Newish nook, notable nosh

Try this city-fringing suburban stay on your next trip to Perth.

If you're an AFL fan, you may know Subiaco as the place they used to play footy. And it was, for 109 years, until the new Perth Stadium took over in 2017. Or, if you're really well-travelled, you might also know Subiaco as a town near Rome where the emperor Nero built a villa, after which the suburb is named. Subi - as it is known in these parts - is a first-rate alternative to a city stay, and Vibe Hotel Subiaco is an ideal base to explore the sunny WA capital.

Vibe is located in the heart of Subiaco, a leafy, well-to-do suburb four kilometres west of the Perth CBD. Think Mosman in Sydney or Toorak in Melbourne but more hoi polloi than hoity-toity.

Bright, modern and comfortable, Vibe opened in the summer of 2020, just in time for the pandemic restrictions that cut WA off from the world. So, for we germy eastern staters (as everyone not from WA is called), it's still relatively brand-new.

Vibe's honeycomb facade hosts 168 rooms over 12 storeys, which is a serious high-rise in this part of the world. From the rooftop, where you will find the pool, gym and indoor and outdoor dining areas, the views extend to the CBD and out to the sun-drenched hills to the east, and across the 'burbs to the north, south and west.

Vibe offers various - albeit quite similar - room styles, including an interconnecting family suite. The contemporary layout, spacious design and earthy neutral tones make for a simple, comfortable stay. My Deluxe King Suite features a separate living room with an extra TV, desk and lounge, a bathroom with double vanity and bath, and the most restful bed imaginable.

Many of the rooms offer city or suburban views and undercover parking is available at just $15 for 24 hours, another stark difference from Mosman and Toorak.

Vibe Hotel Subiaco's jewel in the crown - and the high point of my stay - is dinner at Storehouse on the ninth floor. The Art Deco curves, polished brass and funky lighting set the scene nicely for cocktails, which are perfectly prepared and enhanced by the sunset vista from the outside balcony.

We share the plentiful Chef's Table degustation ($85 a head), which is presented with intelligent and attentive service. Each dish displays a meticulous depth of flavour, with the wagyu beef tartare and roasted pumpkin entrees and the swordfish main considered the standouts by our table of six.

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A nice touch is the St Marks Road Co. nook in the foyer, which knocks out excellent coffee, pastries and light snacks. Perthites typically pay through the nose for their essential morning fix and it is a pleasant surprise to find St Marks not charging $7 for a latte.

It's a short walk from Vibe to the many restaurants, bars, cafes and up-market boutique retail enclaves of Rokeby Road and Hay Street. Also just a stroll away is the superb, stately Art Deco Regal Theatre, the Subiaco Arts Centre and the vibrant, must-lunch Subiaco Hotel.

The food. Bookend your day with breakfast and dinner and drinks here.

Where: Vibe Hotel Subiaco, 9 Alvan Street, Subiaco, Perth, WA

How much: From $186 per night per room per night

Explore more: vibehotels.com

The writer was a guest of Vibe.