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.

There’s no better place to unwind than the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges – a leafy and idyllic region shrouded in mist, fern-filled gullies and a peaceful atmosphere.

Wrapped in the crisp mountain air, ancient ferns and ethereally verdant landscapes of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges , you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in another world (or at least another part of the planet).

But this gorgeous pocket is under an hour from Melbourne, a mix of top-notch food and wine, boutique stays and forested scenery that make for an easy weekend away or even a midweek escape. In fact, visiting during the week can offer a deeply relaxing experience, with fewer crowds and more space to linger.

If you’re keen to unwind, here’s how to spend your time in this idyllic neck of the woods.

Where to eat

From farm gates to cosy eateries, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges house a plethora of places to feast. Start your day with a leisurely brunch and coffee at Ripe . This local hangout combines warm hospitality and hearty cafe fare against a backdrop of the hills’ iconic tree-fern canopies. It’s also nestled in the heart of Sassafras, the quaint village that best captures the Dandenong Ranges’ old-world charm.

Next, take yourself on a gastronomic adventure. Visit Yarra Valley Dairy , a regional favourite doing handmade cheeses, or Cherry Hill Orchards , where in summer you can pick your own cherries and enjoy them in the farm’s picturesque grounds. Treat yourself to a tasting at one of the Yarra Valley’s renowned wineries to finish – Rochford , Re’em and De Bortoli are standout picks for a sample of the region’s signature drops.

By night, book a table at either Citrine in the mountain town of Olinda or restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley. Both do elevated seasonal fare paired with excellent drinks.

And if you’re simply in the mood for a tipple, you’re spoiled for choice. The Alpine Hotel in riverside Warburton is a historic and character-filled spot pouring pints and locally made drinks, while Four Pillars is a must for gin lovers. The distillery’s award-winning spirits are famed nationwide, but here you can try them right from the source.

Things to do outdoors

two people walking through Dandenong Ranges National Park — Wander the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

A motley patchwork of misty rainforest, rugged bushscapes and beautifully tended gardens, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are some of Melbourne’s most scenic pockets. No visit to the region would be complete without a wander through its lush surrounds, either by bike or on foot.

The Ngurrak Barring trail stretches 39 kilometres through the Dandenong Ranges, connecting the towns and fern-filled forests that make the hills so unique. Along the way, be immersed in thought-provoking art installations and cultural stories, sharing a different perspective of this ancient landscape.

While in the area, wander through Cloudehill Garden & Nursery and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens , situated in Olinda. The cooler climate, rich volcanic soil and consistent rainfall offer both gardens ideal conditions for vivid and vibrant flora.

Over in the Yarra Valley, the 40-kilometre Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a flat and family-friendly path perfect for leisurely bike rides and longer walks. It takes you through vine-lined scenery and towns like Seville and Wandin. Biking enthusiasts should head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, a network of 160 kilometres of trails that traverse through untamed terrain.

For a more laidback outing, Alowyn Gardens encompasses seven acres of themed gardens perfect for a meandering stroll. The nearly 100-metre-long wisteria archway that connects different garden zones is a highlight – especially in October, when the lilac blossoms are in spectacular bloom.

The arts and culture scene

Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges are havens for arts and culture thanks to their inspiring landscapes and thriving creative community. Naturally, a slower escape should include a visit to some of the region’s best studios and galleries.

The TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville showcases modern and contemporary Australian art, with both a permanent collection and a rotating display of thoughtful exhibitions. The building and grounds are well worth exploring: a striking architectural landmark amid landscaped lawns and open-air sculptures overlooking the Yarra Valley.

Delve into the area’s rich history at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum , a treasure trove of more than 13,000 unique pieces. See everything from Indigenous artefacts to archival photographs and historical objects that tell the region’s story.

On your way back to the city, stop by the leafy enclave of Eltham to discover Montsalvat . This five-acre artistic playground is Australia’s oldest continuous art community, combining galleries, Gothic-style buildings and expansive heritage gardens.

Stay at a local retreat

Re’em yarra valley accommodation — Re’em is an ideal pick for an indulgent stay.

No matter your style, and no matter your budget, you’ll find a suitable spot in the region to rest your head. If the weather is warm and the sky is clear, set up a tent at BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park or Pine Hill Cabin & Caravan Park. The former has secluded camping spots surrounded by tranquil bushland and local wildlife, along with glamping pods and cabins. The latter has powered and unpowered sites suitable for all kinds of campers, and is pet-friendly if you’re travelling with your four-legged friend.

Or, book yourself into the RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort – a sprawling retreat complete with stylish rooms and luxe amenities that invite you to unwind. Relax at the day spa, tee off at the 18-hole golf course, or recharge with a round of tennis or a few laps in the pool.

And if you’re after something truly indulgent, Re’em is an ideal pick. A boutique collection of just 16, the luxuriously appointed rooms feature plush linens, high-end amenities and oversized baths with panoramic views across the estate. A gourmet breakfast showcasing gorgeous local produce is also included.

Start planning your reset getaway at visityarravalley.com.au.

one of the comfiest stays in Canberra