Garde and Warders Hotel
Heritage-meets-contemporary brutalism. The main Garde building has bold orange-carpeted corridors, alcove floating beds, and slate-grey marble bathrooms with matte gold fittings. The older Warders Cottages run cooler — duck egg blues, exposed limestone, original timber beams, and artwork by local painter Tessa MacKay throughout. Two buildings, two very different moods, one address.
Cottage guests: the walk to Anglesea for breakfast is along the street, not through an internal corridor — fine in summer, less fun in a downpour
Why It Matters
Fremantle's first 5-star hotel in over 100 years, and one of Australia's most architecturally significant boutique openings in recent memory. The Warders Cottages are genuine UNESCO World Heritage-adjacent relics — built in 1851 to house prison guards for the nearby Fremantle Prison. The hotel also pioneered still-and-sparkling water taps in corridors, a sustainability touch that's since become its signature. Three award-winning on-site venues (Anglesea, Emily Taylor, Gimlet) make the food and drink program genuinely exceptional.
Fremantle's first five-star hotel in more than a century, Garde opened in September 2025 in the former police headquarters of the city's Convict Quarter. It encompasses 83 new rooms and suites plus the 23 limestone Warders Cottages — built in 1851 for prison guards — that made up the original award-winning Warders Hotel. Both wings share a single reception and access to the same restaurants, wellness space, and perks.
Where You'll Stay
10 room types available
Gus Holding
A quietly composed retreat in the brutalist-style former Police Headquarters, designed by architect Gus Ferguson. Minimal external views — this one is all about texture and restoration rather than vistas. Layered finishes, cocooned feel, and everything you need for a restorative urban stay.
King · 24 sqm
Gus Premium
The standout room in the main Garde building. The alcove floating bed is the hero — a cocoon of rich wood and sheer curtains framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. Comes with a luxurious bathtub in addition to the shower, making it the best value upgrade in the house.
Floating King · 30 sqm
Gus Standard
Heritage architecture meets contemporary comfort, with generous windows bringing in natural light. The best entry-level option for those wanting the Garde experience without the premium. Ideal for business or leisure — sleek, uncluttered, and well thought-out.
King · 24 sqmHelen Accessible Suite
Same generous proportions and heritage charm as the standard Helen Suite — tall ceilings, private balcony — but thoughtfully redesigned for full accessibility. King bed with step-free access, modified bathroom with walk-in shower and handrails. Registered guide dogs permitted.
King · 45 sqmHelen Suite
Named in honour of Helen Dugdale, one of Western Australia's first female police officers. Located in the heritage police lodgings wing — tall ceilings, period detailing, and a private balcony overlooking Fremantle. The bathtub anchors the bathroom and is the star of the room.
King · 45 sqmLaura Suite – Kitchenette & Lounge
Named after Laura Chipper, another of WA's first female police officers. On the ground floor of the heritage wing with high ceilings and period details. The practical choice for longer stays — fully equipped kitchenette with stove, separate living area, and a spacious feel that the standard rooms can't match.
King · 45 sqmLaura Suite – Lounge
Upper-level heritage wing suite with elevated views, a private balcony, and a spacious separate lounge. No kitchenette in this configuration, but all other suite-level amenities are included. The private balcony catching the Fremantle breeze is the main draw.
King · 45 sqmWarders Family Courtyard Cottage
The only accommodation on the entire property sleeping four guests, making it the sole genuinely family-focused option. Heritage features throughout, private courtyard, and a kitchenette for added convenience. One of the most characterful rooms on the property.
King + Two Singles · 40 sqmWarders Terrace Cottage
Ground-floor cottage with a private outdoor area — the courtyards face the street rather than an enclosed garden, giving a real sense of being embedded in the neighbourhood. Artwork by Tessa MacKay throughout. Can connect with an adjoining room if you need the extra space.
King · 35 sqmWarders Terrace Room
Set on the upper level of the 1851-built limestone Warders Cottages. Original timber beams and stonework throughout, artwork by local artist Tessa MacKay on the walls. A quiet retreat above Henderson Street — surprisingly hushed despite the location, thanks to thick limestone walls and double glazing.
King · 30 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Garde provides secure bike racks for guests exploring Fremantle by bicycle. The Fremantle Visitor Centre offers free bike hire for all visitors — the hotel can direct you there.
Hotel guests receive a complimentary cocktail at Gimlet bar during their stay. The bartender makes bespoke drinks based on your preferences — no set menu.
Daily breakfast buffet at Anglesea restaurant — pastries, baked goods, fruit, yoghurt, chia seed puddings, coffee machine. Runs 6:30–10:30am. Cooked breakfast options available for an extra charge. Barista-made coffee also available for a fee.
Hotel guests receive complimentary Western Australian wine daily from 4–7pm at Anglesea. A genuinely good list — a useful way to ease into a Fremantle evening.
Room service available from both Anglesea and Emily Taylor. Eat award-winning dumplings in your alcove bed — a legitimate perk of staying here.
Self-directed walk through the Convict Quarter precinct surrounding the hotel. Fremantle Prison (UNESCO World Heritage), Old Courthouse, and original convict-built limestone streetscapes are all within a few minutes' walk. Historic plaques on and around the Warders Cottages tell the story of the prison warders who lived there.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Full wheelchair access throughout the Garde Hotel building, including accessible suites with step-free bed access and modified bathrooms.
In-room espresso machine with pods, plus a separate milk frother, kettle, and Freo-made Chai Baba teabags in every room.
Every room includes a fully stocked, complimentary mini bar. Contents are big-brand snacks, wine, beer, and sodas — not local Fremantle produce, but entirely free to enjoy.
Rohr and Remer organic skincare toiletries in Garde Hotel rooms; Appelles luxury toiletries in the Warders Cottages.
Refillable still and sparkling water dispensers on every corridor — Warders Hotel was the first in Australia to introduce this. Reusable bottles are provided.
Self-service guest laundry on Level 2, with a large washer, separate dryer, and laundry detergent provided.
Guests arriving before check-in or staying past check-out can leave luggage with the guest services team at reception.
Reception is staffed 24 hours. Check-in from 2pm, check-out by 10am. After-hours arrivals should notify the team in advance.
Limited on-site parking bays available at AUD $35 per day. Must be reserved in advance by emailing hello@gardehotel.com.au.
Electric vehicle charging available in the on-site parking area.
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Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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