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.

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 .

East Hotel in Canberra feels like a home away from home