There’s still a good 30 minutes until my dinner reservation, so I sink back into the velvet bench seat at W XYZ Bar and acquaint myself with a chilli martini. It’s new on the menu and the perfect combination of sweet, sour, cold, and warming.
To my right, there’s a group of well-dressed ladies sharing a bottle of wine and a laugh; to the left, a handful of young men watching the cricket with beers in their hands. The commentary is barely audible over the clunking of foosball figures and children laughing in the Re:mix gaming lounge behind them.
It’s only Tuesday night, but the lobby area of Aloft Perth is well and truly buzzing.
The hotel
The hotel is the first (and only) of Marriott’s young and colourful Aloft-branded hotels to land in Australia. They’re known worldwide for creating a lively, in-hotel social scene, and they’ve nailed the brief here in Rivervale.
Aloft is a hub for both guests and residents in what is usually a quiet residential area by the Swan River. There’s no need to venture out to the nearby Crown Perth complex or CBD for the nightlife — unless you want to, of course. The hotel’s own venues and facilities are more than enough to keep you entertained over a short stay.
If you’re not joining the well-dressed ladies and cricket fans mingling at W XYZ Bar, you can join the young families playing giant Jenga by the Splash zone (pool) or the couples heading off for a casual dinner at Springs Kitchen. I’m following the latter.
The food
The restaurant is quiet when I arrive at 7:00 pm, and I have my choice of cosy booths. Before my grilled octopus and potato entree arrives at the table, the surrounding seats have filled, and the air is busy with the sound of chatter. It’s clear that people feel comfortable gathering here, which is no surprise given Springs Kitchen’s approachable menu of sizeable steaks, slabs of pork belly, and fresh salads that’ll appease even the fussiest of eaters.
I opt for the daily special of crispy-skinned Barramundi, perfectly moist and flaky, served with a side of crunchy pak choy and house-pickled fennel. So generously portioned is the fish that I only make it halfway through my meal, and the grand plan to indulge in dessert is scrapped. The chocolate mousse cake certainly tried its best to keep me from retreating upstairs, though.
450° Pizza
Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for a more casual dining experience or a take-away option, 450° Pizza is where you ought to be headed. Located within Aloft Perth’s urban precinct, the authentic Italian joint specialises in wood-fired pizza, hand-stretched and cooked at, you guessed it, 450 degrees. You can expect all-time favourites like the margherita, prosciutto crudo, quattro formaggi, and gamberi, paired with a Mediterranean or rocket and pear salad, and topped off with a dessert pizza or tiramisu. And maybe a cheeky Aperol spritz, if you’re that way inclined? Delizioso!
Until the end of May 2024, 450° also offers a bottomless pizza and free-flowing drinks experience, where punters can enjoy a three-course shared menu from $65.00 per person.
The room
I make it back to the 18th floor, sans sweets. Clambering into the cushy king bed is bliss, only made better with a warm cup of tea, access to more than 20 channels, and unlimited complimentary movies on the TV. Despite its imposing size, it’s hard to remain focused on the screen.
By night, the view from up here is magical. There’s a constant stream of headlights and taillights trailing along the Great Eastern Highway and a soft light making the gentle bends in the Swan River known. I leave the curtains unpulled overnight to catch dawn as it breaks over the Darling Scarp in the distance. It’s an even more magical sight than the evening before, the snaking river reflecting orange in the early morning light.
Daybreak is my queue to get up and ready, starting with a long, hot soak under the rainfall showerhead. A few minutes in front of the mirrored wall by the room entrance for makeup application and an outfit check, and it’s breakfast time.
Once again, I find myself in my own booth at Springs Kitchen, only this time I’m not ordering from a menu. The Refuel bar — filled with purchasable snacks and beverages during the day — has been repurposed and is laid with pastries, cereals, and a selection of hot breakfast favourites. A plate or two later and a coffee later, and it’s time to say “I’ll see you soon” to Aloft Perth, packing up and heading back into the real world.
Book your summer staycation package at Aloft Perth
Make the most of Perth’s long days and warm nights with an overnight staycation at Aloft Perth.
The package includes:
- Overnight accommodation in your choice of room
- A bottle of bubbly waiting for you
- Unlimited in-room movies
- Complimentary parking
- A full buffet breakfast for two
Prices start from as little as $294.00 for an overnight stay in a King Room. Bookings can be made here.
Discover how to unlock amazing benefits with the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. Book direct and enjoy exclusive rates.
