Inside Pan Pacific Perth’s stunning makeover

In May 2023, Pan Pacific Perth embarked on a transformative refurbishment with the goal of enhancing the guest experience and elevating the hotel’s standards to a new level of understated luxury.

Just over a year into the project, the hotel has unveiled its revamped main tower, which includes 392 redesigned rooms and suites, along with refreshed convention floors and an upgraded lobby.

The new print edition of AccomNews is available now. Read it HERE

Fusion of Western Australia’s beauty and Asian heritage

At the heart of this transformation are the hotel’s 390 newly refurbished guestrooms and suites. These spaces offer a thoughtful blend of comfort, functionality, and elegance. However, the redesign is not just about modernising interiors and replacing amenities; it’s about creating an experience that immerses guests in the essence of Western Australia while delivering the sophisticated service that Pan Pacific is renowned for.

Clever design choices highlight the diverse landscapes of Western Australia, subtly influenced by Singaporean heritage. This fusion is reflected in the careful selection of materials, colour palettes, and artistic elements, creating an environment that is both luxurious and culturally resonant.

Blending local beauty with Asian influence

From the moment guests step into the lobby, they’ll notice something extraordinary. It’s not just the polished marble or the sweeping views of the Swan River. It’s the unmistakable influence of Western Australia’s natural beauty woven throughout the design. The serene colours and textures reflect the state’s coastlines, while the bathrooms take inspiration from the dramatic iron formations of the Pilbara. This local inspiration is seamlessly intertwined with Pan Pacific’s Asian roots, creating a cultural fusion that feels both familiar and exotic.

Reflecting on his favourite design elements, Shihan Abdeen, Director of Sales and Marketing at Pan Pacific Perth, told AccomNews: “It is how the natural textures and colours of the region have been harmoniously combined with refined Asian influences.

“It’s a thoughtful integration that creates a unique and culturally resonant atmosphere, truly reflecting the essence of Pan Pacific Perth.”

This local connection goes beyond design. The hotel has partnered with artisans and suppliers across the state, adding a personal touch. From the awe-inspiring drone photography by Tail Winds Aerial Media in the lobby, to the partnership with Willie Creek Pearls, where guests can harvest their own South Sea cultured pearls, the hotel invites guests to engage with Western Australia’s rich heritage in a truly special way.

Elevating the guest experience

The newly refurbished guestrooms and suites are where the hotel’s transformation shines. Each room has been redesigned with a focus on spaciousness and light, blending contemporary style with functional elegance. Whether guests are business travellers needing a comfortable workspace or leisure guests seeking the ultimate retreat, the revamped rooms deliver.

For those staying in the Pacific Club rooms and suites, the experience is even more elevated. These rooms, currently in the final stages of their redesign, offer upgraded amenities and exclusive access to the Pacific Club lounge on level seven. Picture sipping cocktails with sweeping views of the Perth skyline or Swan River—this is the kind of experience that makes a stay at Pan Pacific Perth more than just a stopover.

And if that’s not enough, the soon-to-be-revealed Presidential Suite promises to be the crown jewel of the hotel. With two private balconies boasting panoramic views, this suite offers a luxurious haven for guests seeking the ultimate in comfort and style.

Navigating challenges

Of course, any refurbishment project of this scale brings challenges, particularly in maintaining guest satisfaction. But Mr Abdeen says Pan Pacific Perth has navigated this with ease. “Through careful planning and clear communication, we minimised disruptions while continuing to deliver the exceptional service guests expect,” he said.

“Special amenities and complimentary upgrades were provided to those staying during the refurbishment, ensuring no guest left disappointed.”

The feedback

“Resoundingly positive,” said Mr Abdeen. “Guests have praised everything from the spacious rooms to the stunning views, with many commenting on how the new design brings Western Australia’s beauty inside. The revamped convention floor has also been a hit, offering a fresh and welcoming space for events.

“Guests have responded exceptionally well to the newly transformed rooms and suites, particularly appreciating the spaciousness and thoughtful design. They’ve also remarked on how the interiors beautifully connect to the outdoors, with many praising the stunning views of the Swan River and city skyline.”

Bespoke experiences: The Pan Pacific touch

Pan Pacific Perth’s commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences goes beyond the physical transformation. The hotel has introduced a range of bespoke touches that reflect its ‘Graceful Luxury’ brand positioning. Every Friday afternoon, guests are greeted with a sparkling wine cocktail—a simple but delightful gesture that sets the tone for a luxurious weekend. Club room and suite guests also enjoy house-made chocolates, adding an indulgent touch to their stay.

Looking ahead…

The hotel’s transformation is not over yet. The porte cochère, a covered entrance leading to the main lobby, is currently undergoing a redesign, promising a delightfully refined arrival experience that will set the tone for every stay. Wellness programs will be expanded, and new sustainability initiatives introduced, to ensure Pan Pacific Perth is ready for the future.

Forward vision

Pan Pacific Perth’s revitalisation marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, with this ambitious project transforming the hotel into a destination in its own right. By the time the final touches are completed in late 2024, the hotel will not only have elevated its offerings but also solidified its status as one of Perth’s most iconic landmarks.

The success of this renewal goes beyond beautifully upgraded rooms and modern amenities. It’s about redefining what it means to stay at Pan Pacific Perth, offering guests a refined and immersive Western Australian experience. The seamless blend of local inspiration and global heritage has crafted a luxurious, culturally resonant atmosphere that promises to leave a lasting impression on every guest.

Perth’s iconic Pan Pacific Hotel has long been a standout in Western Australia’s hospitality scene.

Cool change for Pan Pacific Perth

When the owners embarked on a $50 million refurbishment in May 2023, their goal was not only to give the grand Adelaide Terrace building a fresh, contemporary look but also to offer guests a cooler and more comfortable experience.

The transformation included the complete refurbishment of 392 guest rooms and suites and a redesign of the convention-level ballrooms and meeting rooms. The entire lobby and the exclusive Pacific Club Lounge on Level 7 also received a stunning makeover.

But it wasn’t just the interiors that got a revamp—business and leisure travellers alike can now enjoy a whole new level of luxury, thanks to a state-of-the-art air-conditioning system installed as part of the renovation.

The owners enlisted Reliance Airconditioning to handle this major upgrade.

“When we decided to fully renovate the hotel, we knew it was the perfect time to overhaul the air-conditioning system as well,” said Afzal Mahajan, Director of Engineering at Pan Pacific Perth. “This would minimise disruption to guests in the future. The renovation lasted 16 months, and Reliance Airconditioning did an outstanding job.

“They replaced all the cooling valves, piping, filters, and supply grills. They also installed new actuators and control valves. Given that the hotel is housed in a 50-year-old building, this was the ideal opportunity to modernise our air-conditioning system.”

Mr Mahajan added, “The new system is fantastic, and Reliance delivered everything on time.”

Salique Ahmed from Reliance echoed that sentiment, noting that the project was one of the largest contracts they’ve completed in their 14 years of operation.

“We’re very pleased with the outcome,” Mr Ahmed said. “We installed a new fine coil unit and chilled water system, replacing the existing coils and adding the necessary electrical components to run the system.”

The upgrade spanned 392 rooms, each now equipped with one of the most modern and efficient air-conditioning systems available.

“We worked on the project for 13 months, and we’re glad that Pan Pacific Perth is so satisfied with the result,” Mr Ahmed said.

The new print edition of AccomNews is available now. Read it HERE