Absolutely love staying at the crown metropol..!  I always leave this property feeling like i’ve had a genuine holiday.  I’ve stayed at that many hotels in the past 20 years, this has to be one of the best, and it’s only a 15 minute drive from my place in Scarborough.  Thank you Crown Entertainment and James Packer.

Walking into the Crown Metropol Perth is quite an amazing sight to be seen!  The former Burswood and Intercontinental Resort has been lovingly renovated and polished and is the foyer to their first class restaurants, Rockpool, Nobu and Silks. (how handy)

If you haven’t seen the lobby, It’s a massive atrium style building with a huge reception area also featuring their award-winning buffet “The Atrium”.  Heaps of lounges and sofas with coffee tables and the ‘Lobby Bar’ which also serves breakfast lunch and high tea.  It’s a great starting spot and inviting area with heaps of beverages to choose from.  However its also a relaxing and refined spot to people watch and organise the days ‘to do’ list.

or… if you prefer, a champagne lounge is also conveniently located beside the front desk, La Vie has you covered for a bit of upmarket fiz. Grande Annie anyone

Getting back to the Crown Metropol:

Check in took forever!  While I appreciate a thorough check in experience, when it takes half an hour, that’s just getting ridiculous!  Anyhow, I wasn’t going to let that get in the way.

We were allocated 2 rooms beside each other (deluxe twin rooms) on the first floor.  Both rooms where overlooking the pool area which was an added bonus.

The rooms are fabulous and feature the following in-room technology

• Complimentary WiFi is available for internet surfing, Premium internet for streaming video or conferencing is available at an additional charge
• LCD television with over 53 channels
• Video on demand
• Radio stations
• Television Sleep and Wake-Up
• My ETV! accessing ETV gives you the ability for quick navigation to your favourite channels, movies, music etc.
• Digital Compendium – On screen services which include pillow menu, housekeeping, concierge, whats on around crown, hotel services
• Digital master switch – which I personally love, has lighting, reading light, do not disturb, make up room & air conditioning buttons

Rooms are spacious and stylish with pure white linens and duvet.  Room was a little stuffy upon arrival, and I found that the air conditioning system was actually out of order. (I did have my key card inserted into the wall)  A quick call to reception and a follow up from the engineering duty manager, the problem was solved within about 20 minutes. Kudos!

Awesome bathroom with separate shower and tub and crown labelled amenities which where of a high standard, just unsure as to which company supplies them.  Personally I prefer L’occitane or Le Labo, however crown loves to brand and they have done a great job with the lotions, shampoo/conditioner and gels.

The style and the layout of the bathroom is perfect! I have a crazy love for bathrooms in hotels and this met all my expectations – and more.

Black is back.. The bathroom features black flooring and white walls (all tiles) with a separated toilet for privacy with telephone.  Towels were plentiful and smelt fresh and clean (Always smell the towels everyone – I always do – and if they don’t smell clean, I inform housekeeping) – people do all sorts of things (hygienic and unhygienic) with towels, so be careful! – The crown metropol has sacrificed a double vanity for a full sized private toilet and separated tub.

Mini bar was quite standard with a limited selection waters, juices, soft drinks and beers supplied by coke and Carlton united beverages.  Prices weren’t too over the top.  Loved that they had Copia Pinot Grigio and Fiji water.. my favourite.

The room service menu has been designed and created for Crown Metropol guests by Bistro Guillaume which is inspired by the best neighbourhood bistro’s of Paris. (How awesome is that) The menu is perfect with a full a la carte menu abundant with French classics as well as an international sumptuous breakfast, all day and late night dining menu’s – all available delivered to your guest room.

Or if you prefer, Bistro Guillaume is located downstairs in the lobby (just off front desk) which exudes a relaxed holiday feel, encouraging diners to stay for a while and savour every moment while enjoying acclaimed chef Guillaume Brahimi’s delicious bistro cuisine – and the sensational view of the outdoor pool area – see below for a better picture.  One of mine and my friends favourite places to ‘hang and nosh’

The whole crown experience is opulent and entertaining,,, Your choices are really varied and endless when it comes to food, beverage and live show options.  Also in the lobby area is the entrance to Nobu and Rockpool.  I loved the fact they had a pianist lady “Bex Lou” in the lobby area, playing solo classics and modern music with a twist, to break up the atmosphere in the lobby perfectly – whilst sipping on a cocktail and enjoying tapas from the lobby bar.

To be honest with you, I was a bit dissapointed with the burgers at Rockpool.  See below – this is how they served them – very strange, cos lettuce and roma toms served on the side??  The chicken fillet seemed processed??  I was a bit ‘weirded out’ as I was expecting a delicious buttermilk fried portion of breast – but was left disappointed.  The Wagu burger looked a bit better, but by no means anything to write home about.  Was expecting bettter.  Also learnt that the rockpool group had been sold and is no longer owned by Neil Perry.  So there you go people.

The very basic Caesar Salad – the butter lettuce was very crunchy / fresh.  Wandering where the anchovies and Parmesan or Reggiano where though..!

If your here on business, then crown has you covered with their business centre downstairs near the pool area (it is unassuming – but there is a lovely receptionist on duty at all times to help with anything you require.  Internet access, printing, binding and copying is all free of charge.  Really quiet and easy to surf the net without interruptions.  Its well hid, but be advised – it a free service for in house guests – glorious.

The big draw card to the metropol is the magnificent pool area/wet area.  With indoor and outdoor pools, spa’s and half tube water slides for the kids (2).  Heaps of sun loungers and day beds with umbrellas here for everyone.  Poolside also features an ‘upgrade’ experience, where you can hire the day bed, fig lounge, orbit lounge or the in-pool lounge!

The fitness centre is state of the art with all the latest equipment – I wont go into that.  There is also a series of picturesque running and cycling tracks and are easily accessible.  Bicycles are available for hire from Poolside reception

Kids hub is located in the lower level of the hotel and is suitable for 16 years and under.  The area is complete with gaming consoles,. drawing tables and plenty of stuff to keep young guests entertained.

The pavilion is poolside and is made up of 6 private cabana’s.  Each are available to hire for both in house guests and the public from 11.00 am to 7.00 pm daily.  Each cabana features access to your own private pool, two sun buds, indoor couch, plasma television, dedicated area host, towels, mini bar, iPod connectivity with sound system.  (mini bar is charged upon consumption)

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Anh offers a selection of advanced skin and medical treatments to in-house guests and the public.  Cosmetic treatments include

• injectables
• laser and medical grade skin treatments
• thermage and skin tightening
• plastic and cosmetic surgery consultations

And lastly, the casino.

The excitement and energy at Western Australia’s only casino has to be seen to be believed.  Whether your into the table games or the buzz of electronic gaming/slots – the casino boasts an incredible range of games in a stylish and sophisticated setting.  More restaurants, bars and a cafe are at your disposal inside the casino.

Just downstairs from the casino, you have the option of McDonald’s, Subway and Wok in a box restaurants with indoor seating.  An excellent option for breakfast (hotcakes and mcmuffins!!) or if you have kids – everyone will be happy..

The hotel also has a small gift shop which sells essential items, papers, magazines, cigarettes, drinks, confectionery and souvenirs.  The gift shop is located in between the crown metropol and promenade hotels, just in front of the theatre.

Our stay at crown was relaxing, indulgent and awesome! We love the crown metropol and have to say, it was very hard to fault anything!  Staff where all professional, courteous and happy at all times and they provided some genuine first class hospitality.

If your planning a trip to Perth people, then trust me, and stay at Crown Metropol – you will have the ultimate holiday and your choices are endless at crown – something different to do everyday – and Perth city is only minutes away. (and man has it become awesome).  You will leave refreshed and happy you made the decision to stay here!

Overall, I rate the Crown Metropol Perth a total of 5 out of a possible 6 stars.

my next stay at crown will be soon – loft rooms, crown towers villas and the cabana’s will be next on my review list..