A pilgrimage to Perth has never been quite so auspicious. For many years, at least from the perspective of snooty east coasters, Australia’s most remote capital city was considered a lacklustre mining town. That cavalier assessment can no longer be supported. Blessed with a majestic river, sylvan parks and bottle-green beaches, the Western Australia metropolis has lately been enhanced by sleek hotels, inventive restaurants and captivating neighbourhoods.

Few developments embody the city’s newly polished status as does Crown Towers Perth. The hotel, opened last December as the third addition to the casino complex in Burswood, is arresting inside and out. Soaring ceilings, elaborate chandeliers and vibrant furnishings convey the impression of a gilded property in Dubai. From the multi-tiered pool to the multi-level penthouse, it’s a splashy conceit. A restaurant fronted by a big-name chef is in the offing. In the meantime, guests dine at the hotel’s Epicurean restaurant. Or stroll next door to the Crown Metropol for Rockpool, Bistro Guillaume and other culinary attractions.

Crown Towers Perth cost more than $600 million and required three design firms to execute: architects Bates Smart, interior architect Michael Fiebrich and interior designer Blainey North. North was responsible for the luminous 15th-floor lounge, the Crystal Club. And also the spa with its marble showers, gold-tiled vitality pools and La Prairie treatment rooms. I had the men’s zone to myself for an afternoon of pampering, including a hot-stone massage that rocked my world. Fiebrich, for his part, has crafted 500 spacious guestrooms with tablets that control the lighting, shades and temperature from your bed. Handsome touches include limestone showers, tufted chaises and hexagonal mirrors.

Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the Swan River, is another landmark hotel. COMO The Treasury, which arrived in 2015, has elicited global acclaim for its serene ambience, solicitous service and 48 cossetting rooms. A trio of colonial-era buildings on St Georges Terrace have been adroitly integrated and exactingly updated by architect Kerry Hill. My heritage room featured travertine vanities, towering French doors and an inviting balcony overlooking Cathedral Square and the new City of Perth library, also hatched by Hill. The hotel shares its location with a cluster of appealing eateries, including Wildflower and Post, bars, and stores offering everything from hand-made chocolates to demi-couture.

Minutes from the COMO is Elizabeth Quay, the burgeoning waterfront precinct that’s already hosted cultural and culinary happenings, including the Night Noodle Markets. Also nearby is Brookfield Place, a glistening office hub with dining attractions such as Print Hall. Northbridge, the erstwhile gritty hood, now teems with spirited bars and restaurants. Evolving projects, including a sports stadium, an extensive train line and a cutting-edge museum, will no doubt further enrich the city. Even Perth’s status as a far-flung destination is changing. Next year, Qantas will offer non-stop flights from London. Cue the Perth-quake.