The DoubleTree by Hilton Northbridge is the first ‘new build’ DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Australia. While the last announced, it is the first of three DoubleTree by Hilton hotels being constructed in Perth.
Standing at 17 stories, the DoubleTree has 206-rooms , two bars, a restaurant and an outdoor pool. While from the Hilton stable, it targets a different group of traveller compared to the Hilton brand. In Perth, specifically, the location of the hotel will attract a different type of traveller than the more traditional business people that might be attracted to the CBD located Hilton.
Location
The hotel is located in Northbridge, among the entertainment and nightlife areas of Perth. Thanks to special attention to soundproofing the hotel, once inside, you will barely know you are in an area that stays alive till late at night,
In the past, Northbridge has been somewhat cutoff from the Perth CBD. Recent developments such as the sinking of the railway have made the less separated. Yagan Square has now been completed making it easy to get between the two areas.
Check-in
On entry to the hotel, you walk straight forward to the check-in desk. A pretty efficient process, and I soon had a welcome drink, a choc-chip cookie, and the key to my room. I was shown to the lift, and was shown how to use the key to access my floor. I guess it’s a quirk in design that the key only operates one of the sensors in the lift – the other is only operated by staff keys. Not that any signage indicates this!
The Room
I was allocated a room on level 14 – a King room. Unlike a lot of new hotels, it was pleasing to see a proper bathroom, rather than the open plan design a lot of new hotels seem to get these days.
The minibar is basically empty – although a few portions of UHT milk were there. A mini bar menu is provided – so if you want something, you call down for it. It’s probably a good idea, and should stop those mysterious mini bar charges that sometimes find their way to your bill.
Depending on your room, you could get one of the following views.
Executive Lounge
The DoubleTree by Hilton Northbridge has an Executive Lounge. As per the Hilton Honors program, this can be accessed by Diamond members, or Gold members that have received an upgrade to an appropriate room. I understand that it is the only DoubleTree by Hilton in Australia that has a lounge. It is also a one up on the Parmelia Hilton, that doesn’t include a lounge in its offering.
The evening ‘canape’ service was more of a buffet offering, and consisted of no less than 4 separate hot dishes. During my stay this included cheese and cauliflower, mushroom risotto, beef casserole, and pork dumplings. Drinks was by waiter service, and there was a reasonable selection of beer, wine and spirit based drinks available.
Breakfast was served in the lounge, and while described as continental, scrambled eggs and bacon was on offer.
Restaurants
The on-property restaurant is James St Bar + Kitchen. This offers a relaxed and modern dining experience with a focus on Western Australian produce. The all-day dining venue serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in-between including bar snacks and 24-hour room service.
Pool and Gym
The hotel sports an outdoor pool, and a gym. Not the biggest pool, but still it’s a pool. In Perth, they can probably get away with an outdoor pool, as the climate is conducive to it. Having said that, it will probably be closed at least a few days during the year. It operates during daylight ours, and is locked outside that time.
There is also a 24 hour gym, should you feel the need for a workout!
Loyalty
The DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Northbridge participates in the Hilton Honors program. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else, and free standard WiFi. Members also enjoy popular digital tools available exclusively through the Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room, and access their room using a Digital Key.
As part of the opening celebrations, Hilton Honors Members will earn an additional 1,000 Hilton Bonus Points per night – up to a maximum of 5,000 Hilton Honors Points – for all stays until March 28 2019, when booking directly with Hilton.
Final Thoughts
I guess you could sum up the hotel by saying it is in a convenient location, and has a practical design for where it is. It certainly fits with my experience of the DoubleTree by Hilton mould. What makes this hotel, though, is its staff. Everyone of them appeared happy and were friendly in their service delivery.
All in all, the DoubleTree by Hilton Northbridge is a good solid addition to the hotel scene in Perth. For Diamond Hilton Honors members, it even has a lounge!
