Abode Hotels Canberra: a stay for every type of traveller

Carla GrossettiBy Carla Grossetti
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Abode Hotels is one of the brand’s apartment-style stays shining a spotlight on Canberra’s suburban spirit.

Abode means a place of residence, a house or home – and this is embodied at each of Abode Hotels’ self-contained stays across the nation’s capital.

Stay in one of the brand’s stylish iterations and you will learn a lot about Canberrans and how they like to roll, from laid-back brunch spots to happening bars and everything in between. And after exploring the delights of Canberra all day, it’s only natural that you’ll want somewhere comfortable to rest your head. This is where Abode steps in.

Location

Abode Hotels’ eight properties are located in regional and residential areas, including Canberra suburbs such as Phillip, Belconnen, Malua Bay, Kingston, Gungahlin, Woden, Tuggeranong, Murrumbatemen and Narrabundah. And while all the Abode offerings in Canberra are different, they are all designed for those who enjoy creature comforts.

an aerial view of Abode Malua Bay near the beach
The beach is just a few steps away from Abode Malua Bay. (Image: PewPew Studios)

In-room digital guide Your Abode further encourages self-exploration and local immersion, serving as a modern-day guidebook of each hotel and its surrounding area. The hotel brand is bucking the trend of city-centric stays, inviting travellers to instead engage with regional communities across Canberra. So, while I booked into the 63-room Abode Kingston , I’d be happy at any of the brand’s locations.

the property exterior of Abode Murrumbateman
Abode Hotel’s Murrumbateman location is undeniably homely.

For my stay, I was just a five-minute drive to the Parliamentary Triangle, which is one of the most popular places to visit in Canberra.

Want to check out some of the city’s best boutiques? It’s a 10-minute drive to the CBD. Fancy a paddle around Lake Burley Griffin? Love Boats is just over a one-kilometre walk away. Make sure you factor in time to see some of the world-class museums and galleries, too.

Style and character

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself feeling right at home within minutes of checking in to an Abode Hotel. This is not your standard, cut-and-paste hotel experience. In fact, the brand’s focus is built around providing a sense of homely comfort.

Abode Hotels Canberra
Expect all the creature comforts plus a ton of local flavour.

The staff remember my name and instantly make me feel welcome from the moment I check in at the marble reception desk with terracotta-toned pendant lighting.

Although each hotel has unique design touches that nod to its individual surrounds, they all have a similar look and feel. Abode Kingston guests can expect a lot of wood, rattan and eucalypt greys and greens; my room reflects the colours of Canberra’s countryside.

Abode Hotels Canberra in Kingston
Guests at Abode Kingston can expect colours inspired by the countryside.

Facilities

Each Abode location varies when it comes to facilities. If you’re not tied to a specific location, use the website to filter through the hotels based on what you’d like to have access to. If a pool is a non-negotiable, book Abode Belconnen. Want an onsite restaurant? Abode Woden, with No.10 Restaurant + Bar on its ground floor, is the one for you. All locations feature Your Abode.

Abode Belconnen in Canberra
With amenities like a 25-metre outdoor pool, Abode Belconnen is perfect for a summer stay.

Where I’m stationed at Abode Kingston, guests have access to complimentary Wi-fi and room service.

The hotel also has bikes that you can borrow to do a hot lap of nearby Lake Burley Griffin. It’s nothing out of the ordinary to see a fellow hotel guest cycling into the horizon, map of the region in hand. They’re likely bound for a tour of the local markets or one of the many cute local coffee nooks.

bikes parked inside the lobby at Abode Hotel Canberra
Borrow a bike at the hotel’s lobby to cycle around the city.

What’s more, you can forget about organising a pet sitter. Most Abode Hotels offer a Pet Package which includes animal-friendly rooms so the whole clan can come on holiday.

two dogs sitting outside a unit at Abode Hotel Canberra
Stay with your furry friends at Abode Narrabundah.

Rooms

A stay at the Abode Kingston is the antithesis of staying in a big city hotel, and the only challenge presented is finding the motivation to leave. The serviced apartment-style rooms offer everything you’ll need, like unlimited free wi-fi, air conditioning, a rainfall shower, Google STAYCAST streaming, bar fridge and plenty of space to spread out.

You can book a regular hotel room, king studio, courtyard studio, balcony studio or executive studio. Guests should note that the hotel room and king studio do not offer kitchenette or washer/dryer facilities.

Abode Hotels Canberra in Kingston
The rooms at Abode Kingston are spacious and light-filled.

The rooms are clean and quite minimal, and the hotel itself feels like the kind of apartment living we all long for. There’s much to be thankful when ensconced in these rooms, where it feels like Marie Kondo has had a say in the clean lines and minimalist approach.

Food and drink

Abode Kingston is located just a short stroll away from Kingston Foreshore, one of Canberra’s dining hotspots. Guests are encouraged to wander down to the string of acclaimed restaurants, bars and cafes to experience fresh local flavours.

If you’d rather stay in, use the hotel’s handy Abode Pantry. Located in the lobby, it is stocked with a variety of food and beverage items (plus other travel essentials) that you can take back up to your room. From healthy frozen meals to midnight snack treats, the Abode Pantry has something for every guest. Or, treat yourself and order take-out via Your Abode.

the dining at Abode Murrumbateman
Adobe Pantry is a great option for guests who want to stay in.

Do Abode Hotels have access for guests with disabilities?

Abode Hotels have rooms at each location designed for the mobility impaired. At Abode Kingston, guests with accessibility needs can book the wheelchair-friendly acccessible room, which features an ultra-spacious layout, one queen-sized bed, an ensuite with walk-in shower and multiple accessible fixtures.

Are Abode Hotels family-friendly?

All Abode Hotels are family friendly, with children four anmd under staying for free (using existing bedding). Portable cots are available in select room types at an additional charge of $20 per night. Interconnecting rooms can also be arranged for larger families.

Details:

Best for: Those looking for a stay that will connect them with the local Canberra community.

Address: 14 Kennedy St, Kingston ACT

Phone: (02) 6108 4760

Cost: From $198 per night.

Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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The iconic Victorian beach where true Aussie surf culture was born

    Craig TansleyBy Craig Tansley
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    Torquay’s Bells Beach is considered one of the best surf beaches in the world.

    It’d be easy to think Australian surf culture was born around the right-hand point breaks of the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. These regions seem the epitome of how the world views Aussie surfers – bronzed (or burnt), languishing in warm water and sunshine. The reality is a lot different.

    The rise of surf culture along Victoria’s coastline

    surfers at Bells Beach in Australia
    Surfers stand on the shore at Bells Beach, where the country’s biggest surfing competition is held each year. (Image: Getty/Filed Image)

    True Aussie surf culture was born on the chilly waves of Victoria’s winters, when huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean hit cliff-lined beaches along the Great Ocean Road . These beaches were the ultimate proving ground – surfers from all over Australia arrived in panel vans and VWs to do battle with the biggest waves they could find.

    huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach
    Surfers take advantage of the huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

    There are surf breaks all along this very picturesque coast – but those around Torquay were most revered. The ultimate test of a surfer’s ability – and durability – however, was Bells Beach: Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. Just beyond, the breaks at Jan Juc and Winkipop beckoned.

    an aerial view of surfers at Bells Beach
    Hit the waves along the picturesque coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Torquay became surfing’s Silicon Valley: HQ for the entire Australian surf culture revolution. Four young locals worked out of their backyards in Torquay to create two of the world’s biggest surf labels – Rip Curl and Quiksilver , which soon became the region’s biggest employers.

    surfers out at Bells Beach
    Surfers out at Bells Beach, Victoria’s most famous beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

    Rip Curl started sponsoring the Bells Beach Pro in 1973 – and have done ever since. It’s been going since 1962 – making it the world’s longest continually run surfing contest. Held every Easter, it’s part of the world surfing tour. Spectators line its 30-metre-high cliffs to watch the world’s best take on enormous waves – it’s the ultimate coliseum for the sport and has inspired generations of Aussie surfers to join the list of heroes whose names are on its iconic bell.

    Follow the waves through Victoria’s surfing heartland

    Australian National Surfing Museum, Torquay
    The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Just behind Torquay’s main drag, you can see all that history on display at the world’s best surf museum – the Australian National Surfing Museum . Here you can take your time absorbing the 100-year-or-so history of Australian surfing and check out the 150-strong surfboard collection.

    surfboards on display at Australian National Surfing Museum
    The museum holds surfing memorabilia, including a room dedicated to the history of boards. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    But classic Aussie surf culture can be observed in everyday life all over the Great Ocean Road and Torquay. Surfing dictates life here; no work is done until the big swells have come and gone. Just being here provides a window into 60-odd years of rebellion against convention; for no-one likes nine-to-five living on the Great Ocean Road.

    surfing memorabilia at Australian National Surfing Museum
    The varied displays celebrate the Bells Beach competition, surfing legends and Aussie surf culture. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s less panel vans and VW Beetles these days, but surf culture still rules life. Surfers run this coast; you’re better off keeping out of their way when they’re running down past you to face the biggest swells – then hear them swap stories at cafes, restaurants and bars all around you.

    surfing at Bells Beach
    The beach near Torquay is Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. (Image: Visit Victoria/William Watt)