Perth’s sole surviving Art Deco hotel stands as a refined reminder of the city’s twentieth-century elegance and architectural ambition.
At a glance
The Criterion Hotel is a heritage Art Deco structure occupying a prominent position in Perth’s central business district. Originally opened as the Regatta Hotel, it was later renamed and remains the last example of its style in the downtown precinct.
History
The building was originally constructed as the Regatta Hotel before undergoing a transition that saw it become known as the Criterion Hotel. Its survival through decades of urban development and changing tastes has made it increasingly significant as a repository of Perth’s architectural heritage.
What you see
The hotel exemplifies Art Deco design principles characteristic of the interwar period. As the only remaining hotel of this style in Perth’s CBD, it represents a distinctive approach to commercial hospitality architecture that has largely disappeared from the city’s streetscape.
Cultural significance
The Criterion Hotel documents a specific chapter in Perth’s urban history when Art Deco modernism influenced commercial building design. Its unique status as the sole surviving example of an Art Deco hotel downtown underscores its importance for understanding the city’s architectural evolution and taste in the twentieth century.
Key facts
- Country: Australia
- City: Perth
- Coordinates: −31.955°, 115.8617°
- Architectural style: Art Deco
- Former name: Regatta Hotel
Practical information & getting there
The hotel is located in Perth’s central business district and is accessible by public transport. As an active hotel, visiting the lobby and public areas may be possible; contact ahead for details about viewing the interior or its architectural features.
Sources & resources
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