THE MECCANO SET

Can a HOTEL BUILT in a matter of weeks on the cusp of Perth’s KINGS PARK tick the right boxes? FLEUR BAINGER checks in to TRIBE.

HAVING YOUR HOTEL made in China isn’t usually something to crow about. But Tribe Perth is rather proud of the fact it was constructed in only two weeks, something made possible by its pre-fabricated, modular rooms that are stacked up like Lego. Not that you’d know. The eight-storey building that opened in May in West Perth’s corporate zone blends in effortlessly, with its jet black, shiny cube-shaped glass exterior. And then you saunter inside to find a designer wonderland with a modern luxe vibe. Neon lights reflect in black columns as shiny as patent leather; chairs fluffier than a poodle sit beside a giant chesterfield in emerald velvet; spray paint splashes plush lobby stools and multi-directional director’s lights illuminate the airy entry space. I feel cool by association. So do the front desk staff, I’d wager. All three say hello without lifting their eyes from their screens. Tribe calls itself a tech savvy destination but this wasn’t what I had in mind. More accommodating is the wi-fi: there’s no password required. I beam up to the sixth floor in a mirrored lift and gasp as I enter my black, grey and white room. It’s compact. But clever, too: a felt bed base has cut-outs for bags and shoes; there are USB points in the walls, a flat screen TV (to which you can connect a music-playing Bluetooth device, but alas, only if it’s a Samsung), a mini fridge absent of mini bar and a pod bathroom with Kevin Murphy products. A huge singular window with blackout blinds that reveals my Kings Park view, costing extra, is dominated by an ugly office building. At checkout I’m advised the hotel is reviewing its view classings. I regard Tribe’s other niggles as similar teething issues: my bed is stripped while I’m at breakfast, despite a ‘quiet’ sign on the door and a 12 noon checkout, and a $25 parking fee is charged without warning (they waive it). Dinner (menu courtesy of celebrity chef Tobie Puttock) surpasses expectations via a tasty mixed grain salad and lamb shanks. In keeping with Tribe’s unconventional style, it can be had in the communal space or brought up to my firm, comfy bed. And that’s what makes this hotel stand out as a somewhat discerning, young-at-heart offering that business travellers will love. Privately owned but managed by Mantra Group, it sticks to some rules but breaks just as many others.