Holiday Inn Perth City Centre

At its base, Holiday Inn Perth may be a chain hotel, but this property manages to break out of the expected mold with distinct decor and high-end amenities. From the street level, the Holiday Inn Perth City Centre looks smart and streamlined thanks to its gray-and-white seven-story facade. Interiors make good on that first impression with modernized and stylish spaces -- the result of a $25 million overhaul in 2016. The lobby isn’t huge, but it’s appealing with a caramel-colored leathery couch, sleek gray armchairs with tapered legs, and a curved coffee table set on a windowpane-print rug. While this space encourages a bit of lingering, the real hangout is Ivy & Jack, the hotel’s restaurant and bar, which pairs farmhouse and industrial accents for a look that manages to be both chic and cozy. Guests are a mixed group, depending on the day: During weekdays, the property attracts plenty of business travelers; on the weekend, vacationing couples and families come on getaways.

Holiday Inn Perth City Centre has an exceptional location in Perth’s Central Business District, a bustling spot where restaurants, cafes, and bars line the streets. Nearby shopping is upscale: There’s an Apple right next to the hotel, and King Street is lined with shops like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. For more shopping options, the Hay Street Mall is just a four-minute walk away. In 10 minutes or less, guests can walk to the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Perth Arena, or the waterside spot Elizabeth Quay. Corporate headquarters for companies like BHP Billiton and Chevron Australia are also an easy walk (a boon for business travelers). A free CAT bus is right across the street, and it’s just a three-minute walk to the Perth Underground station. It’s a straight shot to Perth Airport via public transit; the ride is about 40 minutes, or guests can get there by car in around 20 minutes. Valet parking is offered for an extra fee, or guests are directed to paid parking across the street.

A 2016 refurbishment swept through all 186 guests rooms here, leaving them modern and stylish. A subdued but contemporary color palette of brown, black, and gray is accented with bright pops of color, like lime-green button-tufting on armchairs, shimmery gold bed runners, and colorful wall art. Even entry-level rooms have modern (and playfully upholstered) armchairs, marble-topped desks with ergonomic chairs, and amenities that feel like upgrades: iPod docks, coffee/tea service, mini-fridges (which can be filled as a minibar on request), and 32- to 40-inch flatscreen TVs. All in all, the look and features reflect something more chic and sophisticated than one might expect from a Holiday Inn. Bathrooms are on the small side, but they're modern as well. Black countertops and white tiling is offset by wood shelving and kelly green accent walls. Square sinks and walk-in showers complete the look. Hairdryers, slippers, and individual toiletries are on hand as well. Rooms are available for two to four guests in a variety of bed configurations. Family Rooms feature an extra room with two single beds and can comfortably sleep four guests. In addition to more space, upgraded rooms upgrade amenities that may include free bottles of water, espresso machines instead of electric kettles, bathrobes, larger TVs, and/or a separate shower and tub. All rooms also include safes and individually controlled AC, but guest must sign up for the brand's free loyalty program to get free Wi-Fi. (Others will be charged a fee.)

Guests are generally pleased with Holiday Inn Perth City’s range of upscale amenities, although it is missing some of the features expected of a chain hotel at this pearl level. Dining is a highlight: The stylish “industrial chic” restaurant and bar Ivy & Jack was added in the hotel’s 2016 revamp. The restaurant opens early everyday and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. Its hot and cold breakfast buffet is well-liked -- guests can make their own fresh juice and omelets are cooked to order -- but it’s not included in the room rate. A la carte breakfasts are also available.  While dining is well covered, the hotel does lack any on-site wellness facilities -- there’s no spa, pool, or gym. However, guests get free access to a well-equipped, 24-hour Snap Fitness, about a nine-minute walk from the hotel. Other amenities include a self-service laundry room, two public computers and a printer in the lobby, seven meeting and event rooms for up to 160 guests, extra-fee valet parking, and 24 hour concierge and room service. Wi-Fi is free in common areas, but it will cost extra in rooms unless guests join the property's IHG Rewards Club. (There's no fee for joining.) For guests traveling with little ones, there are high chairs, cribs, and kids’ menus on hand. Kids also stay and eat free (the latter applies as long as parents are eating a paid meal).