Rediscover Perth with Doubletree Northbridge

It has been a hot minute since I’ve had a night out in Northbridge. If getting an Uber late at night doesn’t really appeal, here’s a great solution… treat yo’self to a hotel room in the heart of Northbridge! I had a stickybeak around the Doubletree by Hilton Northbridge a couple of years ago, when it first opened. So, I knew before I stepped in from bustling James Street, that I could expect a quiet haven of modern luxury.

A city stay-cay at the Doubletree, with a grand total of 25 minutes travel time, was a perfect mid-week break for me. The hotel still has that shiny, new feel and is quite literarily on the doorstep of many of Perth’s best entertainment venues – The Rechabite, the Heath Ledger Theatre, and ALL. THE. BARS! I had a brand new bar on my hit list, but more on that in a bit…

Check in at the Northbridge Doubletree is a breeze. The front desk team are so friendly. A cookie, still warm from the oven, is a lovely touch that welcomes you at Doubletrees all around the world. As a side note, I parked just across the road at the City of Perth secure Roe St car park. So parking when staying at DoubleTree Northbridge is super easy too.

Doubletree Northbridge – The Room

By the time the lift pinged open on the 15^th and top floor, I was so excited to check out my Deluxe King High Floor room. If peace is particularly important to you, especially in a busy nightlife hub like Northbridge, it’s great you have the option to book rooms on the upper floors. Twin rooms are also available, as well as spacious and well-priced suites with bathtubs (bliss!). The air-conditioned room is beautifully appointed, with a huge king bed. It’s about this big haha

Plus there’s a big TV, an arm chair and desk. I was immediately drawn to the large windows, on two sides of the room, one having a northern aspect, the other overlooking the east-end of Northbridge and Perth city.

The modern ensuite bathroom has a shower that overlooks the bedroom, but there is also an electric blind, if you’d prefer privacy!

There’s just about everything you might need in the bathroom, loads of quality toiletries by Crabtree & Evelyn, a hair dryer and fluffy towels.

Some of the amenities in the room that I found useful:

Coffee and tea making facilities
Complimentary bottled water
Iron and Ironing board
Snuggly bathrobes
Huge wardrobe & safe
Free WiFi
Room service

Then I was off to explore the rest of the hotel!

Doubletree Northbridge – Things to Do

I hopped in the lift to the rooftop pool, bar and well-equipped gym.

Sadly, the weather was a bit wet for a swim, but I wish I had taken a dip anyway haha I hear the pool is heated. There are plenty of sun loungers to put your feet up on and take in the fab view towards the city skyline.

Here’s what it looks like in the sunshine… (my pic from the opening).

The Menu – James St Bar + Kitchen

After exploring, and also lounging around on that big bed, it was time to get ready for dinner. I can confirm, the shower (with options of a rain shower or regular wall mounted shower head) has excellent pressure. Big tick. Also the magnifying mirror, by the sink, was so handy.

Then, with my glad rags on, I headed to the hotel’s restaurant, James Street Bar + Kitchen.

James Street Bar + Kitchen is open seven days, for both hotel guests and locals, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The contemporary dining room and varied menu is above your average hotel offering. Executive Chef, Uman Gambhir, has created a fun take on bar food classics, including a not-to-be-missed Doubletree dessert.

first, we shared tasty plates of pork riblets, satay sticks, Turkish bread with beetroot hummus and more.

Mains include perfectly pink lamb rump, Cone Bay barramundi, vegan-friendly Tandoori roasted cauliflower and more. My favourite dish has to be the mixed mushroom gnocchi – the kitchen does a gluten free version too. Hands down the best gnocchi I’ve had in a long time.

And there’s always room for dessert… especially when it includes textures of Doubletree cookie deep fried ice cream! Nice.

Re-Discover Northbridge – Astral Weeks

With many of the city’s best bars just seconds away, I was spoiled for choice where to head next. I could visit my favourites The Standard or Lot 20, but I’d been itching to check out the new hi fi bar Astral Weeks. It’s in a very inconspicuous spot – found opposite Billy Lee’s in Chinatown.

Now, you’ve most probably heard of lo-fi wines, but what’s a hi fi bar?! Well, for those in the know, it’s essentially a listening bar. Music lovers and Audiophiles (specifically those who love vinyl records) come to listen to an eclectic mix of music, played on an old school hi-fi system.

I collect records (and my dad owned a record store when I was a kid), so this bar is totally my jam. With a killer drinks list and play list, Astral Weeks (named after a Van Morrison album) is my kind of heaven. It was fun chatting with the fellow music lovers.

After a few spins of the vinyl, I walked about 100 meters back to the hotel and headed upstairs to my room. I took in the twinkling city lights from the windows, and drew the extra dark block out curtains, before settling in for a comfortable night’s sleep.

Breakfast at Doubletree Northbridge

What a great nights sleep I had at Doubletree Northbridge! The bed was so comfortable. Not only was the mattress that perfect mix of support and softness, but the linen was top notch quality too. I wonder what they use? I want to get a luxurious sheet set now! Anyway, it was most definitely the best hotel bed I’ve slept on in a long time. And I was stoked to catch a glorious sunrise over the Perth Hills too.

But first, coffee. Sipping it, dressed in a fluffy hotel robe, makes it taste even better. Fact.

I headed downstairs for breakfast at James Street Bar + Kitchen, which has your typical hotel buffet with some excellent additions. There are plenty of options if you want the “full English” style cooked breakfast with all the trimmings. Or even something healthy like fresh fruit, cereal and yogurt.

There’s even a pancake machine, and with a touch of a button it makes you own pancakes! Impressive. And barista made coffee – YES! It’s handy to know if you work in the area, that James Street Bar + Kitchen has a coffee cart right outside on the footpath. You’ll get coffee with a smile here.

Since I’d eaten so much the night before, I opted for a very healthy chia coconut pudding with poached fruits and a flat white for my brekky.

I had a wonderful stay at the Doubletree by Hilton Northbridge. It’s an immaculately maintained hotel, and you’d never know it’s located in one of the busiest spots in the city, my room was so quiet. And just a few footsteps to where all the action is!

Big thanks to the friendly Doubletree Northbridge team for making me feel so welcome. Now is an excellent time for a city staycation. The hotel would be perfect for a girl’s night or a couples getaway too. This busy Mumma relished her alone time! After a lovely evening, and lazy morning, I felt very relaxed when I checked out.