Room check: Alex Hotel, Perth

Alex Hotel, Perth. Photo / Supplied

Sue Baxalle checks in to Perth's new boutique hotel, Alex, which keeps it simple.

Getting there: About a half-hour drive from the airport.

Room: Alex is a new boutique hotel aimed at providing a room to sleep in, with the philosophy that people will be going out and about. There's a bed, bathroom and a television with free movie channels. Free wifi is available throughout the hotel, too. From my room, a small balcony overlooked the mezzanine lounge.

Noise: Normally the external noise is minimal, but my first two nights coincided with free concerts to celebrate Western Australia Day, so there was a festive vibe going on.

What's in the neighbourhood? Northbridge by day is fairly calm, but on the evenings it's a hub for cafes, bars and nightlife. To one side of Alex is the cultural centre, with the Art Gallery of Western Australia, Western Australian Museum, State Library, State Theatre and the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts.

Exercise? On the walls by the stairwell is written: "We don't have a gym but we've got stairs!" Six flights, in fact, leading to the rooftop terrace, where you can recuperate on one of the loungers before the downward trip. Also, the doors are quite solid and heavy, so there's your weights workout.

Minibar? No, just complimentary water bottles. The mezzanine level on the first floor offers beer and wine on an honour system; there is also tea and filter coffee available.

Food and drink: The breakfast buffet is continental style - a choice of cereals, yoghurt, milk and a variety of artisan breads, fresh baked muffins and friands. In the evenings friands are available for guests free of charge by the lounge area. Dinner can be had at the Shadow Wine Bar next door and charged to your room, otherwise there's no lack of choice in neighbouring streets.

The bed: Sleep-conducive and comfortable. Despite three attempts, I failed to see a whole movie from start to finish.

Bathroom: Compact, with a shower, toilet and basin. All top-notch, though.

Toiletries: There are large bottles of Botanical shampoo, conditioner and body wash in a dispenser in the shower - so no option to slip them into your bags. There's an Alex-branded cake of soap by the basin and a selection of packets - shower cap, nail file and makeup remover. Unusually, once you have used items, the packets are not replenished by the service team, nor are the water bottles.

Perfect for: Exploring Perth and its environs.

Would I return? Without hesitation. Everyone was friendly, helpful, the room comfortable and the breakfast buffet delicious.

Contact: Alex, 50 James St, Perth.

The writer travelled as a guest of Tourism Western Australia and Qantas.