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Canberra

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About Canberra

With its layout planned by a single architect, green and open Canberra isn’t like most capital cities. Firstly it’s an artificial creation, resulting from a fight between Sydney and Melbourne over who would be capital, built around an artificial lake, with many of its roads and suburbs pre-planned to allow for large pockets of green space. This looks nice, but it makes Canberra almost impossible to get around if you don’t have your own transport. A bike is OK, but a car is better. So more than in other capitals, it’s important that our list of the best places to stay in Canberra are relatively central to the action. While Canberra isn’t the most charming of cities, it does have some excellent facilities and plenty of money to run them.

What Not To Miss

  • Firstly there are the two parliament buildings (the new one which is built into a hill) and the Australian Botanic Gardens,
  • There’s also plenty of galleries and museums including the National Art Gallery, National Library, National War Memorial, the Science Museum (Questacon), National Film and Sound Archive, the National Portrait Gallery, the Canberra Museum, the Royal Mint, and all the embassies.
  • Enjoy the range of natural pleasures: be it the walks up Black Mountain to the lookouts, up Red Hill to the cafe or up Mount Ainslie.
  • The man-made lake with its many gardens and island - complete with Carillon and the Captain Cook Memorial water jet.
  • In spring there’s Floriade, the flower Festival and there’s an annual Folk Music Festival. Plus, there are several theatres with plenty of funding, so there’s often a quality of production which seems grand considering the city’s population.
  • The same can be said for some of Canberra’s restaurants. Outside of town there are some wonderful national parks to explore.

Our pick of the best places to stay in Canberra range from charming boutique stays in a heritage building to sleek contemporary accommodation in a hip district.

The Best Places to Stay in Canberra

For heritage buildings

  • Canberra’s Hyatt Hotel occupies one of the city’s oldest buildings, a long, low structure just below Parliament Hill. This is a large hotel, with 252 rooms and suites and an extensive garden. The rooms have marble bathrooms and there’s plenty of Art Deco era marble in the public areas too. They also do a lovely afternoon tea.
  • Peppers Gallery Hotel is a boutique hotel in Canberra’s ‘city’. Rooms are modern, with all the mod. cons. and there’s original art work on the wall. The restaurant has a great reputation and there’s also a bar, library and a lovely courtyard.

FOR A PRIVATE HOUSE OR APARTMENT

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to Canberra Airport, just a short drive from the city centre by car or bus. Alternatively, travel to the Canberra by train from other hubs - including Sydney.
  • If you would like to hire a car, we recommend visiting our online partner Rentalcars.
  • Visit between August and November, for pleasant temperatures, perfect for exploring the city.

STILL NOT SURE?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Canberra

Best Hotels in Canberra

  • Ovolo Nishi Canberra (Australia) 68 rooms from AU$193

    Romantic Break  -  Easily Canberra's coolest hotel, making this a great pick for couples dreaming of a hip, romantic stay
    Mountain biking  -  If you’re feeling really adventurous, the hotel can organise mountain biking on Mount Stromlo
    City Style  -  A stylish city pad with an impressive art collection, bold modern architecture & a great buzz
    Hotel Entertainment  -  Catch a show at the hotel's hip Palace Electric cinema, complete with prosecco bar!
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    Japanese inspired & minimally elegant, this is one of the hippest hotels in Canberra. A strong emphasis is placed on chic design, with natural materials, moody tones & an extensive art collection adorning the walls. A top-notch bar & restaurant, plus quirky onsite cinema add to the appeal. See More

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  • Peppers Gallery Hotel Canberra (Australia) 85 rooms from AU$195

    Value chic  -  A great value choice for a trip to Canberra, in a convenient central location & with a great restaurant
    Great walks  -  Take scenic strolls or go jogging along the waterfront paths which wind around Lake Burley Griffin
    City Style  -  A smart, affordable hotel in New Acton, with swish, art-filled modern interiors
    Golf  -  Play a round or two at the Royal Canberra Golf Club
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantDisabled accessNo pets

    A heritage building turned boutique hotel in the heart of Canberra. Contemporary rooms feature Bang & Olufsen TVs, rain showers and original artwork on the walls. The popular Bicicletta Restaurant, laid-back library bar & charming courtyard with sculpture garden complete the picture. See More

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  • East Hotel & Apartments Canberra Canberra (Australia) 140 rooms from AU$218

    Families  -  Decorated in a fun and quirky style, the hotel has bunk rooms for little ones & family-friendly apartments
    Groups  -  A lively, sociable spot for groups of friends who will love the bar and eateries, as well as the fun vibe
    Cycling  -  Bicycles are available at the hotel, an ideal way to explore the city with its many cycle trails
    Museums  -  Just 5 minutes' drive from the National Gallery of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery
    Air conditioningTennisRestaurantDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    Chic well-equipped apartment-style rooms in the heart of the city. Every detail has been considered from on-point contemporary design to well placed electric sockets and woollen rugs to curl up in. Featuring a vibrant bar and restaurants, popular destinations in themselves. A cool city spot. See More

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  • Hyatt Hotel Canberra Canberra (Australia) 252 rooms from AU$289

    Business meetings  -  A smart boardroom, 24-hour business centre and mulitpl events spaces make this an excellent choice for Camberra business trips
    Museums  -  The National Gallery of Australia and the National Library are both fantastic and well worth visiting
    Hotel Entertainment  -  Expect live jazz on Friday evenings at the tea lounge, and regular events for guests
    Romantic Break  -  A wonderfully romantic luxury hotel, perfect for an elegant city break
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    Housed in one of Canberra's oldest buildings, this five star luxury hotel boasts large rooms with marble bathrooms and extensive gardens in the heart of the city. The style is Art Deco but all the mod cons are distinctly 21st century. A luxury option for exploring the capital. See More

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  • QT Canberra Canberra 205 rooms from AU$230

    Business Hotel  -  The entire top floor is exclusively reserved for meetings and conferences and boasts one of the best views of Canberra
    City Style  -  QT is next door to a cluster of excellent restaurants and bars, Nishi gallery and an art-house cinema
    Designer  -  A design destination blending a political theme with hipster styling
    Sights nearby  -  It’s 4km to the Parliamentary Triangle, which includes Parliament House and the National Library of Australia
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    Luxury design hotel in the centre of the political capital. With strong design themes, merging 1930's speakeasy elements with hipster details, popular with both city slickers and business people. Serving top-notch cuisine and particularly known for its gourmet breakfast spread. See More

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  • Hotel Kurrajong Canberra (Barton ACT 2600) 147 rooms from AU$235

    Local exploring  -  This location is as close as you’ll get to the action with the ‘Parliamentary Triangle’ just a 10-minute walk away
    Sights nearby  -  Located in the vicinity of the Parliamentary Triangle, which includes Parliament House and the National Library of Australia
    Lakeside  -  Very close to the scenic shores of Lake Burley Griffin
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    Former home to several Australian Prime ministers, fusing retro Art Deco elements with contemporary finishings. Featuring a gourmet restaurant and elegant bar. Ideally situated to explore the political capital's main landmarks. See More

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  • Little National Hotel Canberra (Barton ACT 2600) 120 rooms from AU$309

    City Style  -  Ideal for couples seeking sleek city accommodation with soul, with access to 5-star facilities at a sister hotel across the road
    Business meetings  -  Situated on the edge of the Australian capital’s 'Parliamentary Triangle' , perfect for business travellers
    Value chic  -  The Little National aims to offer the trappings of a luxury hotel without the price tag
    Sights nearby  -  Located in the vicinity of the Parliamentary Triangle, which includes Parliament House and the National Library of Australia
    Air conditioningGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    Right next to the Parliamentary triangle, an ideal location to explore the political capital's main landmarks. Tastefully minimalist with Japanese influences with rooms that feature impressive four-poster beds. Great value for money with free access to its sister hotel's 5-star facilities. See More

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