We have been to Perth about 8 times (before Madri Gras).

Hotels to consider:
1. All Seasons Perth (in Northbridge) - convenient to bars and sauna (the two bars are identified above).
2. On the city side - Holiday Inn - Hay St (convenient to Northbridge - close to overhead bridge) from city side.
3. Hilton (older 60's and expensive) but last of the chain hotels that is walkable.

All Seasons Perth - likely best location and they have free parking (but you need to be in the garage by say 6pm to get a space). All Seasons Perth has two room types - outside with window ($30 more) or inside with limited light source through fake window).

Things to do:
1. Take train from Perth to Fremantle (and consider going out to Rottnest Island - boats next to train station).
2. Get car - but not first day. You can pick up a car in town (walk) say at AVIS then keep and use it to drive to the airport and return at the airport for no extra fee.
3. Drive along the beaches (have only gone north or south at most 100 miles). But close beaches north of Frementle are best.
4. Day trip (only 1/2 hour dirve) out to Swan Valley wine area. Stop at tasting farms. Best in my view is Olive Farm - new contemporay design and great staff. Book reservation at Sittella's for lunch (need to book months in advance - holds 200 but always best - great food). If you can't get a reservation - stop by and let them know you came 12,000 miles - they may try to work you in.
5. Easy to drive around the city - great view spots in the parks.
6. Good bar scene for small city - friendly people. Very good looking crowd.