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Albany's Grand Hotels
It was the golden era of hotels, evolving from humble private residences and small inns to splendid and magnificent establishments.
Grand Hotels were designed to provide an unparalleled experience of comfort and luxury for their guests, many of whom stayed for weeks or even months at a time. These opulent establishments featured large, spacious balconies that offered breathtaking views, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the surrounding beauty.
Inside, every detail was carefully considered to ensure maximum comfort, with inviting lobbies that exuded warmth and sophistication. The lounges, reading rooms, and writing areas were designed as tranquil retreats, all furnished with rich, luxurious pieces and adorned with elegant, regal decorations. From the finest upholstery to intricate architectural details, each space was a testament to the refinement and grandeur that guests could enjoy throughout their extended stays.

EST. 1852
ALBANY HOTEL
The original premise residing on Town Lot S108 was built in 1835 and held a license for liquor in 1836. Patrick Taylor purchased Town Lot S108 consisting of a cottage in April 1840. The Albany Hotel as it stands today was built in 1852, intended as a personal residence and is believed to be Western Australia's oldest hotel. Originally known as the 'Horse and Groom Inn' it was later renamed the Albany Hotel in 1892. This nineteenth century two storey building with a lace iron balcony, acquired a grand position on York Street. In 1908 the hotel was extensively refurbished by Mrs Norrish and by a local builder, Mr Charles Layton. Mrs Norrish owned many properties around Albany and died in 1930 aged 80, still owning the hotel. The Albany Hotel retains its original style and the two wings are linked by a covered verandah. Various modifications have been undertaken throughout the years including extension of the lower verandah and enclosure and has had many licensees. An interesting link with history is a signature by Herbert Hoover in the 1900 Albany Hotel Guest Book.

EST. 1867
ROYAL GEORGE HOTEL
The Royal George Hotel on Stirling Terrace was built on the site of the old Aberdeen House, the personal residence of Alexander and Catherine Moir in 1867. In the mid 1880s the Moir’s leased the two storey house to Frederick Watts who obtained licenses to convert the building into the Railway Hotel. It is believed that some of the original structure of the Aberdeen House was incorporated into the rear of the hotel. In 1892, Moir leased the Railway Hotel to Charles Bailey and during this period the hotel’s name was changed to Royal George Hotel. In the late 1890s, Mr Reynolds took over the running of the hotel and in 1897 built a double storey verandah and added the front parapet bearing the new name 'ROYAL GEORGE HOTEL' and in 1910, further additions included a third storey with a cast iron balcony and the building was entirely rendered by the proprietor S.M Patterson. The public bar facilities were located on the ground floor with the drawing room, eighteen bedrooms, five baths and five toilets were located at the first floor level and the second floor had thirteen bedrooms, two baths and toilets. Patterson's advertising pitch was to attract commercial and professional travellers, however, the hotel remained the ‘lumpers pub’ for those who worked on the coal hulks. Today the Royal George is occupied by Six Degrees an urban Retro Bar and Accommodation and is adjacent to the White Star Hotel.

EST. 1890
FREEMASONS HOTEL
The Freemasons’ Hotel on Stirling Terrace once stood as Albany’s grandest and most distinguished hotel. Originally built as a modest single storey inn in 1890, it soon expanded—first to two storeys and then in 1912 to a magnificent three storey landmark that dominated the town’s skyline. Designed in the elegant Italian Renaissance style, the building featured warm, stone toned façades and striking stained glass windows that filled its interiors with colour and light. Within its walls were 62 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms and all the modern conveniences of the day, including gas, electricity and an advanced electric bell system. The Freemasons’ Hotel was renowned for its vast dining room, luxurious guest rooms, and attentive service. Its saloon and public bars were famous for their hospitality and fine refreshments, while the motto of long time licensee Mr Horswill “Service” perfectly captured the hotel’s reputation. Over its eighty year existence, the Freemasons’ hosted countless grand functions and visiting dignitaries, becoming the social heart of Albany. Adding to its prestige, the hotel even maintained its own farm just a few kilometres down the road, ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce for guests. Though sadly demolished in the 1970s, the Freemasons’ Hotel remains remembered as a symbol of Albany’s early elegance, optimism and civic pride.

EST. 1891
PREMIER HOTEL
The Premier Hotel was built in the last decade of the nineteenth century and is still occupying the site on the southeast corner of York and Grey Street. This two storey brick building with arched windows and moulded chimney capping with its original balcony facing York Street. In 1913, the balcony was extended along the entire Grey Street façade of the hotel. The first meeting of the Albany Roads Board was held in the hotel dining room in 1896, marking an important development in both local and state administration. From 1912 until his death in 1929 the owner of the Premier Hotel was R.R Burridge, the licensee M.A O’Grady. In 1929, it was sold at auction for £6,550 to William Harper. The building was described as having 20 bedrooms, a sitting and dining room and two large bar areas. By 1930, this description had been inflated to 26 bedrooms, bars, dining rooms, commercial rooms, bathrooms, hot water service, electric light and sewerage throughout. The building was abandon for many years, however recently the building has undergone an entire renovation, reinstating many old features and returning it to its' former regal establishment.

EST. 1898
ESPLANADE HOTEL
The first Esplanade Hotel once stood overlooking Middleton Beach on the corner of Adelaide Crescent and Flinders Parade and was opened on 7th July, 1898 with a grand celebratory dinner hosted by the owner, Mr. Charles Patterson and the licensee, Mr. J. H. Moody and their wives. Transport was provided from the town to Middleton Beach for a host of eminent guests. These included the Mayor, the Hon. W. G. Knight, the former Mayor, J. Moir, the Hon. J. A. Wright, Mr. A. Y. Hassell, MLA, councillors, bank managers and many well known business men. A dinner of many courses was served in a flower decorated dining room, where numerous speeches and toasts were followed by a musical soiree. The hotel was a great success until it was destroyed by fire on 3rd April, 1908, that started about 5.30am in a back room. A new hotel was built and opened in April 1911, which advertised electrics, telephones, septic tanks and running hot water. Numerous hotels have been built on the site.

EST. 1901
WELD HOTEL
The Weld Hotel once stood proudly on what was then known as Perth Road, today’s Albany Highway. Believed to have been built around 1901, the two acre property featured a substantial brick building with 20 rooms, along with several outbuildings, sheds and a small cottage used for staff quarters. Renowned for its hospitality, comfortable accommodation, and well stocked bar, the Weld Hotel was a full-service establishment that became a popular stop for travellers and locals. In 1938, the hotel was sold privately by the estate of the late Miss Annie Dymes to Christina and Nellie Peel, the long-time tenants, for £3,750. The Peel family held the hotel’s licence for 35 years, with the late W. S. “Billy” Peel managing the business for 23 of those years. Following his passing, his daughter Miss E. H. Peel became licensee, maintaining the family’s reputation for friendly service and high standards. After nearly half a century of Peel family ownership, the property was sold on behalf of Mrs Christina Hall (née Peel) in 1951 and went to auction on 5 January 1952, selling for £30,000. The Weld Hotel was later demolished and its former site—next to the old primary school, now Dome Café and is today used as a car park.

EST. 1909
LONDON HOTEL
The Chusan Hotel was the original hotel built in 1849 and later was rebuilt in 1871. At the turn of the century the London Hotel was built in 1909 for the sum of £7,000 by the proprietor Harry C. Sims. Mr Sims remained the proprietor until 1918. The London Hotel is a substantial two storey brick built hotel with a large spacious ground and first floor balcony, commanded views of Princess Royal Harbour and was reminiscent of an English manor with full length verandah and upstairs balcony. The hotel had a drawing and dining room on the second floor with a public bar located on the ground floor. In 1920 the London Hotel was renovated with an elaborate fretwork façade on both the downstairs verandah and the upstairs balcony, this was removed completely in the 1960s and the present entrance being a few stairs under a covered archway. The inscription ‘LONDON HOTEL 1909’ remains at the top of the building. Today the London Hotel is occupied by Liberte, a Parisian inspired bar inside blending much of the historic London Hotel grand features.

EST. 1910
WHITE STAR HOTEL
The ‘White Hart Hotel’ originally built in 1906, occupied this site but was later demolished to make way for the new hotel. Mr Charles Reddin was the manager of the White Hart Hotel in 1906 and purchased the hotel only to demolish and rebuild in 1910. Mr Reddin named the hotel, the White Star after the British passenger and steam ship liner, the White Star Line, that operated out of Albany port. With upgrades of modern requirements such as bathrooms, hot and cold water and electric lighting, supporting its boosting 22 large bedrooms and various common rooms it also including a drawing, smoking and commercial room. The downstairs area contained a larger dining room and bar area with large arched windows facing onto Stirling Terrace and a balcony with timber balustrades commanding views of Princess Royal Harbour. Sometime during 1916 and 1919 the hotel was sold to Mr. George Marques and since then has had a number of owners and undergone numerous renovations, some to reinstate its original detailing including the timber verandah. Today the White Star is the new premises of Wilson Brewery and is adjacent to the Royal George Hotel - Six Degrees.
