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Grand Hotels
It was the golden era of hotels from humble private residences to magnificent establishments.
It was the golden era of hotels, evolving from humble private residences and small inns to splendid and magnificent establishments.
Since its earliest days, Albany has offered quality accommodation for visitors reflecting the town’s welcoming spirit and growing importance as a port and settlement. The first hotel, the Commercial Tavern was established in the mid-1830s by Digory Sargent Geake, who purchased Albany Town Lot B40 in March 1832 near Point Frederick (now Residency Point) and by the end of 1837 Albany boasted four hotels, including the Ship Inn on Town Lot B15, Sherratt’s Family Hotel on Town Lot B28 and the Albany Hotel. These establishments became important social hubs, shaping the town’s character while welcoming travellers from across the region. By 1899, their significance was further reflected when special permits allowed several leading hotels including the Freemasons, The Royal George, The London, White Hart, Premier, Albany Hotel and York Hotel to keep their saloon bars open until midnight.
As Albany prospered, grand hotels emerged, offering guests exceptional comfort and luxury. Many visitors stayed for weeks or even months, enjoying spacious balconies with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Inside, inviting lobbies, lounges, reading rooms and writing areas provided refined spaces for relaxation. Rich furnishings and elegant décor reflected the sophistication that came to define Albany’s hospitality, ensuring each stay was both memorable and indulgent.

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
The Royal George
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
The Freemason Hotel
Once regarded as Albany’s grandest and most distinguished hotel, the Freemasons’ Hotel was an iconic landmark on Stirling Terrace and a symbol of the town’s prosperity and elegance. Originally built around 1890 as a modest single-storey inn, the hotel underwent significant transformations under the direction of publican and owner, John McKenzie and his son, Ernest McKenzie. Beginning around 1905, a series of ambitious expansions saw the building grow to two storeys before its remarkable transformation in 1912 into a magnificent multi-storey hotel, showcasing an impressive blend of Federation and Italian Renaissance architectural styles. With its elegant stone-toned façades and striking stained-glass windows, the Freemasons’ Hotel was a commanding presence on Albany’s skyline. Inside, it offered an exceptional standard of accommodation for its time, boasting 62 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms and modern conveniences including gas, electricity and an advanced electric bell system. Renowned for its spacious dining room, beautifully appointed guest rooms and attentive hospitality, the hotel became a favourite gathering place for locals, travellers and visiting dignitaries. Its lively saloon and public bars were celebrated for their welcoming atmosphere and fine refreshments. The philosophy of long-serving licensee Mr Horswill, whose motto was simply "Service", reflected the high standards for which the hotel became known. Adding to its distinction, the Freemasons’ Hotel even maintained its own farm just a few kilometres from town, supplying fresh produce to its kitchens and ensuring guests enjoyed quality dining. For more than eight decades, the hotel played a central role in Albany’s social life, hosting grand celebrations, important functions and countless memorable occasions. Although demolished in the 1970s, the Freemasons’ Hotel remains an enduring part of Albany’s heritage, remembered for its architectural grandeur, exceptional hospitality and the important place it held in the town’s social history.

EST. 1891
The 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
The 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
The 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
The 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
The White Hart 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.

EST. c1898
The York Hotel
The York Hotel, situated on the prominent corner of York and Norfolk Street (now Serpentine Road), opened around c.1898 and quickly became one of Albany’s most notable late 19th century establishments. By 1910, the hotel had undergone significant improvements, including the addition of a broad verandah and several new rooms, making it, as period reports noted, “replete with every comfort and convenience.” Its elevated position along York Street offered guests sweeping views across the town centre and harbour. Contemporary advertisements promoted the York Hotel as a homely, comfortable and newly renovated place to stay, equipped with modern features such as shower and plunge baths. Visitors were promised excellent meals at moderate terms, and correspondence was promptly attended to, an indication of the hotel’s emphasis on attentive and reliable service. The York Hotel also held a place in the social fabric of Albany. In December 1899, special permits allowed its saloon bar along with those of other prominent hotels to remain open until midnight for gatherings of local organisations.
Early Albany and the First Hotel
This photograph, taken in the mid-nineteenth century, captures Albany during its formative years. Looking across Princess Royal Harbour, the image reveals a small but growing settlement clustered along the waterfront, with modest cottages, fenced allotments and a landscape still largely untouched. It was within this emerging colonial community that Digory Sargent Geake established Albany’s first licensed hotel.
One of the town’s earliest civilian settlers, Geake purchased Town Lot B40 near present day Residency Point and in 1832, opened the Albany Inn. Providing accommodation, refreshments and a place of gathering for residents and visitors, the inn quickly became an important social and commercial centre within the fledgling settlement. As Albany grew, so too did Geake’s establishment. By the mid-1830s the inn had expanded into a substantial two storey brick building with ten rooms and became known as the Commercial Inn or Commercial Tavern. Serving settlers, sailors, whalers and travellers arriving through the harbour, it laid the foundations of Albany’s hospitality industry. By 1837, three additional hotels had joined the Commercial Tavern, reflecting Albany’s growing importance as a regional port and settlement.

