The Best Canberra Hotels For A Weekend In The Capital

In the buzzing NewActon arts and cultural district, Ovolo Nishi is a mega-stylish boutique hotel experience that’s only topped off by the fact that you’ll find the awarded plant-based restaurant Monster in its lobby.

A few room types of various sizes suit any sort of traveller (including dogs), and you’ll either be looking into the internal atrium jungle or out to views of the lake and bushland, with in-room details like overhead rain showers, locally sourced minibar goodies, and plenty of art ensuring a luxe atmosphere throughout.

If you’re travelling for work, don’t be shy about setting up in the lobby with a coffee or cocktail—the cosy, living room-style space (with fireplaces, a lolly bar, and a mix of tables, bar seating, and comfy lounges) is the perfect spot to spend a couple of hours, and even hosts a complimentary aperitivo hour in the evening for guests who book direct.

East Hotel is a modern Canberra hotel offering compact but comfortable studios, spacious double rooms with a handy kitchenette, and full apartment-style accommodation complete with balconies and full kitchens.

The in-house restaurant Agostinis serves incredible Italian food around the clock (and does room service), and the cocktail bar Joe’s and stylish lobby are perfect for a drink at the end of the day.

East Hotel is close to the Manuka Oval for sporting events (and has a fitness centre to keep you in shape too), the Kingston precinct that’s home to one of our favourite Canberra restaurants, Onzieme, and it’s just a ten-minute drive (or 20-minute cruise along the lake on one of the hotel’s bicycles) to Canberra CBD.

Hyatt Hotel Canberra is a gorgeous, historic option for a stay in Canberra’s inner south, right next to Questacon, the National Library of Australia, and Old Parliament House.

The low-profile Canberra hotel has a charming old-school exterior, and packs a fully equipped fitness centre with massage services and a tennis court, a 24-hour business centre, and an on-site cafe. Every room has a luxe marble bathroom with a huge bathtub, and the lounge hosts one of Canberra’s most charming high teas.

QT Canberra brings the beloved hotel brand’s signature flair to the NewActon precinct, offering sleek designer (and dog-friendly!) accommodation close to parliament, the Australian War Memorial and the National Gallery of Australia. 

Rooms all have a balcony with a view over the city or the lake, and you’re also staying in the home of the luxe wood-fired steakhouse Capitol Bar & Grill, which is well worth a visit on your stay.

This Canberra Hotel is a true all-rounder with spacious, modern rooms with private balconies (and some with huge spa baths) an easy walk from Canberra’s major attractions. There’s a fitness centre and Euro-style steakhouse Marble & Grain on site, and the apartment-style rooms have fully equipped kitchens which come in handy if you’re planning a longer stay or travelling with kids.

The spacious courtyard between Avenue Hotel Canberra’s two towers is the perfect spot to send a few emails in the sunshine, and the free airport shuttle that leaves twice daily on weekdays is a handy option if you’re in town without wheels.

Little National Hotel is a great option for Canberra accommodation if you’re hitting the capital’s major sights like Parliament House and Old Parliament House, or heading to town for work.

The wall-to-wall windows, rain showers and mood lighting in every room impart a bright and fresh feel, and there’s a 24-hour library and lounge space with a self-serve tea station (and bar open in the evenings) for hanging out or getting stuck in to some work. If you're staying active there's a modern fitness centre, or you can hire bikes to take a spin around the lake.

Midnight Hotel is a stylish, art-filled space under a kilometre from the centre of Canberra. As well as proximity to Braddon’s emerging dining scene, in-house restaurant Braddon Merchant is worth a visit, and the elite wellness centre has a 20-metre lap pool, two gyms, and a sauna.

Room types include king rooms, a more spacious option with a lounge, and a few suites, all decorated with unique artworks by New York-born artist Thomas Bucich.

The beautiful heritage-listed Hotel Kurrajong is a charming Canberra hotel with a Euro-inspired central garden for happy hour drinks in the sunshine, Art Deco details throughout, and a wine bar and grill restaurant on site.

Room types can include a private balcony, bathtub, garden view, and interconnecting family rooms, and there’s a fitness centre to keep you in your routine.

An easy 400 metres from the National Convention Centre Canberra and right on the edge of the Parliamentary Triangle, A by Adina Canberra is a fresh and modern stay with rooms ranging from compact but comfortable studios up to full one- and two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens perfect for longer stays.

Constitution Place, right downstairs, is home to some of the best restaurants in the city, including Such and Such and Mu.