Staying at the Sebel East Perth

The Sebel East Perth.

Maureen Marriner stays at the Sebel East Perth.

Getting there: Uber from the airport, 20 minutes. Easy.

Check-in experience: Efficient and pleasant.

Room: 310. A Superior River View Studio. Entrance is on the ground floor, through one locked door to mine and the neighbour in 309, so two swipes needed. The Sebel is, however, built on a slope down to the Swan River so the balcony is one floor up and overlooks the outdoor areas of at least three restaurants.

The room wasn't large but contained everything I needed. Tea and coffee making, fridge, microwave. Couldn't make the television work but I was at least four hours out of my normal time zone so was too tired to care. A cute welcome pack contained a Sebel teddy that I was urged to photograph in interesting places in East Perth and put on Sebel's FB page. Also complimentary (and extremely comfortable) cotton PJs so Accor's trademark bird will ever fly close my heart ...

Bathroom: Over-bath shower with monsoon shower head. Lots of towels.

Toiletries: Organic Appelles Apothecary & Lab.

Food and drink: At check-in I was given a list of 11 nearby restaurants that have chargeback arrangements with The Sebel. I went crazy with breakfast at Toast the next day and had French toast, spiced ricotta, blueberries and maple syrup.

In the neighbourhood: Mostly residential and built around the Claisebrook Cove, a peaceful man-made inlet of the Swan River that runs out to the Indian Ocean. Small boats chug, kayaks glide and cyclists skirt. Across the river is the new Optus Stadium, Australia's third largest, used mainly for Aussie Rules and cricket. Its pedestrian and cycle link to East Perth will be a work of art in itself, the soon-to-be completed $100.3 million Matagarup Bridge. Another big neighbour is East Perth station, where the Indian Pacific train leaves on its way across the continent. The bus across the road from the hotel reportedly takes seven minutes to get to the CBD.

Contact: thesebel.com and accorhotels.com

Verdict: A taste of peaceful riverside apartment life.