Four Points by Sheraton Perth

Owned by Starwood Hotels, Four Points by Sheraton took over management of the former Citigate Hotel in 2012 and has completed several updates since then. This Four Points is typical of the chain in that it focuses on business and convention travelers with its events spaces and proximity to the Central Business District and convention center. Leisure guests also make their way here to take advantage of its convenience to the Perth Arena and local dining and shopping. When events are happening at the arena, the restaurant and bar offers special menus and packages. The hotel is lively and colorful throughout, and is a busy place with guests coming and going, and hanging out at the restaurant and bar.

This hotel has a convenient location on Wellington Street, directly across from the Perth Arena, where many sporting and entertainment events are held. The Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre can be reached in about 15 minutes on foot (or five minutes in a cab), and there are several restaurants, bars, and shops all around. Perth Central Station is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and the Scitech museum is a 15-minute walk, or 10 minutes by public transportation. Kings Park and Botanic Garden can be reached in four minutes by car, or 15 minutes on foot. Plan on about 25 minutes to reach Perth Airport by taxi.

Rooms and suites are modern, with neutral color schemes highlighted by bright yellow lighting over the beds and colorful modern art on the walls. The design was inspired by the Western Australia landscape and the silver gum trees found throughout the area. Carpet designs are reminiscent of the dry creek bed, and the silver gum bark influenced the timber wall feature behind the bed. The look is certainly a step up when it comes to personality from most Sheraton-associated properties. All rooms are equipped with 32-inch flat-screen TVs plus desks with ergonomic chairs, air-conditioning, kettles for tea and coffee, safes, and mini-fridges. Wi-Fi is only free for SPG members who book directly -- otherwise it costs extra. Beds are the chain's signature Four Points Four Comfort Bed which is custom-made by Sealy. Bathrooms are a bit less attractive than rooms, with granite countertops, above-counter bowl sinks, walk-in showers, and toiletries. Robes and slippers are provided. Rooms overlook either Perth Arena and bustling Wellington Street, the Central Business District, or the busy freeway and Kings Park. Some guests have noted traffic noise or noise from the bar downstairs. Suites have a separate living area with a sofa and chairs. Accessible rooms are available.

Features here are on par for the brand, though the lack of a pool has let down more than one previous guest. A variety of options are offered for breakfast, including a full buffet with hot and cold items, cold items only, or a la carte. Keep in mind that there are fees no matter the choice -- and they're steep. The Best Brew Bar & Kitchen serves drinks and light seasonal fare all day in an airy space with large windows looking out to the arena. There's also outdoor seating for dining alfresco in nice weather, and it's a relatively popular spot with previous guests. Room service is available. The fitness center has a couple cardio machines and small selection of free weights, plus exercise balls and yoga mats. It's fine for a basic workout, but not much else. Four flexible meeting spaces are available for conferences, meetings, and special events of various sizes. Two rooms can be combined to create a ballroom that can accommodate up to 250 people. A business center on the lobby level has two computers and a printer for guests to use around-the-clock. Wi-Fi is free in the lobby and all public areas, but it comes for a fee in rooms unless guests are Starwood Preferred Guest members who book direct. Parking is off-site and -- predictably -- expensive for self-park or valet options.