Sage Hotel, West Perth

If ever there was a year for treating yourself to a Perth staycation, 2020 is it. I was invited by Sage Hotel West Perth to enjoy their modern accommodation in leafy West Perth, as well as check out the Revelation Film Festival – easily accessible from the centrally located hotel.

Sage Hotel West Perth – The Hotel

The Sage Hotel, which opened around 4 years ago, sits in what was essentially the back yard of a heritage listed home. This historic building is where you’ll find the hotel’s restaurant. A blend of old and new working seamlessly together. Speaking of seamless – check in at Sage is friendly and quick, and I’m soon opening the door to my spacious, modern and spotlessly clean Superior King room.

There are a few room choices, and they are very well priced (currently from just $127 per night). I found the DreamWeave Sleep System king sized mattress very comfortable. The ultra dark block out curtains worked a treat and despite being close to the lift, the room was also whisper quiet.

The room features a 48″ TV, desk, safe, mini bar, tea and coffee – including a coffee pod machine. Easy high speed wireless Internet has no timers, no fees, and no limits on devices. An ensuite bathroom offers a walk in shower, with a choice of shower heads, both with excellent water pressure – a must. Quality toiletries and fluffy towels are also on hand. Other facilities that Sage Hotel offers are a well-equipped gym, bike hire (perfect for exploring West Perth and Kings Park), and Julios restaurant.

Julios Restaurant

In 1982 (a very good year!) the West Perth favourite, Julio’s Italian restaurant was born, hosting dinners for mining executives, Lady Gaga, Bono and Beyoncé amongst others. In the late 2000s, Julios was closed for a number of years, whilst the modern hotel was built alongside. The owners kept in mind its beloved history with West Perth locals, beautifully restoring the Italian restaurant and it’s period features. The rear of the historical house has been knocked through and now blends with the modern foyer of the Sage Hotel.

There’s something so effortless about dining in-house, when staying in a hotel. We mosey downstairs when we feel hungry and pull up a chair at Julios. The classy dining room has been stripped right back to the original brickwork, fireplaces, timber flooring and ceiling beams, whilst still managing to retain its cosy cottage-like charm.

I look over the wine menu, the choices are mainly Australian, with a good selection of French sparkling wine and Italian varieties too. A local chardy from Margaret River catches my eye.

The menu is made up of cicchetti (savory snacks, good for sharing), primi (handmade pasta), pizze (gourmet pizza) and secondi (mains). To start Mr C orders the intriguing crispy deep-fried lasagna croquettes. The golden bites are best enjoyed dunked in the creamy béchamel-like sauce.

Next up, Mr C devours the hearty ravioli dish. Handmade veal ravioli ($27), are plated with a ragu of mushrooms, black truffle butter, pine nuts and ricotta. It has a real peasant-food feel.

I enjoy a rustic risotto, made from carnaroli rice, the “caviar of rice”. It’s a comforting dish that’s bursting with pumpkin, chestnut, rosemary, parmesan flavours. Then topped with roasted hazelnuts for a little added texture (GF/V).

Feeling a little full, we toy with the idea of ordering dessert. We grab two spoons and share a white chocolate and almond flourless cake ($13) with lemon sorbet and strawberry gel (GF). The nutty cake isn’t too heavy – a lovely way to finish dinner.

After an excellent night’s sleep, we also dine at Julios for breakfast. West Perth has some decent cafes for brunch, and the barista made coffee at Julios is up there with the best of them.

Julio’s Plated Breakfast ($19) is brimming with creamy scrambled eggs, house beans, chicken sausage, roasted tomatoes, bacon, and ciabatta bread.

The eggs benedict ($16) was also delicious. Two perfectly runny free range poached eggs, grilled bacon, wilted baby spinach, all smothered in buttery hollandaise sauce.

Revelation Film Festival

We saw “My Darling Vivian”, just one of many movies and documentaries showing at the international film festival. The Sage Hotel is ideal to stay at if you’re attending events in the west end of the city. We had a short 3 minute drive to Luna Cinemas in Leederville. The film, about Johnny Cash’s first wife, was fantastic. It gave a rare, personal account of the country music legend’s early career. The doco is a stark contrast to “Walk the Line”, which paints Vivian in a much different light.

The reincarnation of Julio’s is a hit. From the tasty food offering, to the beautiful dining room and great drinks list. Bellissimo! Be sure to pop a stay at the Sage Hotel West Perth on your Perth staycation radar. It’s a lovely spot for a mini-break in the city!