COMO The Treasury – Hotel Review | Condé Nast Traveler
"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? The Perth hotel boom of recent years has brought a number of hotels—large and small—to this remote Western Australia city, but none quite so exquisite as COMO The Treasury. Occupying a landmarked 19th-century edifice which in the past served as official state buildings, this hotel combines COMO's sophisticated and cosmopolitan wellness bent with a supreme sense of place and history. What's the backstory? It's rare to find a structure this old in this part of Australia, let alone one that has held such an important part in Perth's history: at different times, these buildings served as a treasury, a post office, government bureaus, and the official office of the Premier of Western Australia. So while much of what you see and hear about Perth these days relates to the city's expansion, and all the newness defining it, COMO The Treasury stands as an important reminder of this region's colonial history. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? The building's 19th-century exterior is a textbook example of French Second Empire style, but the interiors are marked with COMO's signature minimalism—spartan without feeling spare. This being the most remote capital city in the world, the rooms and suites come with a clean and neutral design palette which is ideal for getting over the nastiest of jet lags: the beds are sumptuous, the towels are plush, and blackout curtains ensure you get exactly as much sleep as you desire. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? No charge for Wi-fi. Super fast. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? The casual ground-floor breakfast spot Post is the ideal spot for a green juice before you head out for a morning of sightseeing. Of course, this being a COMO, breakfast includes a number of healthy fixings, including fresh fruit and gluten-free options. Whatever you do, make sure to snag a dinner reservation at the rooftop Wildflower, where head chef Matthew Sartori serves up contemporary cuisine revolving around the six seasons of the Indigenous calendar. His use of pristine Western Australia meat, fish, and produce makes for an unforgettable experience, regularly hailed as one of the best on the continent. And the service? It's so easy for luxury hotels to feel cold and imposing, but COMO's expert staff are warm and feel totally integrated into the city's landscape. When you check in, ask the front desk to help you organize a gourmet picnic down by the Swan River—it will be one of your most memorable experiences in town. What type of travelers will you find here? The COMO façade attracts a number of wellness-focused travelers and well-heeled jet setters alike, but amenities such as a 24-hour secretarial service and a boardroom equipped with AV equipment make this a surprisingly fitting (yet un-corporate) option for business travelers, too. Is there anything you'd change? Absolutely nothing. Staying here was a seamless and indulgent experience. Any other hotel features worth noting? You'd be remiss to visit a COMO and not indulge in a spa treatment. COMO Shambhala offers a marine body wrap, in particular, which feels like a warm and gooey hug in the best possible way. Jet lag be damned, you'll walk out of here with a spring in your step and some impossibly glowy skin. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? The wellness aspect, the design, the location, the food... it's hard to think of a reason not to have COMO The Treasury at the top of your Australia wish list." - Todd Plummer
