We have a week in Perth towards the end of April and I'm looking for accommodation to book. The problem is that it all seems much more expensive than we expected - even than Sydney. I make a point of looking at customer reviews and apart from one hotel that is far more than we can afford, nowhere seems to have consistently good reviews. We're 60, fairly fit and open minded about where we stay, as long as we can have private facilities. We'd also like to be not too far from the centre so we don't have to spend a fortune on taxis.
Suggestions would be very welcome.

Are you looking for a traditional hotel or an apartment-hotel with kitchen & sitting room facilities?

Not knowing your budget, I can't comment, but the only accommodation which does NOT have private facilities (ensuite/bathroom & toilet in the room) is likely to be be older style pubs, some B&Bs.

The regulations regarding accommodtion standards are very high in Australia and I'd be astounded if you could not find more than one property in Perth which was more than satisfactory within your budget.

www.wotif.com.au
may be of assistance in finding something in your budget & location range.

Hi Joanne -

I live in Perth, but visited several times before moving here. I prefer serviced apartments, which are generally less expensive than traditional hotels and have more living space (kitchens, living rooms, etc) which would come in handy during a week long stay.

We've stayed in the Medina Grand, the Medina Executive Barrack Plaza and the Peninsula Riverside serviced apartments.

We enjoyed them all for the most part, although six weeks in the Medina Grand was a bit much for me.

They're all well located - the Medina Grand is right next to the train station and bus depot, very close to the river, walking distance from Kings Park and Barrack Street Jetty and an even shorter walk into the CBD. You really can't beat the location. You'll want to ask for a room facing the Exhibition Center if you're a light sleeper though.

The Medina Executive Barrack Street is located right in the CBD, steps away from the Hay Street Mall and a short walk to the Perth City train station. It's also within walking distance of the river and Barrack Street Jetty, but not as close as the Medina Grand.

http://www.medina.com.au/default.asp?page=/home

The Peninsula Riverside Apartments are located directly across the river from the Medina Grand. It's an okay location, but the units that face the river also face the road. It's not as well equipped as the Medinas, but it's within walking distance to the Perth Zoo and a short walk from the ferry that will take you across to the CBD. The advantage of the Peninsula over the Medinas is free parking. Parking at the Medinas is something like $20 a day.

http://www.thepeninsula.net/

Sorry, I wasn't being derogatory about Perth hotels, merely commenting that only one hotel I'd found (the Medina Exec on Barrack St on Trip Adviser) had consistently good reviews. All the others seemed to have upset someone in the recent past.

Our budget is up to £80 a night (approx A$170)for accommodation so unfortunately the Medinas are way out of our range. No preference for either hotel or apartments, we're using both this holiday. As we'll be getting off the Indian Pacific after a week in a Sydney hotel (no laundry) a laundry would be nice.
Thanks for the suggestion of the Peninsula - I couldn't find their rates anywhere so have emailed them for rates and availability.

Joanne -

I consult Trip Advisor routinely, but I've learned how to filter through the garbage and look for trends. It's unlikely you'll find all positive comments for any accommodation anywhere, as it's just not possible to satisfy everyone.

By the way, I posted a review for both Medinas in Perth (and the Peninsula too I think) on TA. My review of the Medina Grand mentioned a few negatives, yet I went back and stayed for six weeks.

Here's a Perth accommodation site that might help:

http://www.travelaustralia.com.au/ci...mmodation-6010

That's a handy link, Melnq8.

I often wonder about the Trip Advisor & other similar feedback sites because it seems to me that more people are inclined to write negative reports/complain than write letters/post/congratulate the suppliers of good service. I know I am, and I DO write/call & speak with managers when I receive exceptional service. I complain too if it's warranted. I travel a lot but I've never posted a comment on Tripadvisor. I guess, as Mel says, you need to look for a trend/balanc.