COMO The Treasury, Perth
Monica Tindall
Our first COMO experience was in 2011, dining at the award-winning Nahm restaurant in Bangkok, created by legendary Chef David Thompson in conjunction with COMO hotels. Not long after it opened, we stayed at COMO Point Yamu in Phuket. We’ve been brand fans ever since.
The company dates back long before our first discovery, though, to the early 90s, when founder Christina Ong set out to blend luxury, wellness, and understated elegance. A pioneer of the time, COMO hotels continue to be renowned for their sophisticated design, personalised service and focus on holistic well-being. We’re excited to reacquaint ourselves with the brand in Perth at COMO The Treasury.
Location
Before we even step inside the hotel, there’s a curious fact about the location. On the corner of St. Georges Terrace and Barrack Street, the property is part of the historic State Buildings. The collection of heritage-listed structures has been meticulously restored. It is also the home of Point Zero—the marker from which all distances are measured from Perth!
With its prime address, COMO The Treasury is perfectly positioned to explore Perth. The hotel is just a 15-minute walk from the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre and just around the corner from the shops and restaurants of Hay Street Mall. Perth Cultural Centre, housing the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Western Australian Museum, and the State Library of Western Australia, is a 10-minute stroll away. We love exploring nearby Swan River (a great place for a morning run if that’s your thing), and Barrack Street Jetty is where the Rottnest Island ferry and Swan River cruises depart. We take an Uber for the 25-minute drive from Perth Airport, but the hotel can arrange more luxurious (and more expensive) transfers if you prefer.
The State Buildings & COMO The Treasury
As mentioned, COMO The Treasury is inside the mid-19th century State Buildings in the heart of Perth. These buildings played a significant role in Western Australia’s history, housing various public offices until the mid-1990s. After a period of vacancy, a meticulous restoration project led by Palassis Architects and Kerry Hill Architects transformed them into the happening hub they are today.
Kerry Hill Architects were also responsible for COMO The Treasury, maintaining the heritage foundation but updating it in a contemporary style. The hotel has 48 rooms and suites, each uniquely decorated with handcrafted furnishings, oversized windows, and travertine stone tiles. Depending on your booking, you might get a view of Cathedral Square, Stirling Gardens, or the cityscape.
The Experience
Our guest experience begins before we’ve even set foot into the lobby. A porter saw us wandering down the street with our bags and rushed to meet us, alleviating us from the load and guiding us to reception. The lobby is peaceful, and the neutral tones and natural materials inspire a sense of calm. Seated on a lounge, we’re welcomed with cool, moist, scented towels and a bevvie of choice – bubbles, please! In this case, a delightful Blanc de Blancs from Vasse Felix. It’s dry on the palate, has a fine mousse and is refreshingly cool – a welcome contrast to the 40-degree heat outside. Thank you, Manager on Duty, Norbu.
COMO The Treasury Rooms & Suites
We’re in a Treasury Room with the option of a king or twin beds. We appreciate the luxury of space with 75 sqm and views over Cathedral Square. Natural materials come to the forefront of the minimalist aesthetic. A neutral colour palette of white, cream, and beige creates a sense of serenity, and wood, stone, and linen add warmth and texture. It’s clean and uncluttered, focusing on functionality and simplicity. Large windows bring in ample natural light, and I love watching the aesthetics change throughout the day, bringing in different rays and shadows.
Style aside, my top ratings go to the basics – soundproofing and silent air-conditioning, darkness at night with no annoying light interferences (such as clocks or AC controls), instant high-pressured hot water in the shower, and comfortable bedding. A Grand Posture natural firm mattress with dual posture pocket springs (meaning your partner’s tosses and turns don’t disturb your side of the bed) is dressed in crisp Egyptian cotton with a choice of pillows – ergonomic neck support for us. Automated blinds enable complete darkness, muted light or full sunshine with the touch of a button. And individually controlled air conditioning means we are not subject to the one temperature setting (usually Arctic-cold) of central units. With the foundations in good order, the yoga and meditation channels are welcome enhancements.
The magnificently high rain shower feels like we’re bathing under a storm, a lovely warm one with no wind, and there are two more heads to choose from. Towels are kept on a heated rack, which keeps them dry and also feels like a snug hug fresh from the shower. Oh, and the bath products smell delicious! The shampoo is particularly good, a gentle blend that leaves my hair feeling silky and soft. A huge tub is paired with aromatic mineral salts, perhaps with a little peppermint and ginger (but I’d need to confirm the precise recipe), and is big enough for two.
Inside the mini-bar, there are more treasures. Snacks! You know I love them (I’m a bit judgy if they’re not provided and not gourmet) – gluten-free melting moments (an Aussie classic), chocolate-coated torched almonds and roasted cashews. The mini-fridge has soft drinks, fresh milk (thank you, no nasty chemical creamer), and local beer and cider. A glass dome holds two petite slices of honeycake from a local provider. It’s delicate, honey-rich and oh-so-dreamy. There’s also an espresso machine and kettle for the tea and coffee provided.
All in all, it’s comfort dressed in sophisticated elegance.
Restaurants
We are out and about on this trip, so we only have the chance to eat brekkie in the hotel at POST. However, COMO The Treasury is home to Wildflower, a multi-award-winning rooftop restaurant with views across the Swan River, and Cape Arid Rooms, known for its pretty afternoon teas highlighting Western Australian produce. POST, the hotel’s main restaurant, features a seasonally inspired menu crafted with locally sourced ingredients and is a popular breakfast spot for both hotel guests and visitors alike.
Breakfast
I dislike buffets, so I’m overjoyed to see an a la carte morning menu at POST. Hotel guests may choose a starter, main with sides and tea or coffee if breakfast is included in their room rate. On one morning, we enjoy chia, almond and coconut pudding with mango and passionfruit sauce (So good! Order this!), as well as maple granola (the good house-made kind), vanilla and strawberry compote with natural yoghurt to begin. As mains, hubby gives two thumbs up to the buttermilk pancakes sweetened with orange curd, vanilla mascarpone, blueberries and maple syrup with an avocado and bacon side. At the same time, I’m 110% satisfied with the open omelette with fontina cheese, roast tomatoes, rocket and parmesan accompanied by avocado and mushrooms.
The next morning, we mix things up a bit with ‘Real Toast’, a tasty vegan choice of nut, seed, and vegetable toast with crushed avocado, tomato, cucumber, and lime, and Baldivis free-range eggs any style (we get scrambled) on toasted sourdough. The starter, main, and sides are more than enough to satisfy, but a fresh juice of the day, fruit platter, tea, and barista coffee (the good stuff) are bottomless. No one is going hungry here.
Wellness & Leisure Facilities
As mentioned, we have an action-packed schedule in Perth, so don’t spend too much time in the hotel. However, we do manage a quick dip in the 20-metre pool, and we love that you can enjoy it year-round being indoors and heated. The gym is well equipped with premium Technogym machines, and I appreciate the 24-hour access. We’ve heard great things about COMO Shambhala Urban Escape wellness centre and their massages, but once more, we’re out and about and don’t have time for a visit on this trip.
Service
Every luxury experience is in the details, and we don’t need to look far to find them at COMO The Treasury. From arranging turn-down service while we’re out to making dinner reservations to packing a bag with towels, a picnic rug, and water to bring to Rottnest Island, the team predicts our needs before we even know we have them.
COMO The Treasury, Perth, Review
With its central location, beautiful and spacious rooms, gracious staff and fantastic brekkie, we’d return again in a heartbeat.
Reasons to stay at COMO The Treasury, Perth: well located in Perth’s city centre with easy access to the river, shopping, dining and the arts; huge rooms with little extras such as snacks, bath salts and turn-down service; champagne welcome; excellent breakfast with good coffee; kind and helpful staff.
COMO The Treasury
State Buildings, 1 Cathedral Ave
Perth WA 6000, Australia
+61 8 6168 7888
www.comohotels.com/perth/como-the-treasury
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Looks so nice. Love that place 🙂