Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges

The pools are a decent size, but they were filthy and full of bugs. Even on a 40° day the pool bar was closed, and people can see the pools from all sides, including a car park, so it felt like living in a fish bowl. One pool should be adults only. Inside, the hotel has a 1950s England high rise council flat feel, or like a 3* European hostel, with dirty white walls and cheap carpets. The room was large but basic, and there was last night’s rubbish outside our door when we arrived. The adjoining door in our room may be why we could hear conversations through the wall, but one woke me up. I can’t see how this is rated 4*, 3* at most. Don’t pay extra for a balcony room: I’d imagined sitting out with a drink and a book, but the cheap black plastic table and chairs made me more comfortable at home. I wish I’d paid a little more for the Hilton or somewhere similar in the CBD. This wasn’t the kind of place I wanted for my birthday. We were sitting by the pool searching for the cancellation policy, and plenty of people looked disappointed when they got there. I recommend staying elsewhere. It isn’t worth the price.

Amilie at checking was super helpful and friendly, though I’m not sure I’ve got the spelling right, and Jake at the atrium bar was great too. It’s a really good property and still feels like a modern hotel, although parts of my room, 211, were dated. It took a while to find the laundry room since it wasn’t clearly signed or shown on the floor maps.

All the staff we spoke with were pleasant and helpful, especially Zoey at concierge. She was patient and kind with my 4 year old son, answered all his “but WHY?” questions, and even gave his toy bunny a ribbon while our bags were stored. The location works really well for Fremantle, especially with kids, with plenty of food places within an easy walk and a park opposite. We had a standard twin room for 1 night, on the ground floor, with a balcony looking over one of the two pools. It was functional and comfortable. The bathroom needs a facelift: it’s very dated, has a shower over a small bath, and no exhaust fan, though the water pressure and temperature were great. There were also marks on the wall and door. We used the hotel parking for $30/night, from arrival until 12pm the next day, checkout day. It was easy to reach across from the hotel, and parking our larger car was no problem.

The refurbished rooms and dining areas were a nice surprise, and I enjoyed my stay more than I expected. Service was friendly and helpful. Thanks for the lovely 50th card and complimentary wine, a thoughtful touch. I’d definitely recommend it.