Hougoumont, Fremantle

Location

Historically an Indian Ocean port, Fremantle is home to grand Victorian and Edwardian buildings which are perfectly complemented by a Mediterranean café culture and excellent cuisine imported by European immigrants. The hotel itself is located in the town’s atmospheric backstreets, just a short walk from Fremantle’s historic prison, art centres and museums and a five minutes’ stroll from Fremantle train station and shopping centre. While there’s a free bus service that serves as an excellent way to see the area, the precinct is best seen on its coastal bike trails and footpaths.

Accommodation

The nautical theme is carried through to the accommodation, with Cabins and larger Staterooms (recommended), rather than the standard rooms and suites you find at most hotels. However, the hotel’s interior eschews chintzy maritime chic for understated, contemporary furnishings. Each room comes with a flat screen TV, luxury bedding and a personalised mini bar while in-room coffee machines round off the creature comforts. 

Dining

Breakfast is served at Benny’s Café and Attic Café directly across the road but, for more substantial meals, you’ll have to look further afield. Thankfully, Fremantle has a wide range of dining options with nods towards its European heritage. Excellent Italian bistros feature heavily as diners soak up the town’s relaxed, bohemian atmosphere over a cappuccino. Located just 15 metres from the hotel, Fremantle’s famed café strip is one of Perth’s leading attractions and is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. In the evening, Benny’s Café hosts local bands and showcases offerings from local breweries.

Facilities

The Hougoumont Lounge forms the heart of the hotel, where guests can enjoy a beer, wine or a light snack. Here, guests relax with friends and other travellers or just sink back into a deluxe couches and tune into the flat-screen TVs. Nearby, there’s an offsite gym and attractions such as the Roundhouse, Maritime Museum and Port Beach.