The Gerald hits all the right spots for a contemporary, modern luxury apartment hotel stay in Geraldton. Located in the heart of Australia’s Coral Coast and Mid West Region, Geraldton is the first major town north of Perth. Residing in the heart of down-town Geraldton, The Gerald is the perfect place to stay for those wanting apartment-style accommodation and walking distance to Geraldton’s flourishing shopping, cafe and restaurant scene, and town beaches.
Growing up in Geraldton in the 1980s and 1990s, the building which now houses The Gerald was always known as the office block called Town Towers. I remember buying my Year 8 school ball dress from the shopping arcade on the ground floor. How things have changed with the complete transformation of the building in 2017 into The Gerald Apartment Hotel, with its distinctive blue and grey exterior. Upon arrival at the Gerald Apartment Hotel, the lobby area provides a cool, modern respite from the summer heat and the famous Geraldton wind swirling down Cathedral Avenue. Definitely worlds apart from my past experience of walking into the old Town Towers building.
Reception
The reception area is small yet spacious with floor to ceiling windows running the length of the reception area and Lobby Restaurant. Check-in was a breeze with the friendly, knowledgeable staff. During busier times guests checking-in (or out) can relax in the contemporary, blue velvety lobby chairs and admire the lush wall garden behind the reception counter. Or have a coffee and cake and watch the world go by outside (or blown on by down the street by Geraldton’s notorious summer wind).
Clever use of space abounds in the apartment hotel, like the black sheer curtains separating the reception lobby from the Lobby Restaurant. And personal items from the owners home collection make an appearance in the hotel decor, like the statue greeting restaurant diners. It’s these personal and friendly touches that enhance the stay for visitors and add to The Gerald’s small-town welcome vibe. If you have the chance, chat to the hotel’s owner and General Manager – Grant, who is gracious with his time and passionate about making The Gerald the most successful hotel in Geraldton.
The Room – Premium King Corner Apartment
The Premium King Corner Apartment on level 6 is wonderfully spacious and decorated with luscious beige, grey, dusty pink, white, and dark wood tones. The first word to pop into my mind entering the room was a clichéd ‘wow’ in reference to both the sumptuous room and breathtaking 180-degree views of the Geraldton harbour, ocean and hills. Dragging yourself away from the windows, you will find a well-equipped kitchenette (think microwave, cooktop, kettle, toaster, crockery, cutlery, drinking glasses) with a small bar fridge with enough space for groceries in addition to the mini bar snacks/drinks.
Four massive pillows, with a blue G embroidered on the corner, adorn the large king size bed. The linen is white and crisp as expected for a luxury experience. Four windows allow plenty of natural light to stream into the room; and from the comfort of the bed or plush dusty pink armchairs you can sit back, relax and take in the surrounding Geraldton skyline and harbour views. The ambience of the room is enhanced by beautiful artwork from internationally renowned professional artist, Erica Faith Lansley who lives locally to Geraldton; and are available to purchase.
For guests catching up on business work or writing postcards to loved ones back home, the room has a good size desk and a comfy chair; with double glazing and soundproof walls providing minimal external noise from the street below. Unless you have the windows open, such a treat for those wanting to breathe the fresh ocean air. The room also comprises of free wifi, large flat screen tv with on-demand movies and sport.
The Bathroom
Spacious is a word repeatedly used for the Premium King Corner Apartment, and the bathroom ensuite is no exception. The rectangular walk-in rain shower provides plenty of room for one or two, and the complimentary bathroom hair and soap products smell divine. A decent size hairdryer is provided should you wish to save room in your suitcase. And the cute little orange ‘The Gerald’ fish adds a pop of colour and happiness to the bathroom.
The Gerald Lobby Breakfast
Being an apartment hotel, The Gerald provides a light continental buffet breakfast for guests, served from 6.30 am in The Lobby restaurant. There a small selection breakfast items to choose from, such as fresh fruit, toast, granola, yoghurt, pastries, cold cut meats, juice, tea and coffee. For those wanting a more substantial breakfast, the hotel staff are more than willing to share their favourite Geraldton cafe spots.
Conclusion
The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Geraldton, and the luxury apartment-style accommodation gives guests the option to cook and prepare their own breakfast, lunch and dinner should they desire to do so. Otherwise, The Lobby restaurant is open for a light continental style breakfast, coffee and cakes all day, and full-service lunch and dinner. The vibrant west- and east-ends of Marine Terrace have funky cafes, shops, restaurants and beachside dining/take-out options. And the hotel is a very short walking distance to the Geraldton foreshore with playground activities for kids, walking pathways, town beaches and harbour views.
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at The Gerald Apartment Hotel, so much so I could have moved into the Premier King Corner Apartment forever. The views of the Geraldton port, Champion Bay and surrounding town are breathtaking.
The apartment hotel has a contemporary yet warm ambience, with friendly staff providing that small town Geraldton welcome. Perfect for weekend getaways from Perth, for locals wanting to indulge in a luxury Geraldton staycation, and for tourists heading north to explore the vast, sparse and beautiful country beyond Geraldton.
Details
- Room: Rates from $230 AUD
- Website: thegerald.com.au
- Address: 25 Cathedral Avenue, Geraldton Western Australia 6530
- Phone: +61 (0) 8 9918 0100
