Hotel Review: Little National Hotel Canberra

The sophisticated Little National in the country’s capital is perfect for your next quiet getaway.

From a distance, the Little National Hotel in Canberra resembles a rather brutal black box. But get up close to the architecturally designed building and you will see it presents as the ultimate 21st-century escape. The hotel is wrapped in perforated panels of dark metal that enable ventilation and provide partial views of the interior. Then, when day turns to night, strips of bright orange LED lights give the facade a futuristic glow-up.

The Australian capital really is starting to feel cutting edge, partly thanks to a raft of new design-led hotels, architecturally considered on the outside and carefully curated within. The Little National Hotel has, in part, helped change the city’s fortunes. Let’s take a look inside.

Location

The Little National Hotel is a little like Canberra: small but perfectly formed, and with an eye on things to come. It’s located within the city’s Realm precinct, home to some of the city’s best restaurants and cafes.

While the lobby occupies the entire ground floor, all 120 rooms are arranged around the top fifth and sixth floors. The rest of the building takes the form of a carpark, so discreetly hidden you’d never know it was there.

a look inside the living room interior at Little National Hotel, Canberra — Little National Hotel exudes simplicity and charm.

Style and character

Mathieson Architects have been ingenious with their use of space. The light-filled lobby immediately sets the tone and echoes that of the National Gallery down the road. It has polished concrete floors and is all minimalist chic with travertine walls and translucent glass.

A friendly staff member from guest services efficiently processes my arrival from behind an oversized trestle table. The low-key design of the lobby is deliberate and aims to reinforce the brand’s commitment to ‘affordable luxury’. The hotel is also conveniently located near some of the major Canberra attractions.

the lobby inside Little National Hotel, Canberra — The lobby looks spacious and luxurious.

My room, like the building, is a masterclass in space management and simplicity. Wide, dark-timber floorboards provide a welcome natural texture underfoot and earthy tones complement a contemporary scheme of muted greys.

Two blinds are activated by bedside switches; one brings down a cream canvas that evokes a traditional Japanese rice paper wall, while the other blocks the light completely. An oriental tea set greets you by the bed. And what a bed it is: a king that fills the space from wall to wall.

Facilities

It may be suggested by the name, but Little National is far from small. The remarkable hotel includes two wonderful shared spaces perfect for guests to rest and recharge in: the lounge and the library. Both offer complimentary T2 tea, coffee facilities and water for guests.

a co-working space at Little National Hotel — You can set up your meetings here.

Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass, both offer views of Capital Hill and are perfect spots to read in one of the comfy armchairs. Most of the hotel’s weekday guests are visiting Canberra for parliament, so the space has been designed as an extremely luxe co-working space that can accommodate meetings.

Paper sculptures by artist Benja Harney, inspired by the life cycle of the golden sun moth, adorn the adjoining corridors. The library is decked out with black-stained joinery and a black granite dual fireplace that divides the lower lounge area from the upper velvet-clad lounges.

scenic mountain views from the lounge area at Little National Hotel — With views of the city, the lounge is the perfect reading spot.

Little National Hotel guests also have access to classes at Hale Gym, home to a state-of-the-art wellness centre featuring Technogym equipment, pilates and PT training. You’ll also have access to Hale Spa, where you can undergo a relaxing treatment or unwind in the sauna after a big day.

Rooms

The rooms inside Little National feel somewhat futuristic, like a Far Eastern utopia. In my suite, a window takes over one whole end of the room, affording views of a bamboo garden, yet somehow the space remains completely private.

a black sofa set inside Little National Hotel, Canberra — Sit back and relax on the couch.

The bed was so comfortable I found it hard to avoid napping when I should have been strolling around the sculpture garden at the National Gallery of Australia or exploring the city’s myriad hip and happening bars. It turns out that the Arms of Orpheus bed is custom-made by A.H. Beard for and the plush mattress is so popular it’s available to purchase.

There are also free movies to watch on a TV from bed that invite me to extend my sleep-in. A sleek bathroom with a rainfall shower and Apelles products completes a very stylish pad indeed.

a bed with a view at Little National Hotel, Canberra — Sleep with a view at Little National Hotel.

Food and drink

Ritual Café is located on the ground floor of the Little National. It’s a top spot if you want to talk politics over a power breakfast or lunch. The cute cafe is known for its toasted sandwiches and consistently good coffee. The all-day breakfast menu will appeal to those who like a lie-in.

the dining interior at Ritual Café — Pop in Ritual Café for breakfast.

Guests of the Little National Hotel will have to head outside to the hotel’s sister properties to find further food and beverage offerings. Try the Burbury Hotel’s rooftop Leyla Bar , or go for beer and bites at Ostani , in Realm Hotel.

rooftop space at Leyla's Canberra — The bright and stylish rooftop space at Leyla’s. (Image: Pew Pew Studio)

Does Little National have access for guests with disabilities?

Both the Little National’s lobby and common areas are accessible for those with mobility needs. The hotel’s website also provides floor plans for each room so guests can determine the best option for them.

Is Little National family-friendly?

While the hotel offers family-friendly rooms, it does not specifically cater for families and children. Little National is tailored more towards couples, solo travelers and professionals seeking a quiet stay in the city.

Details

Best for: Guests looking for a quiet, sophisticated stay that’ll leave them feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Address: 21 National Circuit, Barton ACT

Phone: (02) 6185 1988

Cost: Prices range per night; check the website for details.

From natural wonders to historical sites, we’ve rounded up Victoria’s most epic icons that deserve a place on your itinerary.

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

From towering mountains to crystal cascades and ancient rock art sites, the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a playground for both outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Don’t miss the views from the highest peak Mount William or the iconic Pinnacle.

Murray River

A paddle steamer down the Murray in Echuca — The wonders of the Murray are best experienced on board a paddle steamer. (Image: Visit Victoria)

A natural icon of majestic proportions, the Murray River flows for a staggering 2700 kilometres, making it one of the world’s longest navigable rivers. Meandering through Victoria before flowing out to sea at Goolwa in South Australia, the river is home to diverse wildlife, picturesque towns and secluded creeks and beaches.

Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell

the Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road — The Twelve Apostles are a star attraction on the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

These limestone sea stacks are arguably Victoria’s most famous icon . After an $8-million upgrade to its lookout, The Blowhole near Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool (meaning breath of the whale) has recently reopened. A brand-new Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre, complete with rooftop lookout, will open in 2026.

You Yangs, Geelong

kangaroos in You Yangs — Kangaroos enjoy dusk in the You Yangs. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Rising 300-plus metres from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne/Naarm and Geelong, the You Yangs are massive granite boulders named for the local Wadawurrung word ‘Youang’, meaning ‘big hills’. Hiking, biking, rock climbing and horse-riding are popular within this regional park.

Redwood Forest, Yarra Valley

Near the town of Warburton, an extraordinary forest of some 1500 Californian Redwoods stands among native orchids, eucalypt trees and rich birdlife. Planted in the 1930s, these 55-metre-plus trees can live for 2000 years and will grow to be some of the world’s tallest.

Wilsons Promontory, Gippsland

the Wilsons Promontory — Wilsons Promontory is home to the incredible Skull Rock formation. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The Prom, as it’s known locally, is the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. This 50,000-hectare reserve comprises granite mountains and forest, fringed by sandy beaches and surrounded by a marine park rich in marine biodiversity. It’s also home to the incredible and imposing Skull Rock formation.

Hanging Rock Reserve, Macedon Ranges

This six-million-year-old volcanic rock  was thrown into the national spotlight thanks to the 1967 novel and consequent 1975 film based on the fictional disappearance of schoolgirls in 1901. Mystery aside, visitors can walk the steep 105-metre summit, fish for trout and go twitching.

Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

exploring Sovereign Hill — Step back in time at Sovereign Hill. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Cry ‘eureka!’ at Sovereign Hill , a living museum to the prosperous Gold Rush era of the 1850s, during which Ballarat produced the most gold in the world. Visitors to this much-loved attraction can walk historic  streets, enter a gold mine and try panning for the good stuff, too.

The Great Stupa, Bendigo

Who’d have thought the largest Buddhist temple in the Western world would be tucked away in Bendigo’s bushland? Welcoming visitors to explore, this sacred Buddhist pagoda is an epicentre for Tibetan culture, architecture, art and interfaith harmony.

Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Mornington Peninsula

the Cape Schanck Lighthouse from above — Heritage-listed Cape Schanck Lighthouse. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

Ensuring the safe passage of ships in the notoriously treacherous Bass Strait since 1859, this heritage-listed lighthouse overlooks dramatic volcanic coast and wild beaches. The surrounding reserve is home to a plethora of wildlife including little penguins, seals and echidnas.

Little National: the Canberra hotel with a big personality