The Ritz-Carlton, Perth

The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, offers a luxurious and elegant experience along the Swan River at Elizabeth Quay. It is highly regarded for its stunning views, prime location, and sophisticated design, often making it a top choice for both business and leisure travelers in Perth.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Ritz-Carlton, Perth is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as exceptional and memorable. It holds an impressive overall rating, often around 8.9 to 9.4 out of 10, particularly praised for its location, service, and facilities. As a Michelin Key Selected hotel, it signifies a "very special stay," recognized for its personality, exceptional service, and offerings beyond others in its price range.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several standout features of the hotel:

• Panoramic Views: The hotel boasts breathtaking, uninterrupted views of the Swan River, Elizabeth Quay, the city skyline, and urban parks from its rooms, restaurants, and infinity pool. It's particularly lauded as a "hotel for sunset chasers."
• Exceptional Location: Situated as the centerpiece of the Elizabeth Quay development, it offers immediate access to the waterfront, nearby restaurants, bars, the Bell Tower, and the ferry terminal to Rottnest Island. It's centrally located within the business district and walkable to many city attractions.
• Sophisticated Design & Ambiance: The hotel's modern design incorporates taupe, natural wood, and clean lines, reflecting Western Australia's landscape. It features a diverse Australian art collection, lofty ceilings, and a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere.
• Luxury Amenities: An outdoor infinity-edge pool with city views, a well-regarded luxury spa offering a range of treatments, and a 24/7 modern fitness center are frequently praised.

3. Room Quality

The 205 rooms and suites are described as luxurious, spacious, and elegantly appointed.

• Views and Windows: All rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, often curved, providing abundant natural light and stunning vistas of the river, city, or parkland.
• Comfort and Design: Rooms are well-designed with wide oak floorboards, plush leather accessories, and comfortable king beds fitted with Frette linens, ensuring a restful sleep. Electric blackout drapes are also appreciated.
• Bathrooms: Luxurious and spacious bathrooms are a highlight, typically featuring dual vanities, a separate rainfall shower, and a deep, standalone soaking bathtub, often positioned to enjoy the room's views. Amenities include Asprey Purple Water or Diptique products. Some larger suites also offer separate living areas and additional powder rooms.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a notable culinary experience:

• Hearth Restaurant & Lounge: This is the hotel's signature restaurant and bar, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It celebrates Western Australian produce, with dishes prepared over an open fire. Hearth is not just a hotel restaurant but is popular with locals and regarded as one of Perth's best, offering a five-course dining experience.
• Breakfast: The breakfast buffet at Hearth is highly recommended, featuring a diverse array of delicious options, including exceptional croissants and great barista-made coffee.
• Songbird Bar & Lounge: This rooftop bar provides a waterfront hideaway.
• Room Service: While generally enjoyable, some guests have noted the absence of overnight room service or found the presentation lacking for a luxury property.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback on service is largely positive, praising the staff for their attentiveness, friendliness, and willingness to go "above and beyond." Many commend the team for making special occasions memorable and for being accommodating, particularly with children. However, some isolated criticisms mention "shaky service," communication issues, or a perceived attitude of doing "favors" rather than providing inherent luxury service. A lack of consistent turndown service has also been noted by some.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Ritz-Carlton, Perth boasts an exceptional location:

• Elizabeth Quay: It is prominently situated on Elizabeth Quay, offering stunning riverfront views and easy access to the precinct's shops and eateries.
• Central & Walkable: The hotel is in the heart of Perth's central business district, a short walk from major attractions like the Bell Tower, Barrack Street Jetty Ferry Terminal, and the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, as well as Langley Park.
• Transport: It's conveniently located near Elizabeth Quay Railway Station and easily accessible from Perth Airport, with Uber rides costing around AU$30 and taking approximately 25 minutes during off-peak times. The hotel is also wheelchair accessible with various features.

7. Value & Pricing

As a luxury property, The Ritz-Carlton, Perth commands premium pricing. Room rates can vary, generally starting between AU$342 and AU$636 ($230 to $450) per night, with awards nights costing 50,000 to 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. Some guests consider it good value, especially compared to Ritz-Carlton properties in other global cities, while others find it expensive, particularly if minor service issues detract from the overall luxury experience.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring issues and criticisms include:

• Room Design Quirks: Guests have reported water splashing out from the standalone bathtubs onto the bathroom floor. Difficulty with obscure tap controls and finding toilet lights has also been mentioned.
• Water Pressure: Inconsistent or low water pressure in showers, particularly on higher floors, has been a point of contention for some.
• Pool Area: The outdoor pool, while having great views, can feel small and become overcrowded, especially on hot days, leading to a lack of available seating.
• Service Inconsistencies: Despite generally positive feedback, some guests have experienced "shaky service," poor communication with staff, or felt that staff responses were less than ideal in addressing concerns. One incident noted a lapse in privacy during spa use.
• Hotel Entrance: The hotel entrance was previously noted as difficult to navigate and poorly marked for drivers.
• Decor: Some guests have found certain aspects of the decor, particularly in public areas like the foyer, to be a bit "tired" or dated.

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