Fremantle accommodation that will have you craving a trip to the West

The Esplanade Hotel Fremantle – by Rydges is a contemporary, sophisticated space near the Fremantle CBD. The first glimpse of the hotel’s white façade evokes a sense of romance and history. Art admirers will delight in the hotel’s light, open spaces with colourful sculptures by local artists and a tasteful nod to Fremantle’s past through historical photography.

Each room entices you to sleep deeply with the signature Rydges Dream Bed. Take advantage of 24-hour room service for private in-room dining, or venture to the Marine Lounge Bar for a Grand Negroni overlooking the park. You won’t want to miss the nearby Fremantle markets, only a four-minute walk away, in a striking Victorian-era building. Home to over 150 stalls, locals and tourists alike describe the markets as a ‘foodie heaven’. You’ll find fresh produce next to daily baked sourdough, soul-warming ramen, irresistible ice-creams and artisan cheeses.

After a full day of sightseeing or shopping, return to the bright blue of the hotel’s two resort-style heated outdoor pools. Relaxing end-of-day swims here come with custom cocktails under the shade of palm fronds. If you’re a lover of wine, the walk-in wine room at the Esplanade’s Harbour Master restaurant will make you feel like a kid on Christmas. Out in the main room, dive into classic Australian fare like WA steaks and butter-rich seafood. For something sumptuous, try the applewood-smoked lamb rump or crispy skin pork belly.

There’s something about the tranquillity of the flowing river views from the Tradewinds Hotel in East Fremantle that asks you to slow down and just… breathe. With just 83 rooms and a self-professed service ethic designed to please, this laidback hotel will inspire you to make time to sit on your balcony and watch the world go by.

Elegantly furnished rooms range in size from intimate studios to spacious serviced apartments and opulent suites. You’ll find touches of luxury in your sparkling modern bathroom, with details like rain showers and freestanding baths for long afternoons of stress-free pampering. In the evening, wander down to the alfresco courtyard for a range of local wine and craft beers. At Tradewinds Restaurant and Bar, you can tuck into mouthwatering options like char-grilled scotch fillet or tiger prawn Sicilian casarecce made with saffron, chilli and white wine.

If you feel like exploring, take a short five-minute walk and you’ll find the Sweetwater Rooftop Bar, a casual garden set-up with Asian-inspired sharing plates and a killer cocktail list. Similarly, the Cook & Mason restaurant is renowned for great meats supplied by Blackwood Valley Beef and Jindong Pork.

Overlooking the charming Pier 21 marina of East Fremantle are the Pier 21 Hotel & Apartments, where mornings are spent waking up to the sight of gently swaying yachts and the graceful silhouettes of black swans. Luxurious riverside and poolside suites offer chic living spaces in soft palettes and rich Italian leather furnishings. While your first coffee of the day brews, flick on a playlist or podcast from conveniently placed in-room phone docking stations.

You’ll want to work up an appetite in the well-equipped fitness centre, on the tennis court or simply by reading the paper on your large private terrace before getting ready for the day in your stone bathroom. Breakfast will be waiting for you in the Pier 21 Breakfast Lounge, a cosy country club with both a tempting continental buffet and a chef ready to cook your particular favourites to order.

At just over 3 kilometres in size, everything in North Fremantle is accessible on foot. Explore the many riverside walking paths or wander over to Port Beach and Leighton Beach for an ocean swim and a seaside stroll. Afterwards, pick up scrumptious picnic treats from The Black Truffle or Cafe Isthmus, then continue the romantic indulgence with a pre-dinner soak in your hotel Jacuzzi or the outdoor pool overlooking the marina.

The Quality Suites Fremantle has pride of place in the city’s intimate heart. Right by the popular West End, you’ll be able to step from your accommodation straight onto the famous cappuccino strip, affectionately named for its aromatic coffee shops, and access the area’s lunch, dinner and nightlife hotspots. During your stay, the hotel will spoil you for choice with modern rooms and suites thoughtfully laid out with freshly cut flowers. Make use of your personal tea-making services and settle in to enjoy your steaming cup with free WiFi, Foxtel and in-house movies.

In-room kitchenettes mean you can whip up a romantic breakfast for your special someone to be enjoyed on your sun-drenched balcony. Or skip the work and venture out to let that special someone look after you. Just a few hundred metres from Quality suites is La Sosta, meaning stopover – said to have the best pasta around (think handmade porcini mushroom ravioli with homemade organic butter and sage, followed by the creamy authentic tiramisu). You could also head for round two in the West End with a trip to Benny’s Bar for espresso martinis and a spectacular shared seafood platter.

Not to be missed as a day trip from the hotel is Rottnest Island, just a short ferry ride away and home to some of the world’s most breathtaking beaches and bays. Pack a picnic lunch and steal away to one of the island’s many secluded coves before heading home to Fremantle, keeping an eye out for playful dolphins in the boat’s wake. When you return to your room, hop into freshly turned-down beds for a peaceful night’s rest.

Hougoumont Fremantle takes ‘boutique experience’ to a whole new level. Named after the last ship to transport convicts to Fremantle, the Hougoumont spins this bit of history into a cool talking point by re-purposing shipping containers into funky living spaces. Choose from intimate Cabins or larger State rooms for the ultimate in sleek yet luxurious living, all set with striking furniture by award-winning designer Yoshio Takagi.

This hotel is all about the small details. You’ll find your room kitted out with Nespresso coffee machines, Rubra tea, luxury bedding and Appelles Apothecary toiletries. You can even personalise your mini bar before arrival from a selection of wine, beer, cider and soft drinks. In the morning, chuck on your weekend clothes and head downstairs for a selection of toasts brought in from the local craft bakery, Bread in Common, to top with premium preserves and fresh fruit. You might be tempted to explore Fremantle’s vibrant streets after you eat, so request a loaner bike from reception and cycle out into the sun. If you prefer a training session, get your exercise fix at the on-site fitness gym.

Fitting with the Hougoumont mantra of bringing people together, the hotel organises communal activities to help guests meet like-minded visitors. If you’re so inclined, you can find yourself in interesting conversations with fellow travellers over wine and cheese provided for free in the lobby between 5 and 6 p.m. Prefer to sidestep the social events? Sneak away with your special someone and order room service for two. Hougoumont’s tailored concierge can also help you plan your ideal date or recommend events, tours or theatre productions to see. Oh, and definitely say ‘yes’ to the pillow menu!

On your drive to Fremantle from Perth is the turquoise expanse of Cottesloe Beach, where you’ll find the delightfully laidback Cottesloe Beach Hotel. You’ll want to check in before sunset to secure a good seat for nature’s daily technicolour show over the water. Pluck a delectable local wine from the mini bar and step onto your breezy, rounded balcony with your partner to take in the seascape as the sun sinks into the horizon.

The hotel’s double, queen and lavish king rooms are best described as in the style of a relaxed beach club, with clean white balconies and shabby-chic wooden trimmings. Sink into freshly made beds dressed in white and royal purple, surrounded by minimalist furnishings to keep your stay serene.

For things to do, you’ll find swimming, snorkelling and surfing equipment available at reception. For the slower-paced, look no further than simple walks along the sand and leisurely afternoons in the sun. After a stroll along the 1.5-kilometre beach, step off the sand and into the Verandah Bar for a deliciously icy craft beer and a pre-dinner bite. Favourites from the light snacks menu include whole prawns with smoked jalapeno mayo. Stay on-site and stop by Mixology Cocktail Bar for a lemongrass and passion fruit mojito, then cuddle up in a cosy corner at The Beach Club for a sumptuous dinner of market-fresh fish and wood-fired meats.