Adding a new flavour to the West Perth hotel scene.

In the flurry of new hotel openings, it is easy to overlook anything that was opened outside of the last year. So, we thought we would revisit one of the older-new favourites, Sage Hotel.

The hotel

Opened in 2016 in the west end, Sage Hotel was one of the first new kids on the block. The launch of the 101-room hotel brought the 1902 heritage-listed Walsh Family Residence back to life and relaunched the Italian restaurant, Julio’s.

The heritage residence – which now houses Italian restaurant, Julio’s – is warm and inviting. Its exposed brick walls, ceiling beams, and hardwood floors have many stories to tell. With a few mantled fireplaces dotted around, there is a homely ambience, unlike the more clean-cut business hotel attached.

The added back section of the site has, understandably, less character than the stunningly refurbished front. The hotel is a standard new build with a clean-cut look. Grey, brown and white make up the base colour palette, with aubergine coloured feature walls in the rooms for a punch of colour.

Location

Sitting at the very west end of Hay St in West Perth, Sage Hotel is smack bang in the heart of a business district. There is far less traffic down this end than in the heart of the city, and no heaving clubs are operating into the ungodly hours of the morning.

Despite its 9-5 business surroundings, there is still plenty to do and see in the area. Just down the road is Mayfair Lane, a bar with one of Perth’s finest wine lists. Nature lovers can wander in the other direction, down to Kings Park to spend some time in the parklands.

Alternatively, you can get your wallet out and go shopping. Head along Hay St into Subiaco to hit up Dimario or Frame; otherwise, the city is just a short ride away on the free Cat bus (red or green routes).

The rooms

If it’s space you want, a deluxe room on one of the corners at Sage Hotel will deliver. The rooms are spacious (35m2 to be exact) and well suited to business travel. They are also minimally furnished, with just a king-sized bed, a small kitchenette, desk, and a sitting chair. The few furnishings mean there is all the more space for luggage, shopping bags, and more luggage.

Rooms on the eastern side of the hotel have a fab view of the city skyline, and even a little peek of the Swan River. But, without floor-to-ceiling windows, don’t expect to see the view from bed.

Just like the rooms, the bathrooms are simple, functional and clean. There aren’t any luxurious tubs, but there are rainfall showerheads and plenty of fluffy white towels.

Dinner time

Julio’s is the star of the show at the Sage Hotel. Even if you aren’t staying for the night, the perfectly curated Italian menu – featuring dishes from chef Simone’s hometown of Piemonte – is worth visiting the hotel.

It wouldn’t be an Italian restaurant without at least one pasta dish on the menu, and Julio’s has five variations, all made fresh. There are hearty old favourites like creamy sage gnocchi and beef cheek ravioli, or a more finessed squid ink tagliolini with scallops, prawns and fish, in a white wine sauce.

Unfortunately, the fresh nature of the pasta means anyone gluten-free must avoid that section of the menu, but there are plenty of other mouth-watering dishes to choose from.

The market fish of the day is a standout, served on a bed of vanilla parsnip puree, capsicum coulis and peperonata (an Italian dish of stewed capsicum, tomato and onion). An antipasti board with a side order of polpette (meatballs), alici (bruschetta with anchovy and stracciatella cheese) and olives is an excellent option for grazing and sipping on wine. Desert? Well, that is a great option for anyone.

Parking

It is quite uncommon for city-based hotels to have parking, so it is a bonus that there is free parking available at Sage Hotel. However, it isn’t on site.

Guests with cars will be directed approximately a 3-minute walk down the road, to a nearby Wilson carpark. Tickets can be presented at the front desk to be validated for free parking. Any extra cars can be parked for $15.00/day.

The details

Sage Hotel, 1309 Hay St, West Perth WA

Julio’s open:

Monday – Tuesday – 6.30 am until 9 pm
Wednesday – Friday – 6.30 am until 10 pm
Saturday – 7.30 am until 10 am – 5 pm until 10 pm
Sunday – 7.30 am until 10 am – 5 pm until 9 pm

Images sourced: Sage Hotel

Monique travelled as a guest of Sage Hotel and all thoughts and opinions are of her own.