Cottesloe Beach Hotel

Overview

The Cott used to be quite seedy — think sticky floors, flip-flops and AstroTurf. But, thanks to some pretty major renovations, it's completely transformed into a chic Hamptons-style hang-out. White deck chairs and blue striped umbrellas play well to the building's art deco characteristics, which, thanks to a well-executed refurb, remain largely intact.

The venue has three separate areas — The Beach Club, Verandah Bar and Cott & Co — and while each space offers something unique, they're all extremely conducive to cocktail-filled catch-ups with friends. If you don't want to leave, or have perhaps had one too many of the aforementioned cocktails, stay overnight in one of the hotel's 13 rooms, which offer sweeping ocean views.

The menus are seafood heavy — this close to the ocean, how could they not be? — so be sure to sample something with scales or a shell. If you're dining in Cott & Co, we suggest the beer-battered Shark Bay whiting with triple-cooked chips ($28), and if you're hanging out on the Verandah Bar, grab some freshly shucked oysters ($4 each).

This place embodies all that Perth is about — sun, sea, sand and super-chill vibes.