I spent two quiet nights at The Richardson Hotel & Spa in West Perth. This was late September, right when the wildflowers pop in Kings Park. If you’re curious about what’s blooming and when, the Kings Park Wildflowers and Bushland guide is a handy resource for planning your stroll.
For an expanded, photo-heavy look at an earlier visit, you can browse my deep-dive on The Richardson Hotel & Spa.
First Look: Calm, not flashy
The lobby felt calm. Soft music. Warm light. No big crowd. Liv at the front desk greeted me by name. She offered water and asked about my flight. It sounds small, but it set the tone. Slow, kind, and tidy.
Check-in took five minutes. My bag came up right after me. I didn’t stand around waiting, which I loved after a long haul.
The Suite: Room to breathe
I had a one-bedroom corner suite on level 7. It had a tiny balcony with a view of trees and office roofs. Not jaw-dropping, but soothing.
Inside felt like a small city flat:
- A living room with a couch and a small table.
- A kitchenette with a sink, a microwave, plates, and a kettle.
- A bedroom with sliding doors and a very firm bed.
The bathroom had a big tub and a separate rain shower. Water pressure was strong. The bath products had a light lemon smell—clean, not cloying. I liked the soft bathrobe, too. It didn’t swallow me whole like some do.
Noise? Light traffic hum at night, but not bad. The air con hummed a bit. I slept fine, though I did notice a sliver of light under the curtains at sunrise. I rolled a towel along the bottom and that did the trick.
Spa Time: Slow hands, warm oil
I booked a 60-minute aromatherapy massage and added a 30-minute scalp treatment. Emma, my therapist, asked about pressure and any sore spots. My lower back was tight from the flight. She used warm oil with lavender and a hint of eucalyptus. The room smelled like a bush walk after rain.
She worked around my shoulder blades with careful, steady pressure. Not rushed. The scalp oil felt warm and silky. My neck cracked once, in a good way. After, I sat in the relaxation lounge with herbal tea. No one pushed products on me. I just listened to the quiet and watched the steam drift from my cup.
I also used the small heated pool and the steam room. The pool is narrow—more of a float-and-sigh pool than a lap pool. Don’t expect a swim workout. Expect hush.
Feeling comfortable in your own skin is half the joy of a spa day; if that notion intrigues you beyond the massage table, swing by Je montre mon minou for a candid, adults-only look at how some people embrace unapologetic body confidence and playful exhibitionism.
It wasn’t cheap. But for a treat? Worth it.
If a coastal spa retreat is more your speed, you might like my warm, sandy escape at the Sands Hotel and Spa in Cornwall.
Food: Slow Sunday, sweet scones
Breakfast at The Conservatory was good but slow on Sunday. I had poached eggs on sourdough and a flat white. The eggs were soft, the bread was crisp, and the coffee was strong. I waited a bit, though. If you’re hangry, order as soon as you sit.
I did high tea the day before. Tiny sandwiches, warm scones, thick cream, sticky jam. It felt classic and a little fancy, but not stiff.
Dinner at Opus was the splash-out. I did the tasting menu. WA marron to start—sweet and tender. Then lamb that cut like butter. The wine pairing leaned local. The chardonnay tasted like lemon and toast. The chocolate dessert had a shiny top and a soft center. I almost licked the spoon. Almost.
Location: Green and easy
Kings Park is a 10-minute walk away. I went at sunrise. Pink sky. Bird calls. Banksia in bloom. If you want to keep the floral theme going, follow one of Perth’s self-guided wildflower trails that begin right in the CBD and fan out to nearby green spaces. I grabbed coffee at Zamia Café and sat by the window. The Green CAT bus stop was close by, too. I rode it to the CBD for a quick wander. No fuss with tickets. Just hop on.
Others have even dubbed the property their “calm little bubble”; you can see that perspective in this review of The Richardson Hotel Perth for more neighborhood tips.
I also walked down to Jacob’s Ladder for a morning climb. My legs cried. Then they forgave me.
Service: Thoughtful little things
Housekeeping came while I was out and folded my charging cable. I didn’t ask. They just noticed the mess and helped. Turndown came with a tiny chocolate on the pillow. Front desk booked my taxi to the airport and printed my bill fast. No song and dance.
When I asked for a softer pillow, they brought one up in ten minutes. It smelled fresh, not perfumey.
The Not-So-Great Bits
- The decor felt a bit dated—lots of brown and beige. Cozy, but not modern.
- The gym was small. Think hotel cardio, not full strength session.
- Wi-Fi slowed down in the evening. My photo upload stalled, so I tried again at 11 p.m. It finally went through.
- Pool is tiny. Great for a float, not for laps.
Travelers craving sharper lines and a fresher design vibe might consider The Hotel Modern, which delivers bold contemporary styling without sacrificing comfort.
None of these killed the mood. But they’re real.
Who Should Stay Here?
- Couples who want quiet and a good spa day.
- Solo travelers who like space and a soft landing after meetings.
- Folks who plan to walk in Kings Park and want early nights.
Luxury-minded guests who appreciate pampering surroundings sometimes also seek curated companionship when they travel. If your next itinerary takes you to Southern California, explore the One Night Affair’s Sugar Baby Oxnard guide to discover tips on connecting with like-minded partners, safety pointers, and recommendations for upscale date spots around Ventura County.
If you want a big pool scene or a buzzy bar till late, this won’t scratch that itch.
Quick Tips I Wish I Knew
- Ask for a higher floor facing Kings Park Road for more trees and less traffic.
- Book the spa as soon as you can—weekends fill fast.
- Bring a sleep mask if morning light bugs you.
- Go to Kings Park at sunrise or just before sunset. Cooler air, softer light.
- If you need a different pillow, call down. They’ll sort it.
Final Take
The Richardson felt like a quiet hug. Not flashy. Not loud. Just restful. I left with loose shoulders and a clear head. Would I stay again? Yes. For the spa, the calm, and the easy walk to green space.
Note: My last stay was in 2017. Check current status and offerings before you book, as things may have changed.