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HOTEL REVIEW: Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges, WA

Describe WA's Fremantle in one word. We bet you picked 'heritage', it's this port city’s main vibe, after all. So it makes sense to stay in a historic property when visiting. In central Fremantle, the gorgeous white façade of the 4-star Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges acts like a beacon for travellers ready to explore both Freo and nearby Rottnest Island. Travellers like Karryon’s Zoe Macfarlane who checked it out.  

Describe WA’s Fremantle in one word. We bet you picked ‘heritage’, it’s this port city’s main vibe, after all. So it makes sense to stay in a historic property when visiting. In central Fremantle, the gorgeous white façade of the 4-star Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges acts like a beacon for travellers ready to explore both Freo and nearby Rottnest Island. Travellers like Karryon’s Zoe Macfarlane who checked it out.  

Fremantle is a blend of heritage meets contemporary (meets sugar – why are there so many ways to indulge your sweet tooth here?). One moment you’re passing iconic landmarks like the Fremantle Prison, the next a hipster craft brewery. If it sounds like that could be jarring, it’s not: the melding of old and new just works here 

The Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges knows how to make old and new work, too. Built in 1875, extended in 1894, and first known as the Esplanade Hotel in 1903, this building has capital H history. That doesn’t mean it’s dated or tired, though, as I found out on my recent stay.  

Check-in 

I arrived at the Esplanade Hotel in the early evening, and first impressions counted. The beautifully lit façade of this heritage-listed property exudes a sense of history, elegance, and invitation, one I was happy to accept.  

Second impressions counted, too. At the reception area, a bubbly staff member swiftly checked me in. She seemed as excited as I was soon to be as she informed me I’d been upgraded to a Premier Spa Suite! Hurrah for spa baths after touring the Outback for 13 days

The rooms 

Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges
Look! Even the room pics are stylish! © Superior Room, Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges

I’ve stayed in a few heritage-listed buildings over the years. Ones where the décor has felt as old as the building. Thankfully, the 120-year-old Esplanade Hotel is complemented by stylish modern décor. Heritage chic, if you will. 

With 300 rooms over 11 categories (including accessible rooms), the Esplanade Hotel has a room type for every budget. The affordability and outlook of the Superior Pool View rooms makes them the most popular.  

My Premier Spa Suite – front and centre of the hotel, no less – had muted grey furnishings, a signature wall with stylish embellished wallpaper, and a large balcony (larger than most) overlooking Esplanade Park. The room’s overall vibe was classy without detracting from the building’s roots. 

Some rooms have baths, some showers, and a few have spa baths with separate showers (like mine). The Thankyou toiletries are a nice touch. 

Food & drinks 

Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges
Enjoy brekkie at the Atrium Garden Restaurant or in your room. © Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges

For a mid-sized hotel, there are a fair few ways to fuel up across the day, from brekkie at the Atrium Garden Restaurant (kids eat free) to (almost) all-day room service. 

For a quintessential Fremantle experience, a visit to the Ball and Chain is a must. As one of Fremantle’s first established bars, enjoy a craft beer, small plate, or on-trend cocktail amid the modern leather furnishings and wood panelling. 

The Marine Lounge and Bar offers meals, cocktails, plus a fancy Sunday high tea. The Harbour Master Bistro is available for private dining only. 

As the hotel is in the heart of Fremantle, there are plenty of other dining options within easy walking distance.  

Facilities 

Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges
A sunnier day for the pool than the one I experienced. © Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges

As light rain and 12-degree temperatures sadly accompanied my Fremantle trip, it was unsurprising to find the two unheated hotel pools empty. There was a zero chance I was brave enough for a dip.  

Also, zero chance I visited the gym, even for research – too risky. Good to know they have one should something funny come over me, though, right? 

If you’re heading to Rottnest Island after Fremantle, the hotel has a storage room and will happily stow your luggage until your return. 

The verdict 

Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges
The Ball and Chain is a vibe! © Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges

The Esplanade Hotel’s vibes are on point. The gorgeous heritage-listed building makes it clear exactly where you are in Western Australia and makes for an ideal base to explore both Fremantle and Rottnest Island. (Check out my winter on Rottnest review here). 

If you’re in Freo, you’re most likely heading next to see the world’s happiest animal (the quokka, of course), too. The Rottnest Express ferry is 12 minutes on foot, followed by a 30-minute ferry ride. If you pick up the ferry in downtown Perth, it triples your journey time, and you miss out on the cool-as Fremantle!  

I’m so glad I listened to advice from Freo local, Charlie at Destination Webinars. She was spot on with her recommendations for both Fremantle and the Esplanade Hotel (and kindly took me on a walking tour in the pouring rain!).  

The deets 

Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges
Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges

Room rates start around $219, subject to seasonality. To book a stay at the Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges, head here.