Garde Hotel Officially Opens in Fremantle’s Historic Convict Quarter
Fremantle has welcomed a new boutique accommodation option with the official opening of Garde Hotel this week.
Located in the revitalised Convict Quarter precinct, the 83-room hotel occupies the former Fremantle Police Headquarters, now transformed into a vibrant hospitality destination. The precinct is also home to popular venues Moon & Mary, Cassia, and the Old Courthouse, and sits alongside iconic attractions such as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison, Fremantle Oval, and Fremantle Markets.
A New Chapter for Fremantle Accommodation
Garde Hotel is a joint venture between Silverleaf Investments and W1 Hospitality, the team behind Fremantle’s award-winning Warders Hotel, Emily Taylor, Gimlet, and the nearby Hougoumont Hotel on Bannister Street.
As part of the development, the 23 Warders Hotel cottages will be incorporated into Garde Hotel, serviced through a single reception for seamless guest experiences.
Designed by Matthew Crawford Architects in collaboration with Foolscap Studio, the hotel blends heritage features with contemporary interiors.
“Now, the site has been reimagined as Garde Hotel, a boutique destination that honours this layered past while embracing Fremantle’s creative, welcoming present,” the hotel’s operators said in a statement. “The name Garde nods to guardianship – a fitting evolution from a place that once kept watch over the city, now recast as a custodian of comfort, hospitality, and culture.”
Blending History with Modern Design
The new hotel embraces Fremantle’s unique mix of old and new, paying tribute to its layered history while offering a stylish and welcoming retreat for visitors.
“Fremantle’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. From its convict-built streets and the imposing walls of the Prison to its bustling markets, maritime legacy, and thriving arts scene, the city has always been a place of contrasts. Garde embodies this spirit by blending heritage with modern design – transforming a space once defined by discipline into one that invites rest, connection, and creativity.”
Wellness & Dining Experiences Opening Soon
A new wellness centre featuring a sauna and ice shower will open alongside Anglesea, Garde Hotel’s signature restaurant, on September 15.
“The transformation of the Police Headquarters into Garde is both symbolic and practical. Where once the site enforced order, it now offers sanctuary – beautifully appointed rooms, a serene wellness centre, and Anglesea, the hotel’s signature restaurant inspired by Japanese and Korean flavours. Each experience at Garde echoes Fremantle’s dual character: historic yet modern, rugged yet refined.”