The best hotels in Canberra

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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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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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Last year an ex colleague of mine had visited canberra for floriade and i was responsible for arranging their accommodation.

They were after an apartment for a short stay as they had little kids and one was a vegetarian.

I have got the mob bookmarked now – http://www.accommodatecanberra.com.au

My 2 cents.

Now taking bookings…
We’re so excited to announce that we are now taking bookings for our newest edition to the family, Abode Tuggeranong. From 20 August 2012, you will be able to stay at a brand new apartment-style hotel in Tuggeranong. Each room comes complete with kitchenette, balcony, ensuite, flat-screen television, fully-equipped laundry, free FOXTEL, free WiFi and free on-site parking. Find out more at http://www.abodehotels.com.au/hotels/abode-tuggeranong/.

Thanks Evil_Kitten, great feedback.
Abode Tuggeranong is located at 150 Anketell Street, Tuggeranong. You may be familiar with the nearly complete Vue The Residence; the new hotel shares the same site as this development.

The map on our website is the best way to identify exactly where the hotel is.
http://www.abodehotels.com.au/hotel-locations/

Abode said :

You’re exactly right GungHarlin, this is a paid advertisement. We wanted to see what people had to say about our brand and hotels in the lead-up to opening Abode Tuggeranong and felt that Riot Act had the most honest and constructive online community

Honest and constructive indeed lol

I live in Tuggeranong and I think it’s great to have another hotel out here. When people ask me currently, I have to say there’s a Country Comfort and that’s about it!

There’s plenty in the middle of Canberra already if that’s what you prefer.

Can I ask where the Tuggeranong one is located? I’m assuming amongst the apartments at Greenway there?

VYBerlinaV8_is_back, that’s great feedback about where you and your family stay. We pride ourselves on providing cost-effective accommodation with great service and amenities. We have also put a lot of effort into making sure our apartment-style rooms are just like home and have been told that our beds are some of the comfiest that our guests have ever slept in!

Jessy Gurdip
Operations Manager
Abode Hotels

You’re exactly right GungHarlin, this is a paid advertisement. We wanted to see what people had to say about our brand and hotels in the lead-up to opening Abode Tuggeranong and felt that Riot Act had the most honest and constructive online community.

Thank you for your comments and feedback Deref and mikal. Gungahlin and Tuggeranong are a little different to where you find most hotels in Canberra and this is why we have selected these areas; because there is a need for the type of accommodation that Abode offers to both business and leisure customers.

As I mentioned above, you will see more Abode hotels popping up in new locations over the next few years.

Jessy Gurdip
Operations Manager
Abode Hotels

Location near the Gungahlin Town Centre is great. Besides the Gold Creek Tourist Resort, it’s the only accomodation in the area, Am suprised more hasn’t been built out this way. The attached Siren Bar and Cafe is firing too, which again shows similar venues to it, say something in the style of Cream, the Duxton or Debacle, would make a killing patron wise if someone opened something simiilar in Gungahlin.

VYBerlinaV8_is_back12:45 pm 30 Jul 12

mikal said :

Deref said :

Looks quite nice. Odd locations, but I guess that keeps the price down.

I think the locations make sense in the context of there being few other hotels in those areas, and large government departments. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Tuggeranong one is 99% Centerlink guests staying for business.

When my family and I travel we sometimes stay in nicer hotels that are a bit out of the way, because you tend to get much better value, and if you have a hire car then it often doesn’t matter anyway.

Deref said :

Looks quite nice. Odd locations, but I guess that keeps the price down.

I think the locations make sense in the context of there being few other hotels in those areas, and large government departments. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Tuggeranong one is 99% Centerlink guests staying for business.

Looks quite nice. Odd locations, but I guess that keeps the price down.

GungHarlin said :

John Boy, is this a paid advertisement…lol

Considering the poster is ‘Advertising Feature’, I think it’s a pretty safe bet to say that yes, it is.

John Boy, is this a paid advertisement…lol

I would like to introduce myself as the operations manager of Abode Hotels, Jessy Gurdip.

Thank you for the comments posted. We appreciate the interaction as it assists us in determining what we are doing well and areas that we may need to address.

We are a relatively new brand and hotel in the Canberra market but are extremely excited that, after just two years, we are opening our second hotel in Tuggeranong in a matter of weeks. Poetix, thank you for your question about the location of our hotels; you will definitely see more Abode hotels popping up in new locations over the next few years and we are always open to suggestions about convenient locations for our patrons. We are also the only apartment-hotel in Gungahlin and one of two in Tuggeranong.

Jivrashia, you make a really good point about being across the road from a police station in Gungahlin. It assists in making our hotel guests feel safe and detracts from negative behaviour in the area. This also makes us very popular with families.

We would really like to hear what people have to say about Abode so keep the comments coming.

Jessy Gurdip
Operations Manager
Abode Hotels

Ever considered something in the middle bit of Canberra? Or are you trying to be edgy?

Abode Gungahlin
Cnr Anthony Rolfe Avenue and Gribble St Gunghlin, Canberra.

Opposite to Joint Emergency Service Centre (JESC). aka Police Station

I like the idea of an accommodation being directly across from a police station.
It’ll definitely dampen the yobbo behaviour among the guests.

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