Andy McCutcheonDestination The Burswood Resort & Casino - Feature
September 7th 2007 01:56
In the parking lot with the Robinson R44
The Burswood Resort & Casino
When it comes to staying in Perth there is a myriad of hotel options, but there’s no need to gamble on your accommodation. The Burswood is home to the only gaming and entertainment facility in WA… staying there is the safest bet in the house.
The Burswood Resort and Casino is idyllically located on a 100ha. Property overlooking the magnificent Swan River centrally located between the International Airport and the Perth CBD making it an ideal base of operation for both business and pleasure travelers alike.
We stayed in a premium room on the 9th floor that was both private and exclusive.
Exclusivity and restricted access to this floor is due to the location of the Club Intercontinental Lounge facility and as such we enjoyed private access to the lounge that is open daily from 0530h – 2230h and is the epitome of comfort and service.
The lounge itself is an intimate setting with a service area, several dining tables, relaxing lounge suites, a wide-screen plasma TV and an outdoor balcony.
At 0600h it is open for a complimentary buffet breakfast and Per and his staff ensure that your mornings get off on the right foot with a perfectly made cappuccino, latte, or your beverage of choice.
Following the buffet breakfast, the lounge continues to stay open and facilities such as a computer, ADSL Internet access and a fax machine make staying in touch so simple. With all these amenities in one place it is the perfect place to conduct small meetings or have a few pre-dinner cocktails with friends and colleagues.
Every day from 1730h – 1930h, the lounge is host to complimentary drinks and canapés and is an excellent way to unwind from a busy day before venturing out for dinner.
Dinner at the Burswood comes in the form of a plethora of dining options with superb cuisine and vintage wines, casual and relaxed the choice was always delicious.
In the lobby, buffet style meals were enjoyed at either the Garden Terrace Café or the Atrium Restaurant and an all you can eat affair can be enjoyed for around $35 per person representing good value for dollar.
Towards the casino there is Paddy Hannans Pub, an interesting feature of the resort in that it was shipped timber for timber from Ireland and resurrected on site. Paddy’s is where a steak and kidney pie alongside a pint of Guinness is the fare of the day.
Around the corner is The Emporium at Burswood where a variety of individual eateries, a bar and a Dome gourmet coffee shop rounds out a selection of foods including roast dinners, Chinese, pizza, sushi and a variety of salad and sandwich combinations all in the $10 - $18 range. It was quick, easy and inexpensive.
Adjacent to Paddy Hannans is Victoria Station that hosts an up-market selection of steak and seafood entrees. I can personally vouch for the “Reef and Beef” combination and even with a delightful glass of Cabernet –Merlot only set me back about $42.
Next to Victoria Station is the newly opening Yu Restaurant featuring up-market Asian food. Their stuffed crab with Portuguese sauce prepared by their executive Chef Pat Cheong is absolutely divine.
Last but certainly not least is Sirocco, the trendiest of the Burswood line-up with cuisine to match. Retro design elements combined with state of the art fittings and fixtures combine to showcase an ambiance like no other. Hoards of upwardly mobile diners pack out Sirocco’s on a regular basis and reservations are recommended, so if you want to be part of the “Socialite Supper Club”, call ahead and you will not be disappointed.
Following dinner, the most difficult thing to do was to pick from a range of sinful desserts to go with our luxuriously foamy cappuccinos.
After dinner, the night was still young and without even having to page the valet we were on the doorstep of fun and entertainment.
The Burswood Casino is home to the largest entertainment facility in Perth and is the only licensed gaming facility in the State of WA. It boasts 1500 electronic gaming machines, 93 table games, Pai Gow, Two-Up and the increasingly popular Texas Hold’em and Omaha Poker.
At the Caribbean Stud Poker tables, I had a few good hands, but the dealers inability to open at the right times meant that it was a long hard battle to walk away with any significant winnings so I switched to my personal favourite the Roulette table and it didn’t disappoint as lucky #14 showed it’s face several times on the wheel.
A single straight up bet of $10 on my missus’ birthday had the tables cheering and the chips flying for a single spin win of $350.00. Meanwhile over at the pokies, Char had been accumulating a few wins as well enabling us to walk away with nearly $1200 on the night.
When the adrenalin rush of the casino began to wane we retreated to the sanctuary of your suite that was only a few moments away.
When we got to the room we had found the housekeeping staff had been there and had turned down our bed, closed our curtains and placed peppermint chocolates on our pillows. It was a very small thing but one that leaves lasting memories.
Our room itself was gorgeous. It had a broad entrance that opened to a wardrobe containing soft terry cloth robes and slippers. A programmable ensuite valuable’s safe while quality hangers in the closet allowed us to unpack and feel right at home.
Other complimentary conveniences such as an iron, ironing board, shoe shine and pants press ensured I looked my best at meetings and a fully stocked bar fridge, toaster and kettle were a nice added touch too when the late night cuppa was in order.
It seems everyone these days’ travels with their laptop and as such will be pleasantly surprised by the generous desk space and high-speed Internet connection. A pair of high back, leather wing chairs were ideal to curl up in with a good book.
The bathroom is luxuriously appointed with granite countertops and up market fixtures and contains toothbrushes, shaving kits, exfoliating soaps, shampoos, moisturizers and numerous other sundry items…in case you forgot to bring yours along.
A large oval Jacuzzi tub is uniquely positioned allowing you to watch television as your muscles soak into oblivion.
Whether you are in Perth on Business or for pleasure you cant go past the Burswood Resort and Casino. It’s level of service, friendly staff and accommodating nature alongside the multitude of sports; activities and entertainment found in one place make it the only place to stay.
If you want to take advantage of the Burswoods central location but don’t feel the need to stay in the premium suites of the Intercontinental chain, they have recently opened a Burswood Holiday Inn on the adjoining property that boasts 291 rooms in a 3½ star setting.
Whichever way you choose to go, don’t gamble on accommodation when going to Perth, take the safe bet and stay at the Burswood.
Andy McCutcheon
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