiting for work or play.
In addition, Perth CBD has the largest variety of accommodation options, catering for all visitors and budgets, from solo travellers, fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers and corporates through to families, friend groups and luxury travellers.
Perth CBD is also easy to traverse on foot or by public transport with free Central Area Transit (CAT) bus services offering colour-coded routes to the city’s popular attractions and retail destinations. Visitors can also take advantage of hotel carparks, three-hour CBD weekend parking at select sites and taxi and rideshare services.
Where is the best place to stay in Perth for first-timers?
For first-time visitors to Perth, the central business district offers the most convenient location with the most accommodation options and the best connections to public transport and surrounding areas of interest, such as Rottnest Island.
Perth CBD also contains many of the capital city’s popular attractions and diversions for leisure and business travellers with Kings Park and WA Botanic Garden, the Swan River and Elizabeth Quay, as well as the major shopping, dining and entertainment precincts.
It is an extremely walkable destination, so staying in the heart of the city offers the opportunity to easily explore on foot or hop on and off the free and convenient Central Area Transit (CAT) bus services.
The compact CBD size means inner-city areas, such as Northbridge and South Perth, are also within easy walking distance, expanding your Perth stay to include popular suburban hotspots for a varied experience without expensive taxi or rideshare fees.
What is the best area to stay in Perth with family?
Travelling with kids or a multigenerational family in tow? South Perth makes an ideal base to explore the city. It’s within close walking distance of the CBD but without the hectic city pace. It’s also well-connected to public transport and contains the Perth Zoo, a popular local drawcard and one of the top 10 things to do for families.
South Perth is perfectly situated on the Swan River, offering sweeping cityscape and waterfront views, plus access to parklands, playgrounds, watersports, walking trails and shopping, cafes and restaurants for everything you need within reach.
South Perth features mostly self-contained apartments as accommodation options in the area, providing flexible stays for different-sized groups and all the convenient amenities for families to enjoy a wallet-friendly holiday.
What is the best area to stay in Perth for couples?
Perth offers several locations that will appeal to couples holidaying in the WA capital, depending on their shared interests and itineraries. Perth CBD ticks all the boxes for a getaway for two with plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets and a location in the heart of all the capital city action.
Couples keen on edgy arts, vibrant nightlife and diverse culture will adore the inner-city hipster hotspot of Northbridge, while those after a sophisticated and stylish stay will prefer trendy suburban Subiaco.
Those seeking a romantic rendezvous for two should consider a beachside retreat in Fremantle or Scarborough Beach or an indulgent stay in one of the 5-star properties in Perth CBD or Crown Perth in Burswood.
What are the best areas to stay in Perth near the beach?
Perth is blessed with 19 beautiful beaches along its coastline, with the majority in the city centre, so there are sunsets and shores aplenty to enjoy on your holiday.
Fremantle and Scarborough Beach are your best bet for areas near the beach with the most accommodation options. Fremantle offers a delightful array of stays, from an ex-prison hostel to 5-star boutique hotels, including heritage-listed properties that complement its maritime history. Here, you’ll also have access to six stunning beaches stretching from north to south – all with prime sunset viewing spots.
If you’d prefer closer proximity to Perth CBD, popular Scarborough Beach is just 20 minutes’ drive from the city centre and offers a classic seaside holiday experience and lively nightlife. Accommodation options range from budget to upmarket with a focus on self-contained apartments.
Flights to Perth
Virgin Australia offers direct flights to Perth from major Australian cities, including:
