Perth’s first and only beachside hotel high rise, Rendezvous Perth Scarborough is getting a summer glow-up thanks to a multi-million-dollar investment by owners, Far East Orchard. The rolling two-year refurbishment program will see 330 hotel rooms refreshed; upgrades to the hotel’s front entrance and conference space with additional works planned for the hotel’s iconic swimming pool, and public areas.
TFE Hotels’ Regional General Manger for WA, Warwick Kahl, said when it came to the new-look rooms, designers, U Studio, had taken inspiration from the hotel’s uninterrupted views to the Indian Ocean and rolled out a beach-inspired theme throughout.
“The carpets reflect the swash of the Indian Ocean as it reaches the Scarborough shoreline, whilst the newly painted walls imitate the colours of the dunes in the early morning,” he said. “The hotel’s balconies will also get a refresh with new furniture expected to roll out early in the new year.”
The spacious guest rooms will also sport new marble-topped credenzas, a new luggage rack area, mounted 55” TVs with casting capabilities and IPTV interactive entertainment system, new soft furnishings, and new artwork.
According to Kahl, the rooms naturally take a back seat to Scarborough’s dazzling sunsets, surf, and gorgeous beach – one of Perth’s longest uninterrupted stretches of sand – which he says are a must-do on any visit to Australia’s sunniest capital.
“With the recent $100M revitalisation to the bustling Scarborough foreshore, there are loads of activities for tourists and locals alike,” he said. “People come from all over for the Scarborough Sunset Markets. During this time, Scarborough is transformed into a hive of activity with pop-up bars, food vans, craft stalls, and live music.”
A state-of-the-art playground, skate park, tennis, basketball, swimming, and barbecue facilities make the Scarborough foreshore a great destination for the whole family. Daring young (and young-at-heart) skateboarders can head to the Snake Pit, whilst a climbing wall caters for small children right through to serious climbers.
Early this month, the hotel welcomed a brand-new spa offering, Solace Day Spa, with new owners working to open treatment rooms, ice baths and sauna area for the summer peak.
The hotel, originally called Observation City, was built for late tycoon Alan Bond in 1986, with wife Eileen styling interiors at the time. Bondy, as he was affectionately known, had anticipated the demand for accommodation during the 1987 America’s Cup challenge in Fremantle and wanted a view to see the yachts. Bond’s design choices and desire for that all-important view have left a legacy of spectacular events spaces for leisure and MICE clients, including the Mentelle Deck, which is used for the hotel’s popular open-air Film Club, which starts 5 December.
Bond also took inspiration from popular large scale American resort complexes of the time, with multiple F&B venues on site – including Betty’s Burgers which has amassed a cult-like following since opening 12 months ago – a conference and event centre and a retail precinct.
Quirky Instagrammable moments – like Michael Jackson’s Baby Grand Piano (in the Lobby Bar) and Bondy’s red binoculars (on Level 25) – will remain in the refresh, with the hotel’s Executive General Manager, Rhys Challenger, saying they were firm favourites with guests.
