Vibe Hotel Subiaco is a sky-high staycation destination dishing out the Hollywood glamour.

“You are going on a girls’ getaway 15 minutes away from your home?”

Yes, pre-Covid days, I wouldn’t have ever considered a holiday within a short radius from my own bed. But an urban staycation in my neighbouring postcode Subiaco was calling from its flashiest rooftop: a promised land of sips and swims. Finally, Subi (as locals call it) is showing off its cheeky side and its turning heads.

The leafy inner-west suburb is finding its way again after years of stop-short becoming a ghost town of its very much socially-charged heyday. The most significant change within the area is the one that stands out the most – Subiaco’s newest in-vogue skyscraper, Vibe Hotel Subiaco.

In the scheme of things, it probably wasn’t the smartest move to open up a hotel mid-pandemic. (The builders, architects and all involved weren’t to know what was coming our way in 2020.) But in the long term, it is a blessing for Subi’s latest chapter – a ‘rise from the ashes’ moment and a staycation was the perfect excuse to see how this sleeping beauty destination has awoken from its social slumber and thriving in more ways than one. 

The hotel

Subiaco’s new hive of activity appears like a rectangular white honeycomb with its hexagon-inspired contemporary design. It’s a welcomed addition to the historically-rich architecture suburb that seems to be adopting a more edgy, arty route with its rise of urban street art nearby (more on that later).

Although that fun, ultramodern artistic flair stops when you enter the ground floor – not that it is a bad thing. The reception lobby area is complimentary to its loud exterior. The sleek glass box’s décor kept to on-trend corporate minimalism with its sit-down check-in area, small lounge and café vendor, St Marks Road Co. It’s great for a casual catch up or completing work on the go, but that isn’t the hotel’s key selling point – oh no. 

Many who walk through the hotel’s doors (my girlfriend and I included) are all destined for the top. We came to leave the streets of Subiaco behind to make the most of level nine, a mini-escapism to a scene reminiscent of modern-day Great Gatsby vibes.

The rooms

Just before I dive deep into Subiaco’s permanent rooftop party, I’ll let you in on the rooms. We stayed in the second room category, Deluxe King Room, which was more than enough for both of us. It was sleek, modern and what you could expect from a business hotel – and more. Cue the comfortable bed that I can assure you is not akin to sleeping on a rock, ample lighting, roof to floor windows, and spacious bathrooms with bench space to match the toiletries overflow of two ladies. 

I also appreciated the small business desk and the lone orange armchair adding a much-needed colour-pop to overall corporate aesthetics. 

The Storehouse

Cloud nine – ahem, the ninth floor – is where it’s at. Maybe at street level, Subiaco has picked up the pace with a string of new small bars, restaurants opening up (even the occasional pop-up bar too!), but the crème de la crème is Storehouse Perth Subiaco.

The hotel chain’s signature restaurant-bar is just what Subiaco needed to reaffirm itself once again as a place to be seen with its combination of dips and sips (the hotel lap pool is right next door). Its California meets Perth with its chic art deco design of grey marble tables, pale pink padded couches, gold trimmings and an L-shaped bar bringing a touch of Hollywood glamour to the Subi sky. You could be forgiven for thinking you had been transported to some glitzy LA rooftop setting but instead overlooking our city of lights.

When we made our grand entrance early evening post pool visit, the cocktail masters were in full swing, shaking the next tasty potion. I was only too happy to oblige and ordered one of its speciality housemade cocktail’s, Bliss – a mixture of sloe gin, blueberry, fresh lemon, peach liqueur, Rosso vermouth and Aquafaba. (If you find yourself at the venue between 5pm to 6pm, you can also lap up happy hour with discounted beers and wines.) 

As I made my way with the cocktail list throughout the evening, I also got stuck into its shared-style Chef’s Table. If you are a big foodie and have an appetite to match, this is the way to go when it comes to making your way with the menu. It’s $75 per person for a minimum of two people and caters to those who are gluttons for punishment with three entrees, two mains and two desserts to sample, so make sure you find that extra stomach.

Highlights of this slow food rooftop affair included its light and crunchy kingfish crudo with kohlrabi – a heavenly taste on the tongue. A meat eater’s eyes would light up with just a look at the generous charcuterie platter, complete with an exotic squid ink salami selection. Unfortunately, this unusual pork-sea combination didn’t do it for me, but the beef tarte mixed in with yuzu, black garlic and harissa was a standout ‘hero’ dish.

Onto the mains – chicken is not usually my go-to; however, the juicy, succulent chicken breast served with almost addictive chargrilled broccoli topped with a crispy skin-style crackling was a game-changer. I would come back to the venue solely to have this chick–y moment again. 

The location

I am all for convenience, and it’s easy to understand the appeal for guests to select this hotel on its plump location alone: a 250m walk from the Subiaco train station and on the doorstep of its renowned strip, Rokeby Road, intriguing laneways and its long-time beacon of entertainment, Regal Theatre. 

But if spending time wandering the streets and flexing your hard-earned dollar at its myriad of shops, bars and eateries is not your jam; you can also get in touch with the natural world. There are a few parks within a short stroll from the hotel’s doorstep – Mueller Park, Rankin Gardens, Theatre Gardens or a quick drive to Perth’s premier picnic playground, King’s Park. 

Things to do in Subiaco

Surprisingly, Subiaco has a quirky side to it. Over the years, it has more than just a lick of paint added to it – it has become an urban tapestry with a high concentration of mural street art and sculptures by local and international artists. 

The best way to discover Subiaco’s ever-growing outdoor gallery is by checking out the Subi Art Discovery Trail. It takes under an hour to complete, and it’s a great way to get those fun shots for the ‘gram. (Guilty!)

If you are inspired to make a colourful masterpiece yourself, you can always check out The Painted Teapot. The ceramic studio offers pottery painting sessions to get the creative juices going and is a wholesome alternative to having drinks flowing when it comes to social catch-ups.

And what a fitting souvenir (if I needed to have one) of my staycation – newly minted art that speaks to the heart and beams with pizzazz just like Subiaco itself.

Book your own Subiaco Staycation from $299 per night

Package includes:

• Overnight accommodation in a Deluxe or Premier Room at the Vibe Hotel Subiaco Perth
• Guests will receive $100 F&B credit in Storehouse Restaurant
• Overnight carparking for 1 vehicle
• Enjoy a late checkout to 12pm
• Complimentary wifi
• 2x complimentary coffees from St Marks Road Co
• This package is priced from $299 per night (per couple)
• Package is available for stays from Monday through to Saturday – conditions apply

Book now at Vibe Hotel Subiaco

Feature image: Vibe Hotel Subiaco

Julia travelled as a guest of Vibe Hotel Subiaco and all thoughts and opinions are of her own.

See more: Perth