My Personal Take on ibis Perth, A Buzz of Renewed Energy
For many of us in Malaysia, Perth has long been our friendly, familiar Australian getaway just a short flight away to the continent down under. It’s precisely for this reason that I found myself boarding an AirAsia flight this past August, part of a familiarisation trip aimed at rediscovering the city’s evolving attractions for the Malaysian traveller.
I went expecting the familiar, but what I found was a city buzzing with a renewed, electric energy. And nowhere is this fresh pulse more apparent than at the newly reimagined ibis Perth on Murray Street.
Personally, ibis is a brand that I always find consistent and reliable across the world. I can confidently say this because I stayed at the brand properties in almost every ASEAN country, from Tokyo to London, and at some point in life, Mexico City and Buenos Aires.
Now, while I’m in Perth, I’ve discovered that this flagship property has undergone a radical, stylish transformation, turning it from a simple place to stay into a destination in its own right; the perfect base for our mission of exploration, right in the heart of the business district.
Announced back in February, the top-to-bottom renovation promised a lot. Stepping through the doors on a crisp August morning, I found it delivered on every front. The lobby, once a purely functional space, has evolved into a vibrant social hub. The design speaks a fluent, local dialect, drawing inspiration from Kings Park and the Swan River with its warm, locally sourced timber and earthy textures. It’s a space that invites you to linger, a welcome respite after a day out in the city.
My room was a testament to the “modern retreat” the hotel now champions. The aesthetic is chic and contemporary, but it’s the thoughtful details that truly elevate the experience for an international traveller. The plush bed and pillows were a welcome sight for weary travellers, surprisingly good for the hotel price range. The intuitive smart room technology made settling in effortless. The rainfall shower was an absolute godsend after full-day excursions in the cold and wet of the late winter, washing away the fatigue and recharging for the next day.
Adding even more appeal for Malaysian travellers, ibis Perth now partners with AirAsia through the Hot Boarding Pass programme — an exclusive perk designed to make your stay and city experience even sweeter. Guests flying in with AirAsia can enjoy benefits like complimentary room upgrades, wine vouchers to be redeemed at the hotel’s chic Chelsea Social, and AUD60 dining and shopping vouchers at Forrest Chase, one of Perth’s favourite retail and entertainment hubs just around the corner. It’s a clever collaboration that makes exploring Perth not only easy and affordable, but also surprisingly rewarding right from touchdown.
The true heart of this transformation, however, beats downstairs at Chelsea Social. Opened in April, this all-day bar and dining hall has had a few months to hit its stride, and by August, it was the undisputed soul of the hotel. With its punchy colours and playful “London-meets-Perth” attitude, it’s a magnetic space that draws in locals and travellers alike. For our group, it became our go-to spot.
My days in ibis Perth began with a superb flat white and a hearty, wholesome breakfast, while soaking in the views of a waking Murray Street.
It was on Friday morning, however, that I experienced its most audacious offering: the breakfast rave. Wow! As a live DJ spun feel-good tunes, the space transformed into an energised hub, fuelled by excellent coffee and complimentary Chelsea Buns, a delicious nod to its London inspiration.
It was an unexpected, utterly joyful start to the weekend that I know would be a hit with my fellow Malaysians looking for unique experiences.
Beyond its chic walls, the hotel’s location remains its greatest asset for tourists. Nestled in the heart of the CBD, I was just steps from the Hay Street and Murray Street malls for that essential holiday shopping, a short stroll from the Art Gallery of Western Australia, and perfectly positioned to explore the city on foot.
The new ibis Perth has taken a name synonymous with reliability and injected it with style, experience, and local character. For Malaysian travellers seeking a fresh perspective on this beloved destination, this hotel isn’t just a basecamp for exploring Perth; it’s an integral part of the city’s exciting new chapter.
About The Author
Ed Junaidi is a seasoned Online Editor at Gaya Travel Magazine, where he has been sharing his passion for travel for over 15 years. A dedicated globetrotter, Ed cherishes the chance to explore the world, uncovering new experiences and insights with every journey. His compelling contributions to Gaya Travel Magazine earned him a prestigious residency grant from the Mexican government in 2015 through Media Residency Program. Through his work, Ed continues to inspire readers with stories that capture the essence of travel and cultural discovery.
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