It was a long due trip that I was supposed to plan for my family to Perth to visit my relatives and it finally happened. One of the biggest challenges is to look for accommodation which is centrally located and extremely affordable yet big enough for families.
I was searching online on my usual sites until I found this and after reading great reviews from all the sites and trip advisor, I decided to go ahead and book City Water Lodge.
Firstly, City Water Lodge is located right in front of the Swan River; separated by 2 narrow roads and a huge park. You walk out of your apartment and see this gorgeous view every morning!
Next, City Water Lodge caters to a lot of short-term stays so they look more like a dormitory or motel than your regular hotel or apartment hotels. While the exterior of the building doesn’t look great, the interiors are totally fine
The reception is at the front of the building and is managed by a couple of young staff who are very friendly and helpful. My booking process was fairly straightforward and simple and ample instructions with visual guide was provided for my check-in since I arrived outside the reception opening hours
The reception is opened only from 8am to 7pm so you can get your keys from the locked box outside. There is a foolproof manual sent to your email on how to retrieve this so there is no cause for worry. Within the reception, you can get maps, information on tours as well as snacks and instant noodles.
My only small gripe was a miscommunication I had with the staff over the email. I had asked for a first-floor room as I had seniors with me who cannot walk too much or climb stairs. I was assured the rooms are on the first floor and there is a ramp to the room.
When we arrived, the room was at the far end of the building and on the 2nd floor. This is where the cultural difference came in as street level is called ground floor and not the first floor for them. The ramp was actually the slope road for the car. Despite the miscommunications, the staff who arrived early before her shift tried her best to help us but in the end, we kept the room as all 2 bedroom apartments were only located on the 2nd level
The entrance of the rooms really look like a school dormitory but there is sufficient privacy from within
This is the main room once you enter which I couldn’t get a picture as my family sprawl on the beds the moment we arrived. The main room has a double bed with another single bed and a round table and a mounted TV.
The 2nd room has 3 single beds, another mounted TV and another table for 3
There is also open concept wardrobe space for hanging your clothes as well as fresh towels, soap, shampoo and shower cap provided.
There is only 1 bathroom for the apartment which can be a down point for big families as you will have to take turns and if there is one person bathing you can’t access the toilet too. There was a couple of times we had to dash to the reception to use their toilet. The toilet is generally spacious with the toilet at one side, a mini basin and a bathtub at the other end
The bathtub is of standard size and there are ample rackings for towels and clothes. The only minus point was that there were no anti-slip mat or safety handles near the tub so it could be quite a danger for old people and young children
The attached kitchen is quite large and spacious. There are many amenities provided in the kitchen. A full-sized fridge, full-sized stove, a microwave, an electric kettle and a toaster. The basin is also equipped with hot and cold water. There are also 2 pots, 1 pan, 6 sets of plates and bowls and different kitchen equipment provided.
Overall, despite some miscommunication in booking, the overall stay at City Waters was great as it was clean and very comfortable. The apartment was cleaned, trash is thrown out and towels replaced daily. However, note that there is no servicing on weekends which was not mentioned at check-in or during booking so we requested for clean towels at the reception and they actually went out of their way to get our apartment cleaned and towels replaced. Bedsheets were not changed as our stay was lesser than a week. Like any service apartments, washing of dishes was not provided.
The service provided by the staff was very good as they always make it a point to assist us in our requests. The location was only 5 mins drive from the city centre and the nearest supermarket was only 10 – 15 mins walk away. The area is surrounded by major hotel chains and private condominiums so it is very quiet and safe. On top of it all, the rate was incredible for all that they offer. I will definitely stay here again.
Rates start from: SGD 85 for a room for 2 adults and SGD 127 for a 2 bedroom apartment
Address: 118 Terrace Rd, Perth WA 6000, Australia
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