3BR Modern Apt Prime Location 7 Mins to CBD – Hosted by Canstay

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon this spot last spring when I was in Canberra for a quick work trip mixed with some sightseeing—it’s called the 3BR Modern Apt Prime Location 7 Mins to CBD, hosted by Canstay, and honestly, it felt like hitting the jackpot after a string of meh hotel stays. I drove in from Sydney, and pulling up to the address in postcode 2612—right there in the inner north, tucked away in a quiet pocket of Turner, just off Northbourne Avenue—it was a breeze. No hunting for parking spots like you do in the busier parts of Civic; there’s secure underground parking included, which is a godsend because those autumn evenings can get chilly, and who wants to lug bags in the wind? The host from Canstay messaged me ahead with the key code—super straightforward check-in, no awkward lobby waits. Walking in, the place hits you with that fresh, modern vibe: high ceilings, sleek wooden floors that don’t creak (a relief after some older rentals I’ve tried), and big windows letting in heaps of natural light. I mean, it’s not flashy or anything, but it’s got this cozy, lived-in feel without being cluttered—think minimalist decor with a comfy sectional sofa that I sank into after a long drive, and the faint scent of eucalyptus from the diffuser they leave out. Oh, and the kitchen? Fully stocked with decent appliances; I whipped up a brekkie using stuff from the nearby Haig Park Village Markets on Sundays—fresh bread and local cheeses, you can’t beat it.

What really sold me, though, was how it’s positioned—seven minutes to the CBD, sure, but it’s more than that. You’re basically a stone’s throw from Braddon’s hip cafes and bars; I wandered over to Lonsdale Street for coffee at Barrio Collective, and it was buzzing but not overwhelming, especially mid-week when the after-work crowd thins out. The apartment itself sleeps up to six comfortably—three bedrooms with plush queen beds (one’s a bit smaller, like a cozy nook for kids or a solo traveler), and two bathrooms that don’t feel cramped, with those rainfall showers that make you linger a tad too long. It’s got fast Wi-Fi, which was clutch for my Zoom calls, and a little balcony overlooking some greenery—quiet mornings sipping tea while hearing distant birds from Lake Burley Griffin nearby. Well, sort of quiet; there’s a bit of traffic hum from Northbourne during rush hour, but nothing that kept me up, especially with the double-glazed windows. And in winter, I’d bet it stays toasty with the reverse-cycle air con. Minor gripe? The laundry facilities are shared in the building, so plan your loads around peak times, but hey, it’s better than nothing. I explored Parliament House one afternoon—literally a 10-minute drive—and came back to crash without feeling like I was in some sterile hotel chain.

All in all, if you’re heading to Canberra—maybe for a family getaway or just to escape the coastal crowds—this place is a solid pick. It’s got that four-star polish without the pretension, and at a high rating for a reason: it’s practical, comfy, and puts you right in the mix of the city’s underrated charm. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in spring when the Floriade festival lights up the area—book early, though, as spots like this fill up fast. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself for skipping the big hotels and going for something that feels more like a home base.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $227. Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 × 1 double bed for Max persons: 6

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities