What is the best hotel in Canberra? Photo: Doma Hotels.
You might just be looking for staycation options with that special someone? Perhaps you have extended a business trip for a weekend in our glorious capital? Or maybe you are planning a short break with your family?
Regardless of what may have guided you here, it sounds like you are on the hunt for the best hotel options in Canberra. Whether you are travelling for business or for leisure, chances are that you will want nothing less than the best that your penny can buy.
As I am sure most of you will attest, you have indeed been there. Booked what you thought was accommodation gold, only to be greeted by a sad reality check upon arrival. In a world fraught with third party vendors and internet only offers finding the low down on each option can be tricky. And once you have bought your bed, you do need to lay in it – disappointment and all.
So, how can this be avoided I hear you say? Well, I am sure glad that you asked. Picking a great hotel will alleviate most of your worries when it comes to accommodation. Great hotels are a sanctuary for the soul. They nourish the mind and body and offer a wonderful night’s rest. The best hotels draw you to them over a lifetime, becoming the home of many a fond memory.
If you are searching for the best hotels in Canberra, I have some pleasing news for you. We have carefully curated the best that the nation’s capital has to offer so do read on below.
What makes a great hotel?
Great hotels are traveller-centric homes away from home. They are staffed by the very best in hospitality and offer services and facilities to cater to your every whim. The best hotels forge life- long customer relationships; offering a welcoming sanctuary for loyal client’s time and time again. We’ve unpacked a few items that will help you separate the best hotels from the rest:
- Impeccable hosts. Your hotel should feel like a home away from home. And what really makes a hotel come to life are its hosts. Warmth, genuine attentiveness, and service with a smile makes any hotel truly memorable. From your first encounter with reservations, to the concierge upon departure, expect nothing less than the absolute best from your hosts. This level of service should extend from the top down, with the managers working the floor through to housekeeping and beyond. Reviews are a great way to vet levels of customer service. Be sure to consider reviews from a variety of sources, including the best – and the worst – to get an objective picture.
- Seamless experience. A seamless stay goes a long way to making a good hotel a great one. The best hotels have mapped every possible guest interaction and have fine-tuned each to an art form. Whether it’s a swift check-in, tidy turndown, or tea as you like it, the small details make a big difference. The best hotels do not stop there; they even extend this top-notch experience to their vendors. Be it drivers, tour operators, or recommended businesses, only those that reflect the ethos of the hotel will be selected.
- Fabulous dining. After a long day sight-seeing sometimes all you desire is a nice meal in the comfort of your hotel. The best hotels cater to this need wonderfully. They offer a selecting of dining options to service every meal occasion. Whether it’s a bountiful breakfast, pool cabana lunch, canapes by bar, or a degustation dinner your hunger will be satisfied. The best hotels will not tolerate mediocracy when it comes to dining. So, not only should there be options aplenty, but quality produce and delicious morsels at every mouthful.
- Exemplary housekeeping. First class housekeeping has, and always will be, a hallmark of a great hotel. Now, more than ever, does cleanliness take a front seat in our priorities particularly when travelling away from home. Hygienic practises should be instilled through all areas of the hotel, from rooms to public spaces. Housekeeping is more than simply cleaning of course. It includes frequent servicing throughout the course of the day, fresh linens, and restocked products. Consider cleanliness ratings and past client reviews looking for specific feedback.
- Aesthetic detailing. We have all been there. Booked accommodation with high hopes only to be bitterly disappointed. And often, it is a culmination of little things that just let a hotel down. Therefore, when shortlisting your accommodation options always consider the aesthetics of the hotel in question. Consider whether it suits your travelling style? Does it cater to a particular clientele? Are the amenities new or updated? Does it have the designer touch? Asking these simple questions will help to ensure your expectations are more simply met. Beautiful aesthetic details create a sense of character and luxury, making even the most tired traveller feel at ease.
The best hotels 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.
QT Hotel Canberra
With a focus on art and design, the QT Hotel group are known for their personalised guest experience, diverse dining, and touch of quirkiness. As one of Australia’s most dynamic hoteliers the group includes QT Canberra.
This luxury boutique hotel in the political capital is steeped in handshake history. Within a 15-minute stroll of popular places like the Commonwealth Park and Canberra Centre, this 205-room gem is a great choice for business and leisure travellers alike. For a quirky designer edge look to QT Canberra.
Rooms also comes with a pooch approved mini bar by Woof Gateaux and designer bedding by Nice Digs.
Margie Jape shared this feedback on QT Canberra via Google, “Had a lovely stay at QT Canberra. Great location, with some top quality cafes nearby and an upscale bar downstairs. Generous sized rooms - clean and well maintained. Access to secure parking and close proximity to all of Canberra's local attractions.”
Hyatt Hotel Canberra
A part of the global Hyatt Group, the Hyatt Hotel Canberra is a mainstay in the capitals luxury accommodation category. This heritage listed property cleverly interweaves modern art deco with traditional styling.
Boasting 252 oversized rooms and suites, the hotel offers a welcomed escape in a luxurious classical setting. This five-star facility boasts deluxe amenities, exemplary client service and the finest in accommodation are hard to beat. For a nod to old world charm with all the comforts of today look to Hyatt Hotel Canberra.
Jasmine L shared her feedback on the Hyatt Hotel on Google, “Great service, comfy beds, cosy environment! Couldn’t have asked for more. It was a great stay.”
Hotel Realm
Located in Barton on the footsteps of Parliament House, Hotel Realm offers understated minimalist luxury with all the five-star trimmings. Featuring 163 rooms and suites, the hotel boasts numerous dining options along with a hair salon, health club, day spa and indoor heated pool.
Their award-winning function spaces make the venue an attractive proposition for business travellers and those requiring corporate services. The hotel is within walking distance to national icons like the National Gallery and National Library. For understated elegance consider Hotel Realm.
Luke Murphy shared this experience at Hotel Realm on Google, “Five star. We stayed in a one bedroom suite. Comfortable spacious rooms. Helpful staff. Well situated close to Parliament House. Would definitely stay here again.”
The light and airy lobby of the Hotel Realm features an extraordinary installation by the late Canberra artist Robert Fink. Photo: Hotel Realm.
Burbury Hotel & Apartments
Located in Barton, Burbury Hotel & Apartments offers contemporary rooms, suites, and apartments for discerning business and leisure travellers alike. Home to modern yet refined styling, the hotel caters to the needs of short and long stay guests, all supported by flexible accommodation options and extensive facilities.
Boasting a terrace that overlooks the Parliamentary Triangle and Lake Burley Griffin, the rooftop venue is the perfect spot for evening cocktails. For boutique ambiance with large scale facilities consider Burbury Hotel & Apartments.
Vicky Nehme shared her experience on Google, “My family and I stayed in a 2 bedroom apartment just this past weekend. The apartment was very spacious with all the comforts of home. Position of hotel was great as its close to all the attractions. Looking forward to staying here again!”
Burbury Hotel. Photo: Daniella Jukic.
Little National Canberra
Conveniently situated within Canberra’s Realm Precinct, Little Nation Canberra is home to affordable five-star luxury. This 120-room boutique hotel offers sophisticated yet efficient spaces for guests, and all the amenities one would expect of a luxury hotel.
Their point of difference is five-star service without the price tag, leaving more for the experiences that count. The Little Nation’s carefully considered rooms are augmented by adorned public spaces including a library and lounge. For affordable style look to Little National Canberra.
Charlotte Williams shared this review on Google, “Loved Little National! Beds out of this world comfy and staff made sure of an excellent stay. If you order food they bring it up to your room. Newspaper, hotel gown and slippers were favourite added touches. Serene and sleepy stay. Definite 5* Vibe.”
Photo: Lean Timms.
If serviced apartments are more your style, checkout our article on the best serviced apartments in Canberra.
For more to do on your stay in Canberra, you might like this article on the top 10 places to visit, or our content on the best coffee shops, and the best cocktail bars. For some great dining options for your stay, look at our content on the best kid-friendly restaurants, the best Kingston Foreshore bars and restaurants, the best French restaurants, or the best Asian restaurants that the Canberra has to offer.
Your experience with hotels 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 hotels listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I quickly and easily start my hotel search?
A three-factor search query is a quick and easy means to kick of your hotel search. Simply select your destination and travel dates; then overlay these three factors: price, location, and needs. Needs include services like room service or a salon, or facilities like a pool or gym.
How do I choose a good hotel online?
To give you the best chance of making a good hotel booking online checking a few simple aspects will make the world of difference. Recent guest reviews and images are a good starting point, along with information on recent upgrades will help assure cleanliness and comfort. Additionally, proper location screening on a map will confirm location to transport and sights. Lastly, ensuring core amenities like air conditioning and parking, along with services like wi-fi and breakfast will help round your shortlist out.
Is it better to book directly with a hotel?
In many cases booking directly with a hotel offers advantages above and beyond those with a third party. These advantages include loyalty programs, complimentary services, room preferences, and direct customer service. Direct bookings can prove particularly beneficial in the event of unplanned travel incidences, as intermediaries are effectively removed.
How do you negotiate rates with a hotel?
A simple call to a hotel’s reservation office may help to negotiate a better rate. Enquire about any promotions or multiple night rates that you may be able to access. Should a lower room tariff not be an option, enquire about additional items that may be added. These could be things like late check out, free breakfast or parking, free extra bedding for children, a welcome drink or bottle, or perhaps vouchers to tours or attractions. Although a win is never guaranteed, it doesn't hurt to ask!
How do I ask for a room upgrade?
A friendly call to a hotel’s reservation manager may help with your request for a room upgrade. Many travel advice sources cite that being a member of the hotels reward programme helps, along with advocating for a special occasion. Additionally, late check ins, shorter stays, middle value rooms and shoulder season travel may at times, assist with this request.
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