Review: Hotel Realm, Canberra | Australian Traveller

Sleek, modern, minimalist: it’s been called all these things. It’s also one of the comfiest stays in Canberra.

Hotel Realm in Canberra was one of the first five-star stays in the nation’s capital when it opened in 2008. But a lot has changed in the nation’s capital since then. Despite the fact there is now a plethora of great places to stay in the ACT, Hotel Realm remains a stylish and sought-after option.

Location

Hotel Realm is located next to the Parliamentary Triangle, within easy walking distance of Capital Hill, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Portrait Gallery and lakefront. Hire a bike to do the circuit of Lake Burley Griffin; it’s one of the best things to do in Canberra.

Part of the DOMA Group, the stylish hotel sits within the Realm Precinct, which also includes the Burbury Hotel & Apartments, Little National, Brassey Hotel and Pinnacle Apartments. It’s near to the Canberra CBD.

the property exterior of Hotel Realm Canberra — Enjoy a luxe stay at Hotel Realm Canberra.

Style and character

Hotel Realm underwent a full renovation in 2015 to bring it thoroughly up to date with all that is happening in Australia’s so-called capital of cool. Renovations were completed in 2019, revealing a sophisticated, comfortable, mid-sized business hotel with somewhat of a 1960s spirit.

The use of industrial finishes such as concrete and granite is a cheeky wink to some of the Brutalist beauties that are dotted around Canberra’s cityscape. But the new-look hotel also has a softer side.

the foyer at Hotel Realm Canberra — The sophisticated foyer interior sets the tone for your stay.

First impressions start in the luxurious lobby, which has a soaring atrium and is clad in a gun-metal and silver exterior that allows the light to wink through. There is also a stunning art installation: an immense mobile of red squares festooned like autumn leaves around the three-storey space, which adds colour and a sense of drama.

Facilities

Hotel Realm Canberra is a DOMA Hotel that is primarily aimed at business travellers and so has a rather masculine, no-nonsense, neutral colour scheme of rich browns, tans and charcoals.

The room I’m staying in has a kitchenette, washing machine and dryer, which is very convenient over the course of my weekend stay. There is a hair salon, two spas, a heated 25-metre pool, health club and gym for all guests to use. Pilates classes and hire bikes are also available, as well as a run club guests can join for the duration of their stay.

an indoor pool at Hotel Realm Canberra — Take a refreshing dip in the pool.

Rooms

All up, there are 158 rooms arrayed around the central atrium and they all benefit from the architects’ commitment to creating spaces that are airy and bright.

In my suite, there’s no traditional wall art on display, but I don’t think pastel landscapes or moody city scenes would add to the already homely style of my Realm Suite. It has a large king-size bed, fat mattress, plump cushions, soft throw rug, leather furniture, upholstered walls and sheer, white curtains. There is also a balcony, seperate lounge room and kitchenette.

a spacious living area in Hotel Realm Canberra — Get cosy in the spacious living area.

The decor is beautiful and minimalist, the textures and colour scheme soft and varied. It’s a soothing space to chill and big enough to invite friends over for an aperitivo. The bed linen is all white, with a dark-grey throw adding personality. There are also white marble and glass tabletops that level up the luxe feel.

a lounge room with balcony in the Realm Suite, Hotel Realm Canberra — The Hotel Realm Canberra suite has pared-back interiors.

My Realm Room resembles a contemporary, interior-designed apartment replete with a kitchenette. Despite all those mentions of minimalism, I found the fit-out to be warm and cosy. The furnishings have been kept to a minimum, which means the colours and textures work to make you feel quite cocooned in the room.

Flatscreen TVs are the only things that adorn the walls in the lounge and bedroom, and they can act as wall art when not in use. However, I’m here to switch off. And I’m much more interested in sitting in a puddle of sunshine on my balcony and drinking in the views over Old Parliament House.

The new updated suites at Hotel Realm Canberra, which draw on a soft and muted palette. — The updated Penthouse suite at Hotel Realm Canberra, which is sleek and elegant.

Food and drink

Hotel Realm is tucked into the hip, happening Realm Precinct where you will find a cornucopia of restaurants, cafes and bars. The DOMA Hotel has also become a draw for foodies with its flagship restaurant, Louis. Led by culinary director Ben Willis, who was at the helm at two-hatted Aubergine for 14 years, the restaurant offers a unique take on classic European fare.

Louis Dining is all warm colours and leather lounges in Hotel Realm Canberra. — Louis is all warm colours and leather lounges in Hotel Realm Canberra.

Design nerds are also being lured to Louis for its dreamy interiors, conceptualised by acclaimed interior design firm Luchetti Krelle. Expect lazy Susans on the tables, beautiful bentwood chairs, Thonet Hoffman stools, warm pendant lighting and Missana low stools.

Louis Dining, all dark blues and gold finishes, is a Luchetti Krelle designed restaurant in Canberra at Hotel Realm — The sumptuous Louis Dining at Hotel Realm Canberra is finished with French accents.

Head to nearby Ostani Bar for a cocktail night with the girls or a laid-back pint in the afternoon. It’s known among locals as one of the best bars in Canberra for a tipple or two and offers up classic pub meals as well.

Breakfast at Hotel Realm is included and typical continental offerings include yoghurt, muesli, cereals, muffins and croissants. There is also a range of breads, juice and tea.

Does Hotel Realm have access for guests with disabilities?

Hotel Realm offers Easy Access suites, which have been designed for guests requiring wheelchair accessibility. In addition, all public areas are wheelchair accessible and there is accessible parking available.

Is Hotel Realm family-friendly?

Yes. There are several room options that can easier accommodate families with children.

Details

Best for: Small families and couples who want to be close to the heart of the city.

Address: 18 National Circuit, Barton ACT

Phone: (02) 6163 1800

Cost: From $454 per night.

Planning a trip to Canberra? Check out the other Canberra accommodation options you should know about in our handy guide.

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

one of the comfiest stays in Canberra