The best place to stay in Canberra: Hotel Hotel

On a recent visit to the capital of Australia, Canberra for some tourism work I had the pleasure of staying at the highly awarded Hotel-Hotel. This hotel would have to be one of the coolest hotels I have ever stayed in with recycled raw timbers being featured throughout the lobby and interior spaces giving it a feeling of warmth but also of contemporary style. This hotel was built with the environment and sustainability in mind which is a big selling point for me. Based in the New Action precinct of Canberra – a hub of art and culture –  you couldn’t ask for a better place to stay. Here is why I think the best place to stay in Canberra is Hotel Hotel.

On first walking into the lobby of Hotel Hotel you are immediately greeted by a feeling of rustic sophistication and a feeling that the locals love to get to together here after work. There were small groups spread out amongst the different lounge spaces enjoying each others company and a glass of wine or two.

 

My apartment

After being greeted by a very friendly girl at the front desk I took the elevator to the second floor and located my room.

I was staying in one of the Design Icon Apartments managed by Hotel Hotel for the next 5 days and my first impression upon entering the room was WoW! This apartment was all quality with impressive fixtures and fitting and world class sound proofing to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible. The room featured Aesop products, under floor heating, modern appliances and reupholstered 60’s furniture. An awesome feature of this hotel was the natural heating and cooling system which minimises the use of artificial climate control.

After getting acquainted with my room it was time to explore the neighbourhood. New Acton has a quaint village feel to it with some popular cafes, art installations and a beautiful green space in the centre of it all. There is even a vegetable patch that supplies the local restaurants. All this in the middle of Canberra.

Cafes / Restaurants you need to try

Mocan and Green Grout

This place is an institution amongst the Canberra locals. With fair trade coffee, produce sourced from local farmers, herbs grown in the planter at the front door – they deliver on their passion for all things local. They are open for breakfast lunch and dinner. I highly recommend giving this place a try and its only  a 3 minute walk from Hotel Hotel!

A. Baker

Despite the name A. Baker is not just a bakery. It’s also a restaurant and they work hard to serve up food made from as many local ingredients as possible. The signature bread is made from organic milled wheat, the coffee is roasted by the owners,  and many of the vegetables are grown on the owner’s own land. But the best part of this place is the beautiful pastries. I couldn’t go passed the almond croissant!

Monster Kitchen & Bar

Monster Kitchen and Bar is the based of the ground floor of Hotel Hotel. It is preoccupied with local and seasonal produce prepared for sharing. This place is open from 6:30am for breakfast right through to 1am every day. I had breakfast here every morning and I highly recommend the Baked Eggs! They were amazing!

Other attractions

Nishi Gallery

Nishi Gallery is a beautiful little gallery that encourages local, interstate and international art exhibitions. Open 10am to 2pm weekdays and 10am to 4pm weekends.

Courtyard Cinemas

In the summer months, under the old oak tree you can watch good cinema screened through state of the art audiovisual technology from your deck chair. Check with reception for the annual summer program that starts in November.

Palace Electric

The Palace Electric Cinema which is located within the Hotel Hotel building includes eight theatres. From the comfort of your roomy ampitheatre seating and the latest digital technology and sound you can watch Australia’s leading international film festivals, art-house, documentary, independent and quality new release films.

Bike Hire

Hotel Hotel provide 10 lovely Godspeed bikes for you to ride around on. The bikes are free and they come with a lock, helmet and quick safety explanation. Just visit the concierge to arrange your free bike!

Yoga Class

As a guest of Hotel Hotel, you get free yoga on Saturday at 8am and Wednesday at 6:45am in the Mosaic Room. You just need to book with the concierge if you are keen.

Soma Day Spa

If you’re after some pampering or beauty treatments while you are in Canberra then Soma Day Spa is only a short walk from the hotel. Open Tuesday to Saturday.

Max Brenner

If you are after a chocolate hit then you cant go passed the decadent Max Brenner which is located on the ground floor of Hotel Hotel. Try the mint hot chocolate for a comforting but refreshing hit of molten goodness.

5 day staying at this amazing hotel was absolute bliss. I loved every part of this highly award accommodation. There was not one thing that I could fault. The location of this Hotel only adds to its appeal with so many amazing cafes and restaurants within a 5 minute walk. This hotel is also about a 20 minute walk to Floriade Festival (Australia’s biggest flower festival)  which was on while I was there. Being so close to Floriade is a bonus as trying to get a park where it is held is a nightmare.

Lake Burley Griffin is only a 5 minute walk from the hotel with a whole host of activities for you to try out down there.

The next time I am back in Canberra I won’t even hesitate to book this Hotel. It is so good I want to go back to Canberra just to stay there again! hah

Have you stayed at Hotel Hotel before? I would love to know if you loved it as much as I did so leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts on it!!

Hotel Hotel

25 Edinburgh Avenue

CANBERRA ACT 2601

Phone: +61 2 6287 6287

Email: [email protected]

www.hotel-hotel.com.au

Larissa was a guest of Hotel Hotel thanks to www.visitcanberra.com.au but of course all opinions are her own.