The site was originally occupied by a single storey shop in 1868[3] which was run in 1869 by Abraham Moise Josephson[4] (who was later a successful pearl merchant).

In 1886 the branch relocated to a premises in High Street opposite Sandover's store.

[3] William Conroy became the first landlord of the National Hotel on 6 September 1886,[6] but ceased this occupation less than a year later when at 12:45 am on 24 June 1887 he confronted Councillor John Snook in the Fremantle Town Hall.

In 1902 they enlisted the architect Louis Pearce to prepare plans to rebuild a more modern and commodious hotel, worthy of its position in the centre of Fremantle.

[12][13] The West Australian in 1902 stated that "The architect has, throughout, apparently, striven to produce something which will reflect the highest credit upon his profession, and when the building is completed, it should form a valuable addition to the architecture of Fremantle.

Since then the building has been the subject of restoration efforts; the first stage reopening occurred in December 2013 with the remainder including a rooftop restaurant due towards the end of 2018.