Staying at the Travelodge Perth, Western Australia

Travelodge Perth. Photo / Supplied

Stephanie Holmes checks into a centrally-located hotel in Western Australia

Location: On Hay St, in Perth's sedate CBD.

Getting there: I arrived by luxury coach at the end of a Western Australian tour with AAT Kings. We'd driven all day from the beachside town of Kalbarri, about 600km to the north, and arrived at 4.30pm on a Saturday afternoon.

Check-in experience: As with all the hotels I'd stayed at as part of the AAT Kings tour, check-in had been pre-arranged by our travel director, Margaret. So all we needed to do was turn up at the hotel, pick up our keys and find our rooms. It couldn't have been easier.

What's so good about this place? The location. The hotel is walking distance to many of Perth's central highlights — the brand new harbourside recreation and dining area, Elizabeth Quay, the Supreme Court Gardens, the Bell Tower, the State Buildings, the Art Gallery of Western Australia and Cultural Centre, St Mary's Cathedral, the Perth Mint, the pedestrian-only shopping streets Murray and Hay St Malls, and the hip suburb of Northbridge. It's also very close to many public transport options and is on the free city bus route.

And the bad? The bathrooms could do with an upgrade.

Room: A king room on the second floor, with balcony. It was a decent-sized room with desk, armchair, tea and coffee making facilities, luggage rack, and closet. The small balcony has a small table and two chairs and, on the late May morning of my visit, got great morning sun.

Complimentary Wi-Fi: Yes, for two devices per room, with upgrades available at a cost.

Bed: Two king singles joined together. I was on my own so this wasn't an issue, but there was a ridge down the middle which would have been uncomfortable for a couple.

View: St Mary's Cathedral, inner-city buildings, and the current construction work on Hay St, upgrading the waterlines.

Bathroom: Small, basic and dated. The shower fixture has obviously been upgraded — there is a massive rainhead shower, but it's almost as wide as the small, shallow bath it's fixed over so it's easy to get water all over the floor. The water pressure wasn't great and I couldn't quite get a constant temperature.

Toiletries: Red apple scented shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and body lotion.

Food & Beverage: The on-site Armada Restaurant and Bar serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and room service is available. But don't stay in the hotel — Perth has so many great dining options and many are within walking distance of the Travelodge. Try breakfast at Isle of Voyage, lunch at La Cholita, coffee at Livingstone's, dinner at Long Chim and drinks at Mechanics Institute.

Facilities: A business centre, book exchange and 24-hour gym.

Perfect for: An easy base for exploring the terrific city of Perth and its surrounds.

CHECKLIST

Travelodge Perth is at 417 Hay Street, Perth, Western Australia. Phone: +61 8 9238 1888.