Top Canberra Hotels by Neighbourhood

Looking for accommodation in Canberra? Start by figuring out which of the city’s unique neighbourhoods suits you

Canberra accommodation is plentiful, whether you’re heading in with an RV and want a relaxing caravan park experience or the home-away-from-home feel of a great Airbnb. Still, a luxurious stay is hard to go past – but with so many modern hotels, how will you choose?

Instead of perusing long lists, consider the neighbourhood that suits your trip. Want proximity to the Parliamentary Zone? Barton is your best bet. Keen to get out and experience some of Canberra’s best restaurants? You can’t go past Braddon.

Below, find our guide to Canberra’s best neighbourhoods – and the top hotels worth considering.

In short

Ovolo Nishi ticks all the boxes for us – style, ambience, an on-site restaurant that tops ‘best of’ lists regularly and proximity to all the important attractions.

Canberra City
Braddon
Barton and Parkes
Kingston

Canberra City

With City Hill at its centre and a host of excellent restaurants and museums at your doorstep, a stay in central Canberra is often the most convenient choice.

Ovolo Nishi

Best for: Special occasions

Ovolo Nishi is one of the most stylish Canberra hotels with moody, creative interiors focusing on art and design. The mini bar snacks and drinks are free, one of Canberra’s best fine dining restaurants, Monster, is just downstairs, and you’re within walking distance to shopping and several attractions such as the National Film and Sound Archive.

Address: 25 Edinburgh Ave, Canberra, ACT

A By Adina

Best for: Business

A newer addition to Canberra’s accommodation offerings, A By Adina brings together the best of serviced apartment ease and hotel luxury. Rooms feature kitchenettes and ample space for working (or lounging); the downstairs cafe ARC has some of the best coffee you’ll find in the city, and you’re close to popular Canberra restaurants like Such and Such, as well as walking distance from Lake Burley Griffin and the excitement of Floriade during spring.

Address: 1 Constitution Ave, Canberra, ACT

QT Canberra

Best for: Friend getaways

QT’s quirkiness comes through in its Canberra offering – the hotel is focused on fun, making it a great choice for weekends away to explore the city and its nightlife. Rooms are quiet and spacious, with Tom Dixon amenities and Chromecast TVs.

Plus, you’re in the heart of Canberra, just a short drive from all the top attractions.

Address: 1 London Cct, Canberra, ACT

Crowne Plaza

Best for: Solo travel

Looking for a relaxing Canberra stay? The Crowne Plaza is next to Glebe Park, on the quieter side of the CBD.

You’re still close to the restaurant and cafe scene, as well as most attractions – but have the option of scenic park views outside your hotel window.

Address: 1 Binara St, Canberra, ACT

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Braddon

Easily the coolest precinct in Canberra, Braddon is a hive of activity. Expect exceptional coffee everywhere you turn, unique dining experiences and a young, vibrant atmosphere.

Midnight Hotel

Best for: Romance

Part of the Autograph Hotel collection, Midnight is about elevated style in the heart of Canberra’s fashion, food and design hub of Braddon.

Designed by Australian architects Fender Katsalidis, rooms feature walk-in rain showers, black and gold interiors and custom artwork.

Address: 1 Elouera St, Braddon, ACT

Rex Hotel

Best for: A weekender

A landmark in Canberra since the 1950s, when it was built as a luxury hotel catering to royalty and foreign dignitaries, the Rex Hotel still stands strong today.

Rooms are now a little more contemporary, with signature Rex ‘Cloud’ beds and minimalist interiors, plus luxury rooms with balconies. Walk out the door, and you’ll be greeted with the bustling Braddon cafe and restaurant scene.

Address: 150 Northbourne Ave, Braddon, ACT

Avenue Hotel

Best for: Groups

Perfectly placed on the corner of Cooyong Street, Avenue Hotel has various accommodation options, from king rooms to two-bedroom apartments for group travel. There is free wi-fi, an on-site gym and 24-hour room service, plus every room has a private balcony you can enjoy your morning coffee from.

Address: 80 Northbourne Ave, Braddon, ACT

Deco Hotel

Best for: Those without a car

Named the Deco Hotel due to its aesthetic nod to the Art Deco period, this Canberra accommodation option has plenty of choices that will suit your trip, from luxurious suites to one and two-bedroom apartments for those needing longer stays. The Canberra Light Rail is just steps from your door, too, so getting around is easy.

Address: 214 Northbourne Ave, Braddon, ACT

Barton and Parkes

History buffs will thrive in Barton and Parkes, where the Parliamentary Zone is found and many of Canberra’s most famous museums, such as the National Portrait Gallery and Old Parliament House. Plus, these precincts are seeing real growth in the foodie scene, with plenty of cosy restaurants and wine bars to enjoy.

Little National Hotel

Best for: Romance

The Little National Hotel group makes some of the most elegant boutique accommodations in Australia. Its Canberra iteration is both luxurious and well-placed in Barton, near the Parliamentary Zone.

Expect super king beds, Apelles Apothecary amenities and a huge feature window wall to wake up to.

Address: 21 National Cct, Barton, ACT

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Rydges Hotel

Best for: Business

A classic Canberra hotel that’s accommodated both politicians and tourists in its time, Rydges Hotel  is situated close to Parliament House while also being near Manuka with its cafes and boutique shopping. There is an on-site swimming pool and gymnasium, plus a restaurant and bar.

Address: 17 Canberra Ave, Barton, ACT

Hotel Realm

Best for: A weekender

Part of the luxurious Doma Group, Hotel Realm prides itself on five-star service and premium accommodations. Custom king beds, Nespresso coffee machines and, in some rooms, gas fireplaces make Realm the place to stay if you want a relaxing retreat near the Parliamentary Zone.

Address: 18 National Cct, Barton, ACT

Hotel Kurrajong

Best for: History buffs

History buffs will adore Hotel Kurrajong, which was originally built in 1926 and has been lovingly restored to honour its Art Deco design. Upgraded with modern amenities and cloud-like beds, suites are spacious and cosy. Choose one of the Heritage rooms for the full historic experience, as these are located in the hotel’s original wing from the 1920s.

Address: 8 National Cct, Barton, ACT

Kingston

Situated on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin, Kingston is a beautiful precinct filled with heritage architecture and a quieter ambience for those seeking a relaxing haven after busy days of activity.

East Hotel

Best for: Families

The Italian heritage of East Hotel’s founders comes through as soon as you walk in the door – enjoy authentic Italian fare at Agostinis Italian restaurant after aperitivo hour at Joe’s bar, then return to your king bed studio room.

Those with kids will love the Kids Cubby rooms, which feature bunk beds and an Xbox One for maximum entertainment.

Address: 69 Canberra Ave, Kingston, ACT

Abode

Best for: Travelling with pets

Abode Group is known for self-contained accommodation that feels equal parts homely and stylish, and their Kingston property is perfectly located in the heart of Canberra’s inner south. Each room has everything you need – a washer/dryer, kitchenette, TV casting options and ample space. There are even pet-friendly rooms for a fee.

Address: 14 Kennedy St, Kingston, ACT

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.

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)

The best Canberra hotels by neighbourhood

Looking for accommodation in Canberra? Start by figuring out which of the city’s unique neighbourhoods suits you

In short