Abode Gungahlin

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Abode Gungahlin during a quick trip to Canberra last spring – I was there for a conference but wanted something a bit removed from the downtown hustle, and honestly, it turned out to be a smart pick. Pulling up to the corner of Anthony Rolfe Avenue and Gribble Street, it’s this modern, unassuming building in the heart of Gungahlin, which is one of those up-and-coming suburbs in northern Canberra. Not the flashy tourist core like around Lake Burley Griffin, but close enough – you’re maybe a 20-minute drive from the city center, or even quicker if you hop on the light rail from nearby stops. Check-in was a breeze; the staff were these friendly locals who chatted about the best coffee spots in the Gungahlin Marketplace just down the road (try the flat white at that little cafe on Hibberson Street – it’s legit). My room? Spacious, with these big windows overlooking the quiet streets – think soft, plush bedding that smells faintly of fresh linen, and a kitchenette that’s actually useful if you’re staying more than a night. Oh, and parking’s free and plentiful, which is a godsend in Canberra where street spots can be a nightmare during peak hours.

What really sold me, though, was how it feels like a home base without trying too hard. It’s a solid 4-star setup – nothing over-the-top luxurious, but the gym’s decent for a quick morning run on the treadmill, and there’s this outdoor terrace where you can sip a beer in the evening while watching the suburb wind down. I mean, Gungahlin’s not buzzing like Civic, but that’s the charm; it’s peaceful, especially after dark when the traffic on Gundaroo Drive quiets to a hum. We grabbed dinner at a nearby pub – the one with the wood-fired pizzas, you know? – and walked back without any fuss. Sure, the Wi-Fi dipped a bit during busy evenings (probably everyone streaming after work), but it wasn’t a dealbreaker. And if you’re into exploring, it’s super handy for day trips – I drove out to the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex one afternoon, which is about 40 minutes away, and came back to crash in that comfy king bed. Little touches like the fresh towels and the subtle eucalyptus scent in the bathroom made it feel thoughtful, not generic.

All in all, if you’re visiting Canberra for work or just to poke around the capital without the inner-city prices, Abode Gungahlin’s a winner – that 8.5 rating feels spot-on. It’s not perfect; the breakfast options are basic (grab something from the Woolies supermarket across the way if you’re picky), but for the value, especially in shoulder season when things are quieter, you’d be hard-pressed to find better. I’d go back in a heartbeat – well, maybe next time I’ll book a balcony room for that extra view of the Brindabella Ranges on a clear day. Trust me, it’s the kind of place that makes you appreciate the low-key side of Aussie suburbs.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $186. Studio – Disability Access for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $195. Studio with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $195. Studio – Disability Access with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $224. King Studio with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $244. Executive Studio with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $301. Family Studio with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Perfect for stop off on way back from snow – Narelle from Australia – 14 July 2025 (10/10)

  Clean comfortable convenient stop off on way to snow
  
  What could be improved: Clean comfortable

• Very good – Lynn from Australia – 6 July 2025 (8/10)

  What could be improved: Safety problem in the carport. We had to call the NRMA because there was no barrier to define the end of the concrete parking slab. Coming in at night the car's front wheels went into the ditch at the end. According to the call out man this has happened before. The problem could be fixed with a simple low barricade strip.

• It was ok – Karmen from Australia – 5 July 2025 (7/10)

  Right in the heart of Gungahlin. Close to a wide variety of clubs, shopping, fast food and restaurants. The staff were lovely and helpful when needed.
  
  What could be improved: Upon arrival of booking for two adults and one child. Unfortunately the sofa bed remained a mattress. There were no sheets for this. No extra towel for child either. When I rang the property they told me to go downstairs where I would find linen for the bed. As I went downstairs there were no spare linen. My daughter had to use a blanket to cover the mattress and had no sooner. She used her oodie which was extremely dissapointed as she woke cold multiple times during the night- right before a dance competition. Very dissapointed

• Superb – Pam from Australia – 5 July 2025 (9/10)

  The room was clean and comfortable. It met my needs and was good value. I asked for a pet free room, and this was accommodated. Previously, I have had a room with obvious pet damage and odour.

• We would stay again – Cheryl from Australia – 2 July 2025 (10/10)

  Conveniently located

• Good – Frances from Australia – 30 June 2025 (7/10)

  The location. Previously when I’ve stayed here, it’s always been a smooth transition and process for checking in during and after reception hours. But not this time unfortunately.
  
  What could be improved: Requested a late checkin as our flight was arriving after reception was closed. When we there were no keys or any form of communication prior to when we arrived at the hotel accommodation. We had to wait around in the freezing cold weather for someone to help us remotely from another location. No information given to access hotel information for wifi, or room service either.

• Perfect stay to catch up with family – Bodger from Australia – 25 June 2025 (9/10)

  The location was excellent and easy to drive into.

• happy to recoment and would stay again – David from Australia – 16 June 2025 (10/10)

  Room nice and Bed was very confortasble
  
  What could be improved: the cold weather 🙂

• Very good – Michelle from Australia – 10 June 2025 (8/10)

  The location and the size of the room were great
  
  What could be improved: There were never any staff at the front desk when you needed them.
  The TV had no connection to streaming apps so the selection was very poor compared to most hotels.

• We needed to stay in the area, this worked well – Roxana from Australia – 8 June 2025 (9/10)

  Good location for our needs. Easy walk to park shops and restaurants

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities