A sneak peek into Perth's new COMO The Treasury hotel

A sneak peek into Perth's new COMO The Treasury hotel

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As reported a few weeks ago on Tweet Perth, our city will soon be home to Australia’s first COMO property, run as part of Christina Ong’s luxurious, Singaporean COMO chain. COMO The Treasury is situated at the CBD’s new Cathedral Square precinct, with an elegant, discreet entrance on Cathedral Avenue.

I recently went on a tour of the complex to find out a bit more of what Perth can expect from FJM Property’s exciting Old Treasury redevelopment, which is now in its final stages, before officially opening on 15 October (some of the bar and spa facilities open beforehand on 1 October).

The 48-room hotel is housed in 19th-century heritage-listed State Buildings revitalised by Perth-based architect, Kerry Hill, who also designed the City of Perth Library, currently under construction in the same precinct. There will be a total of 15 entry points along the laneway between St George’s Terrace and Hay Street, creating an inviting vibe in what is set to become a thriving, vibrant urban hub.

Source: COMO The Treasury Facebook page
Source: COMO The Treasury Facebook page

Stepping inside, it was clear to see things were certainly taking shape, with much of the furnishings already in place (no photographs allowed, though). One of the unique concepts is the fact that there will be no reception per se. There are instead three “arrival lounges”, where guests will be greeted, served drinks, and attended to personally before being taken to their rooms. The high-ceilinged lounges feature Kerry Hill furniture made in Italy, Adrian Fini vases and original jarrah flooring, with Cape Arid artwork by local artists Philippa and Alex Nikulinsky (some of which was even presented to the Queen during her CHOGM visit in 2011). Patrons will also be able to enjoy high tea in these lounges, and there are potential plans to enable exclusive use for private functions as well.

It is remarkable to note that, despite having lain vacant and somewhat neglected for 20+ years, 95% of the property has been restored true to original. One of the finest examples of this amazing restoration is the Postal Hall, which forms somewhat of a focal point and dining hub within the complex. It also acts as a thoroughfare between St George’s Terrace and Hay Street, and will include an Italian coffee cart selling pastries and newspapers – perfect for office workers on the go. A unique, bamboo piece complete with LED lighting, custom-designed by New Zealand’s David Trubridge, adds a decorative element on the upper level, visible in the window from St George’s Terrace.

Source: COMO The Treasury Facebook page
Postal Hall. Source: COMO The Treasury Facebook page

Post restaurant, located in the original franking room on the hall’s ground floor, will offer casual dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a seating capacity of approximately 50-60. The fare is set to be modern Australian with a French influence, and the premises also include two private dining rooms, seating 8 and 12 respectively. In keeping with the COMO chain’s focus on holistic wellness, the dining options will also feature its acclaimed spa cuisine and signature juices. Post will be joined by a second restaurant, a glass-box rooftop dining room called Wildflower (which was not ready for us to see), and both will be led by Perth-born executive chef, Jed Gerrard, who previously ran Black by Ezard in Sydney, and has also enjoyed stints at Tetsuya’s, Bilson’s, and SaQuaNa, a two Michelin star restaurant in Normandy.

Opposite Post on the other side of the hall is Petition, a beer corner, kitchen, wine bar, and wine merchant. The bar and wine store is due to open on 1 October, and were virtually in finished condition when I visited. Expect an edgy, warehouse-like style, with original wooden flooring, exposed ceilings and brickwork, and large windows. The bar will not be contracted to any specific brewery, and will have some of WA’s best craft beers, such as Little Creatures, on tap. Similar to the reception (or lack thereof) at the hotel, the traditional bar counter is also conspicuous by its absence – there’s no barrier between staff and patrons here. The kitchen, on the other hand, will offer casual dining, including a 50-seat street-side outdoor area, with eclectic, custom-designed furnishings.

Underneath, accessed via Barrack Street, is David Thompson’s Long Chim restaurant, following on from its famous counterpart at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands. The Perth version will seat 150, offering high-quality Thai cuisine in a relaxed, casual setting. Originally from Sydney, Thompson is also known for opening the original Nahm in London, which was awarded a Michelin star (the first for a Thai restaurant) within six months of trading, followed by a second Nahm restaurant in Bangkok, which was ranked #1 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2014.

David Thompson. Source: The Australian
David Thompson. Source: The Australian

I was then whisked up through the maze of elegant hallways to see one of the hotel rooms, the Studio Suite. It was jaw-droppingly beautiful. Large and bright, with a high ceiling, using light coloured woods and pale green, neutral hues to reflect the Western Australian landscape. With its corner location overlooking Cathedral Avenue and St George’s Terrace, you would be forgiven for thinking it would be a victim of traffic noise. But, as my guide claimed, and I witnessed for myself, the hotel has the “quietest rooms in the country”, thanks to a 100 mm gap between the inner and outer window framing. Pin-drop silence for a perfect night’s sleep in pure luxury. A spacious, naturally lit bathroom with his and hers travertine stone basins, massive walk-in shower, heated floors and towel rails, and COMO Shambhala amenities round off this gorgeous room – which can be booked for a cool $950 per night.

Studio Suite. Source: COMO The Treasury Facebook page
Studio Suite. Source: COMO The Treasury Facebook page
Studio Suite bathroom. Source: COMO The Treasury Facebook page
Studio Suite bathroom. Source: COMO The Treasury Facebook page

In fact, the minimum nightly rate for the property’s smallest room, the 50-sq-m City Room is around the $600 mark. The heritage nature of the complex means all of its 48 rooms are unique, with varying ceiling heights and window shapes. Some also have balconies.

Business clients can hire out the hotel’s board room, which can seat up to 24 people and can cater to various audiovisual requirements. The daily rate (covering morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea) is around $125 per person, which includes use of the break-out room. This room can similarly be booked for exclusive use, and features a full butler service.

When it’s time to get some exercise, head to the pool and gym facility on the top floor. The 20-m heated pool is a spectacle in itself. Fully glassed-in, with a high ceiling and adjustable window louvres enabling aeration, the daylight literally streams in, while a spacious gym features equipment from Italy.

Pool. Source: COMO The Treasury Facebook page
Pool. Source: COMO The Treasury Facebook page

With its COMO Shambhala brand advocating holistic wellness, the COMO chain has a strong focus on mind, body and soul, reflected in plans for a yoga studio and complimentary yoga sessions. Yoga mats are, in fact, provided in each room. The spa facility, which will also be available to non-guests, is due to open on 1 October, with the treatment rooms housed in the original vault. High-quality elements, such as brass sink fittings, make for a plush pampering experience, and patrons can also enjoy the signature Shambhala ginger tea.

All in all, despite the complex not being completely finished, it was truly eye-opening to see just what has been going on behind all those hoardings for the last few years. FJM Property is doing a fantastic job with this ambitious but worthwhile redevelopment, and the whole Cathedral Square precinct is sure to create even more vibrancy in the already much-improved CBD area. Bring on October, when the people of Perth can experience it all for themselves.