The Palace Hotel

The Palace Hotel was constructed in 1895, and was one of the finest gold boom hotels in Australia. Built using dense machine made bricks imported from Melbourne, the hotel is an example of Victorian style architecture. Some of the Victorian features include the ornate dome on the roof, and the cast iron lace on the verandahs. Mr John de Baun, an American who made his fortune from gold, built the hotel based on a design by Porter and Thomas. The Palace Hotel was closed in 1985, and is now used for business offices. The hotel was nearly demolished to make way for a new city skyscraper. Thankfully, the Bank West Tower was constructed immediately behind the Palace Hotel.

The Palace Hotel (1895). Not to be confused with the Bank West Tower, which some readers may have noticed in the background.

There was actually an earlier hotel on the site, called William Leeder's Hotel (1833). In a nice touch, the William Street entrance to the imposing Bank West Tower, has been named in his honour. It was always going to be difficult to blend the two architectural styles, though the tower can now be used as an aid to locating the Palace Hotel.

The William Leeder Entrance to the Bank West Tower.

The William Leeder Entrance adjoining the Palace Hotel.

The Palace Hotel showing the cupola (dome) on the roof.

Looking down on the Palace Hotel, from across William Street, the cupola (dome) is clearly visible. It contrasts with the adjoining roof panels of the Bank West Tower. Being located on the corner of St Georges Terrace and William Street, the Palace Hotel is right in the middle of the central business district. Office space is very expensive in these parts, so it is unusual to see a three storey building on the Terrace.

LOCATION: Corner of St Georges Terrace and William Street, Perth. Look for the old building with the big skyscraper on the roof.