The best serviced apartments in Canberra

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dining area and kitchen

One of Accommodate Canberra’s executive apartments in Kingston. Photo: Accommodate Canberra.

Perhaps you are searching for somewhere to stay on your next family vacation? Or looking for some business-friendly accommodation on your extended work trip in our nation’s capital? Maybe you are hunting for somewhere comfortable for the in-laws to stay when they are next in town?

Regardless of your intentions, it sounds like you are doing the rounds on accommodation options here in Canberra. The good news is that our beautiful region has it all. From the most luxurious hotels through to boutique bed and breakfasts every traveller style is catered to.

Ultimately if what you are looking for is a home away from home then you have come to the right place. Canberra’s serviced apartments provide the best of both worlds. Beautiful accommodation with everything at your fingertips, and more than ample space to unwind after a busy day.

Indeed, serviced apartments are a favoured accommodation type for many travellers. Often, they provide loads more space with just as many features as a typical hotel room. They also allow for greater flexibility in terms of travelling group size – and of course style.

Whether you are travelling for business or leisure, chances are you want only the best that your money can buy. And, in a world of dicey online advertising finding the right serviced apartment is not an easy task.

Fortunately, we have rounded up the best serviced apartments in the Canberra region. Read on below to find out more.

What makes a great serviced apartment?

Great serviced apartments offer carefree nights away for both short and long-term travellers. They are full to the brim with features that make you feel as though you were right at home. To help evaluate serviced apartments on your list we suggest you consider the following:

  • Home away from home. One of the biggest draw cards of serviced apartment accommodation is that home away from home feeling. Much like your humble abode, the average serviced apartment contains all the comforts of modern life. From fully equipped kitchens and laundries all the way through to entertainment and technology, most serviced apartments have it all. But be careful – one should never assume! Always research apartment features to ensure your requirements are catered to. Things like heating or cooling, elevator access, secure parking and Wi-Fi may not be a given. If in doubt, contact the property directly and request this information in writing.
  • Amenities aplenty. Some of the best serviced apartments boast amenities akin to those found in hotels. Things like business centres, indoor or outdoor pools, and gymnasiums can also be found amongst many serviced apartments. For families, outdoor entertainment, and barbeque areas, along with secure parking can also be a huge bonus. And, if the serviced apartment is within a hotel, there may also be a range of dining options on offer. So, consider your musts versus nice-to-have’s and prioritise options accordingly.
  • Centrally located. As with all accommodation options, determining your ideal location will depend on why you are travelling. Business travellers may prefer the hustle and bustle of the city, walking distance to quick dining options. Leisure travellers may prefer to be near cultural icons, entertainment venues, and retailers. Regardless, proximity to transport will be key, so ensure you research this component well to make getting around a breeze.
  • Excellent housekeeping. After a lengthy day’s travel there is nothing worse than arriving at your accommodation to discover questionable standards of cleanliness. And while individual expectations do vary one thing is for certain; all travellers want to feel at ease. The best serviced apartments know this well. For them, cleanliness is a badge to wear with pride. They employ only the best housekeeping teams that do more than a mere spray and wipe. Furthermore, the provide options making them available at a higher frequency as needed. So, review housekeeping frequency along with inclusions such as bedroom and bathroom linen, along with associated costs for extra servicing. And check reviews from past clients for added peace of mind.
  • Customised experience. Staying at a serviced apartment does not mean you need to miss out that special customer experience. Many serviced apartments are supported by round the clock property staff to ensure all client needs are addressed. For that something special consider apartments who offer additional inclusions that personalise your stay. Be it little things like bubbles on arrival or meal kits to order, through to car rental and beauty or wellness services. It all really depends on your needs, and of course your budget.

The best serviced accommodation in Canberra

Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.

To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.

The Property Collective

The Property Collective helps investors make money and reach financial goals sooner through short-stay rental. Apartment specialists with deep market knowledge, they understand the increased earning potential of short-term rental.

With a reimagined approach, The Property Collective offers low rental management fees and provides a comprehensive investor set-up check list.

The Property Collective’s experienced professionals optimise advertising and access the best property-related services for enhanced guest experience.

A five-star assessment report forecasts earning potential and details how to attract ideal guests and earn income in just weeks. Other benefits include customised property management to align with investment intentions, goals and budgets, driving higher occupancy and returns.

The Property Collective’s management software integrates with short-stay rental portals, while advertising is consistent across all platforms and properties are seen more times in more searches. Marketing includes high-quality photography, creative copy writing and detailed pricing analysis and ongoing adjustments.

Investors can keep on top of performance in real time through The Property Collective’s portal, including reservations, revenue and monthly and end-of-year statements.

Guests enjoy seamless service and five-star cleanliness.

Nguyen Lee wrote on Google, “Jarryd and team helped with getting me set up with property management for my unit. Their communication was great … this made the whole handover process seamless and stress-free.”

Accommodate Canberra

Accommodate Canberra was born from the integration of a seasoned property management company and an accommodation supplier who identified the need for exclusive, luxurious, and affordable accommodation options in Canberra. They host over eighty properties with one, two or three-bedrooms. The apartments are seeded in numerous locations across the cultural heart of Canberra; with the regions glorious eateries and local attractions only a stone’s throw away.

Kim Godinet wrote on Google, “Stunning apartments in perfect location in Canberra. Incredibly furnished which was a plus for me as I had a long term stay."

Nishi Apartments Eco Living by Ovolo

Located in an architectural delight, Nishi Apartments Eco Living by Ovolo is the perfect place to embrace a cultural stay in Canberra.

The forging of Australian landscape characteristics with original art and vintage furnishings provides an utterly unique feel. With studios through to two-bedroom apartments each are designed with passive cooling and hydronic heating in mind.

Apartments feature a fully kitted kitchen, self-service laundry facilities and Wi-Fi, with deluxe options including a swag of entertainment extras like Apple TV. For a serviced stay that appeals to the creative at heart look to Nishi Apartments by Ovolo.

Josephine Gregorie shared this review on Google, “Excellent service - it all started with the professional warm welcome and clear instructions at the check in desk. Super comfortable, modern, clean and great service.”

Birch Apartments Canberra

Located in the prestigious Manhattan on the Park building, Birch Apartments feature six exceptionally styled one and two-bedroom apartments.

All apartments include large open plan living, dining and kitchen spaces, with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies. The opulent bedroom and bathroom spaces come with linens and essentials, and guests are welcomed with a gift pack on arrival.

Extra amenities include an outdoor pool, gymnasium, secure parking, and manicured gardens. For a private and luxurious extended stay of one to six months look to Birch Apartments Canberra.

Adrian Giles shared this wonderful review on Google, “Perfect location, great view and luxury amenities.”

Burbury Apartments

Located in Barton, Burbury Apartments are known for their contemporary design conceived for the business visitor and discerning traveller alike. Residing amongst the Burbury Hotel, guests have access to a variety of precinct amenities including dining options, hair salon, health club and day spa.

Burbury Apartments off a mix of one and two-bedroom architecturally designed apartments. Each features a full-size kitchen, king size beds with luxurious bathrooms, Smart TVs, washing and drying machines, balconies, undercover secure parking, and complimentary Wi-Fi. For carefree travel look to Burbury Apartments.

A past traveller shared this review of their experience on a booking website, “The size and layout of the apartment is awesome. We were extremely happy with our stay, and we will definitely be back.”

To compare your stay with hotel options be sure to read our article on the best hotels in Canberra. If you’d like some ideas what to do whilst staying in Canberra, check out our article on the top 10 places to visit.

For some great casual dining options in Canberra, see our articles on the best pubs, the best gastropubs, and the best steakhouses Canberra has to offer. For more sparkle our articles on the best restaurants and the best fine dining in Canberra may help.

And, should you fancy a tipple perhaps the best cocktail bars, the best wine bars, and the best Kingston Foreshore bars and restaurants may also be of interest.

Your experience with serviced apartments in Canberra

Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.

Have you had experience with any of the car service centres listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a serviced apartment?

Generally, the term ‘serviced apartment’ covers an accommodation type whereby a furnished apartment is provided for short or long-term stays. Typically, serviced apartments offer separate living, dining, and sleeping areas, along with fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities. Most serviced apartments come with a range of additional services including housekeeping, and shared amenities like a concierge, pool, or gymnasium. Furthermore, utilities and most taxes are already included within the rental price.

What is included in a serviced apartment?

Serviced apartments are much like conventional hotels however with the advantages of additional space, independence, and privacy. Typical inclusions you can expect are things like a fully equipped kitchen and laundry; one or more separate bedrooms and bathrooms; living and dining spaces; utilities; telecommunications and technology; and regular housekeeping. Many serviced apartments also include a concierge, and other hotel-like facilities like a pool, gymnasium, business centre, and on-site parking.

Are the different types of serviced apartments?

In most cases serviced apartments can be categorised into two threads; those which are managed on-site and those which are not. On-site managed serviced apartments typically feature a concierge or reception along with staff such as a property manager located in the facility. Off-site managed serviced apartments generally do not have staff on the premises though they can easily be contacted. Each has its own benefits, so consider your needs and elect accordingly.

How do I secure a good rate on a serviced apartment?

Much like other forms of accommodation, there are a few ways to secure a good rate on a serviced apartment. The basics like travelling in the shoulder season, booking in advance or at the last minute, and joining loyalty programs, all may help with securing a good rate. Also explore whether booking directly or via third party yields lower prices. Finally, consider payment options as pre-payment may at times yield a lower rate.

Is a serviced apartment right for me?

There are a great many benefits of electing serviced apartment accommodation. They are spacious, provide all the regular home comforts, and allow for eating in and self-laundering saving money on dining out and outsourcing. They cater well to both business and leisure travellers alike and provide a high level of care through services like housekeeping. That said, if you prefer features like in-room dining, daily housekeeping, and require nothing more by way of space then perhaps a hotel room is best. If you have never tried a serviced apartment, then now is as good a time as ever to give it a go!

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batmantrilogy2:45 am 11 Nov 15

Hi Paul,

For short term accommodation in canberra we have used http://www.accommodatecanberra.com.au in the past and have been a very pleasant experience. They have pretty neat and clean serviced apartments in various parts of the city.

My 2 cents.

Good news. I have found a private rental in Spence, via Gumtree. I am putting a holding deposit on it tomorrow. Thanks for all the suggestions and help. I think I will have to become a paying subscriber soon, Riot Act has been such a big help and a great source of entertainment.

Hi Paul, if you log into housecarers.com or Trustedhousesitters and pay the small fee for a 12 month period, you will find that there are many short term housesitting assignments available. You will not need to pay electricity or water and only look after their animals whilst they are away.

It is a fantastic way of saving some money for a deposit on a home too!

The idea is to line them up one after the other (in advance) in order to have your next house sit for accommodation.

At present there are an abundance of house sits in the Canberra region and they would snap you up if you have a Police Check, Reference and Identification.

The utmost respect and cleanliness for other people’s Home and belongings always is the way to go….

Thanks for the welcome and the suggestions so far. I will take a look.

Temporary meant maybe a couple of weeks or so, depending on how the unit inspection roundabout goes.

I have noticed a massive drop in rental prices in the past few months, so now is a good time to go looking as far as I am concerned.

North Canberra / Kaleen is the area I was planning for, and know really well. I have had long time friends in Watson since I was 3 years old, that was 1978. These days most of the others I know are either in Turner, Belconnen or Woden.

Amanda Hugankis11:39 am 07 Mar 13

Welcome to Canberra.

I’m afraid it’s going to be difficult to find anything short-term, non-share for much less than what you’ve mentioned. You could try Qbn, or even Goulburn (commute to Mitchell 45mins)?

You haven’t mentioned if you need a couple of rooms, studio, etc., fully furnished. Short-term will always be a bit pricier per week for a shorter term than a longer lease will be. Fully furnished, obviously more.
You could try negotiating with a motel/services apartment group for a low weekly rate, or perhaps speaking with a rental agent about taking on a broken lease (which happens often).

Good luck … Canberra isn’t the cheapest for much.

Holden Caulfield11:30 am 07 Mar 13

You have probably stumbled across these sites already, but just in case…

http://www.canberrafurnished.com.au/

http://www.allhomes.com.au/ (the only worthwhile all-round real estate site for the Canberra region)

Holden Caulfield11:28 am 07 Mar 13

Welcome to Canberra real estate prices. The benefit of being in Mitchell is you should be able to find something for sub-$450/w in the Gungahlin, North Watson, North Lyneham, Kaleen areas.

Although, how temporary is temporary? You may need to sign a 6 month lease to open up some decent opportunities.

You could try Aryle Executive Apartments in Reid. I was put up there some years ago by my new employer while I needed to find accomodation, and found them to be clean – and very well located.
I’m not sure about what the current costs are, but you can find the info here;
http://www.argyleapartments.com.au/

Good luck, and welcome to Canberra! 🙂

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