First time to Perth: CBD or Fremantle?

[Nessa1977]

I've been told by many friends to stay in Fremantle. I won't have a car so will be relying on my feet and public transport.

I've got two hotels on hold, one in the CBD (Parmelia Hilton), the other in Fremantle (Tradewinds), as I don't have to pay until I get there.

I'm open to any other suggestions on where to stay. Budget $150-200 per night. Will be travelling alone, so I don't need anything too fancy schmancy but don't want to slum it either.

Staying 4d/3n.

TIA.

 

[whitty]

It would depend on where you want to go and what you want to do. Public transport isn't too flash over here and footpaths don't always have a destination, sometimes they just stop.

The train line does run from Fremantle to Perth CBD so even staying in freo you can get to Perth easily enough.

 

[Bundy Bear]

Hi, go the Hilton,

Tradewinds is not in the best location unless you have a car, or know Perth buses.

Rydes Esplanade is a better location but price may be higher.

Hilton to Perth station is about 15 minute walk then a 26 minute train trip to Fremantle.

Trains run every 15 minutes from about 9am to 6pm 9:00-9:15-9:30-9:45am, then every half hour off peak. 6:00-6:30, some extra services may operate.

Also bus from Perth airport 40 or 37 runs up the street close to the Hilton.

 

[Nessa1977]

Thanks...a few other hotel options in CBD within same price range include:

Mantra on Murray
Four Points
Novotel
Mercure
Crown Plaza

 

[Nessa1977]

I also looked at Hyatt Regency and 3 nights will be about $545. Same room through Qantas is $680ish with a bonus 4110 FF points. They do price match, but I have to have made the booking first then submit my claim and if successful, they'll honor it plus credit me with another 1000 FF points. Has anyone price matched via Qantas and been successful?

 

[Cynicor]

Fremantle is a terrible place to stay, location-wise. Stay in the city and take the train out there for the single day one might spend there.

QF price match is also hard to use, they are all jerks on the other side of the email. At the price differences you are basically valuing the points at 2c/point. I'd go for the lower cost option.

 

[mannej]

It is easy enough to stay in the CBD and catch the train to Freo.

 

[Pleb Status]

If staying at the Hilton, you can catch the 103 bus to Fremantle from St Georges Terrace (just up Mill Street and very close to the Hilton).

Also, you could walk down to the biggest waste of $440M of taxpayers money (aka Elizabeth Quay) and take a boat down the Swan River to Fremantle. I have been told it is nice.

As a word of warning, the Perth CBD is dead after 6:30pm (except for the homeless) on a weeknight. And I live in the CBD (but not homeless just yet).

 

[clazman]

Fremantle - great location if you want pubs and food, Fremantle shopping malls are dead, with more shops shut than open.

I would stay in Perth

 

[marki]

FREMANTLE it has some charm yes long in the tooth in areas but cappuccino strip is a classic and Perth is only 20 min away by Train Also the monument has great visuals

 

[exceladdict]

If you're looking to actually do anything, I think Perth city is a better base than Fremantle.

As others have said, the train will get you to freo for the day to check out breweries / cafes / hipsters.

Based from the CBD you will be able to shop, see anything at the art gallery / Northbridge / entertainment areas, walk or bus to Kings park, etc etc with more convenience.

Also 20 minutes closer to the airport.