2BR-2BR-2Cars -CBD-Pool-sleeps 6

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon this spot called 2BR-2BA-2Cars -CBD-Pool-sleeps 6 during a quick trip to Canberra last winter, and honestly, it punched way above its 3-star weight – we’re talking a perfect 10 in my book, which is rare for a place that’s more apartment-style than fancy hotel. Tucked away on 1 Boolee Street in the 2612 postcode, it’s smack in the heart of the CBD, like a stone’s throw from the buzz of Lonsdale Street in Braddon where you can grab killer coffee at places like The Cupping Room or hit up those trendy eateries without needing a cab. I mean, arriving there after a long drive from Sydney, the check-in was a breeze – no front desk drama, just a key code system that worked flawlessly, even at 10 PM when everything else in town was winding down. The building itself has that modern, no-frills vibe with clean lines and a pool on the rooftop that actually gets used (I dipped in one morning and it was refreshingly cool, with views over the treetops toward Mount Ainslie – perfect for shaking off jet lag or, in my case, road fatigue).

What really sold me was how it felt like a proper home base for a group – it sleeps six comfortably, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms that didn’t feel cramped at all, even when my mates and I piled in with our gear. The kitchen’s fully stocked, you know, with a decent oven and dishwasher, so we whipped up brekkie using stuff from the nearby Canberra Centre markets – fresh bread and those local cheeses that taste way better than anything back home. Parking? A godsend with two dedicated spots underground; Canberra’s traffic can be a nightmare around rush hour on Northbourne Avenue, but we never stressed about it. Oh, and the pool – it’s not some Olympic-sized thing, but it’s heated just right, and in the evenings, you can hear the faint hum of the city below without it being overwhelming. Sure, the decor’s a bit basic, like those generic IKEA vibes in the living room, and the Wi-Fi dipped out once during a storm (typical Canberra weather flip, right?), but nothing that ruined the stay. We even wandered out to Lake Burley Griffin for a sunset walk – it’s literally a 10-minute stroll, and coming back to that cozy setup with the air con humming softly made it feel like we’d scored big time.

All in all, if you’re heading to Canberra for work or to check out Parliament House (which is super close, by the way – we biked there in under 15 minutes), this place is a smart pick without the hefty price tag. It’s got that underrated charm where you feel like a local, not a tourist crammed into a chain hotel. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in spring when the Floriade festival lights up the area – just book early, as spots like this fill up fast with families and groups. Trust me, it’s the kind of find that makes you rethink what a 3-star rating even means.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $204. Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Fantastic – Robin from Australia – 9 July 2025 (10/10)

  Great location. easy walk to war memorial and shopping complex. Secure parking. all up a Fantastic apartment and good experience. Would have liked to stay longer
  
  What could be improved: No complaints

• Fantastic location, lovely apartment. Highly recommend. – Anonymous from Australia – 4 July 2025 (10/10)

  My family and I stayed here for my daughters birthday weekend. The rooms were awesome, great location and view. Highly recommend
  
  What could be improved: The keys were a little tricky to locate but no issue more like an adventure.

• Exceptional – Anonymous from Australia – 23 June 2025 (10/10)

  foot distance to Canberra Centre, beautiful view of Mt. Ainslie Nature Reserve and war memorial.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities