Hotel Review: East Hotel, Canberra - Australian Traveller

Don’t expect your average CBD accommodation experience, East Hotel is outside the box.

East Hotel is a family-owned boutique hotel that is one of the best places to stay in Canberra. As soon as you walk in the door you’re engulfed by its edgy but homely feel, and the location is perfect for those who want the best of the city (almost) on their doorstep.

Location

East Hotel sits in the city’s inner south suburb of Kingston, an easy 10 minutes from the airport and popular Parliamentary Triangle. Corporate travellers will find it close to the city but far enough out of the hustle and bustle to allow a breath of fresh air.

The surrounding leafy suburb of Kingston is known for its dining and shopping scene, with patisseries, wine bars, homeware stores and the occasional pub lining the streets. The award-winning Old Bus Depot Markets are within close walking distance, while the Lake Burley Griffin (with its popular walking circuit) can be reached in 15 minutes.

Lake Burley Griffin at sunset — Walk along Lake Burley Griffin for epic sunset views. (Image: VisitCanberra)

For families, Canberra institutions like Questacon , Old Parliament House and the National Museum are easily accessible by bike, which are available to hire from reception. Ubers are also affordable and frequent, and the hotel offers underground parking at a small nightly fee for those with a car.

a dinosaur fossil display at the National Museum of Australia, Canberra — See dino fossils on display at the National Museum of Australia. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Style and character

The first thing you notice when you enter East Hotel’s soaring central atrium is its warmth and ambience. This is not just a place to go to have a good meal and rest your head. By stepping into the lobby, you’re being welcomed into the embrace of your long-lost, somewhat eccentric Italian family with a big theatrical kiss on both cheeks.

a receptionist at the lobby of East Hotel Canberra — The receptionist will welcome you with a warm smile.

Kelly Ross of Kelly Ross Designs reimagined some of the places and spaces within East Hotel, and in doing so further realised the vision of owners Dan and Dion Bisa. The boutique hotel feels like somewhat of a passion project for Kelly, who has been working alongside the Bisa’s from the beginning.

While the lobby has always had a lot of warmth to it, Kelly has taken Dan and Dion’s design cues to the next level. The reception and lobby space are all warm tones, moody lighting, modern furnishings, sumptuous textures and pops of colour. It’s a place for guests to mingle and relax – a place to have fun in, as the obligatory lolly jar at reception suggests.

a chandelier hanging at the hotel lobby, East Hotel Canberra — A stunning chandelier hangs from the ceiling of the hotel lobby.

Facilities

Following a long night of negronis and pasta at East’s onsite restaurant, I head to the gym bright and early in the morning. It is small but efficient, with shower facilities (complete with Appelles amenities) available for those who may have already checked out. There is no hotel pool, but in warmer months, guests can visit the nearby Manuka Pool for free.

Later that night, I take a long soak in the large, oversized bathtub ahead of a fairly hectic schedule of work over the weekend. It’s a ritual that continues over the next few days after I discover the Appelles-brand bath salts are replenished daily.

Appelles Ginger Lily Bath Salts, East Hotel Canberra — Add Appelles Ginger Lily Bath Salts to your warm bath.

Equally exciting is the full-sized washing machine and dryer, complete with washing powder. A communal laundry is also available for those staying in studio rooms (just ask for washing powder at reception) and eight conference and meeting spaces are available for business travellers. Wi-fi is fast and free.

a mini working space inside the room at East Hotel Canberra — There’s even a space to work on with your laptop.

Rooms

I couldn’t have been happier with my luxe one-bedroom apartment during my stay in Canberra. There is something enormously luxurious about an apartment that is flooded with light and sunshine. It is also pleasantly spacious, with an open-plan kitchen and living area, separate bedroom and bathroom.

The kitchen is so well equipped – from the large Smeg oven to the steak knives – that my friend and I almost (but not quite) consider cooking up a storm the next morning rather than heading out for breakfast.

the living room interior at East Hotel Canberra — Some rooms at the East Hotel feature an open-plan living room.

The plush carpet and occasional pop of colour in a throw rug or cushion make the self-contained room feel warm, homely and inviting. It’s like visiting your cool cousin’s crash pad in Milan. Every fixture and fitting has been carefully thought out.

The room feels like an extension of the lobby; it’s textured, layered and elegant. The large balcony looks out over parks and mountains too, and we step outside to the constant sound of cockatoos, screeching in regular crescendos.

a huge bed inside the suite at East Hotel Canberra — Rest easy on the comfy bed.

Food and drink

Canberra is spoilt for choice when it comes to good food. It’s nearly impossible to leave my room with its comfortable couch, bathrobes and bottle of red. But we manage to gather the energy required to roll downstairs for some pasta at Italian restaurant Agostinis, which is perennially packed to the rafters.

the dining interior of Agostinis — Nab a spot for some pasta at Agostinis.

Located on the ground floor, it’s one of the best restaurants in the city and is the perfect example of how cool, cosmopolitan and sophisticated the nation’s capital has become.

Although there are plenty of too-cool-for-school places in Canberra, Agostinis is not one of them. In fact, it’s is always crammed with a happy mix of families, couples and groups celebrating special occasions. Many of the wait staff boast Italian accents, which adds to the family-friendly feeling. It’s like going to Nonna’s for gnocchi.

a charcuterie board at Agostinis, Canberra — Agostinis serves up excellent Italian fare.

Everything from the pasta to the gelato is made in-house, and we find ourselves ordering pizza as well; the dough is Roman-style and rested for 72 hours.

Despite the hotel’s location in the suburbs, the adjacent Joe’s Bar seems to also attract a large mix of locals. Sweeping chain curtains, retro leather lounges and Old Fashioned cocktails served in smoking glasses prove it has earned its place as one of the top spots for a drink in the city.

an eclectic and colourful interior at Joe's Bar — Have a tipple at Joe’s Bar.

Does East Hotel have access for guests with disabilities?

The Luxe Studio Easy Access room is specifically designed for peopel with accessibility needs. The apartment is fully wheelchair accessibly, from wider doorways and a lower bench height to accessible cooktops and showers fitted with handrails and foldable bench seats. The hotel has ground level accessibility, as does Agostinis.

Is East Hotel family-friendly?

Yes – families with young children can request an apartment with a Kids Cubby, an interconnecting playroom fitted out with bunk beds, bean bags, a play table with art supplies and even an Xbox console. The minibar is (dangerously) stocked with child-friendly goodies, too.

Details

Best for: Families and couples looking for a comfortable yet chic stay that everyone will enjoy.

Address: 69 Canberra Ave, Kingston ACT

Phone: (02) 6295 6925

Cost: From $199 per night.

Read our ultimate travel guide to Canberra for more on where to eat, stay and what to do while you’re there.

From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.

1. Festival of Sails

the Melbourne to Geelong passage race, Festival of Sails 2025 — The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)

When: 24–26 January
Where: Melbourne and Geelong

This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.

2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

cyclists during the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race — Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)

When: 31 January – 1 February
Where: The Bellarine Peninsula

Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.

3. Riverboats Music Festival

the performers at Riverboats Music Festival, Murray River — The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.

When: 13–15 February
Where: Echuca–Moama

Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival . Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.

4. Neerim ArtsFest

the Neerim ArtsFest south sculptures — Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)

When: 28 February – 15 March
Where: Gippsland

This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.

5. ChillOut Festival

a street parade during the LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival — Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.

When: 5–9 March
Where: Daylesford

Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival . This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.

6. Port Fairy Folk Festival

Missy Higgins at the Port Fairy Folk Festival — Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)

When: 6–9 March
Where: Port Fairy

In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.

7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival

a woman admiring flowers at The Ballarat Begonia Festival — Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.

When: 7–9 March
Where: Ballarat

In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.

8. The Bendigo Easter Festival

Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance at The Bendigo Easter Festival — The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.

When: 3–6 April
Where: Bendigo

Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.

9. Grape Escape

a glass of wine at the Grampians Grape Escape — Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)

When: 1–3 May
Where: The Grampians

Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.

10. Comedy in the Vines

Comedy in the Vines at Cherryhill Orchards — Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)

When: 24–26 October
Where: Yarra Valley

The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines , held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.

East Hotel in Canberra feels like a home away from home