Abode Narrabundah

Hotel Description

You know, I ended up at the Abode Narrabundah kind of by accident last time I was in Canberra – I was there for a work thing, but honestly, it turned out to be a way better spot than I expected for kicking back after long days. It’s tucked away on Jerrabomberra Avenue in Narrabundah, this leafy suburb that’s just a quick drive from the city center, like maybe 10 minutes to Parliament House if traffic’s behaving. I remember pulling up in the evening, and the place has this modern apartment vibe – not flashy, but clean and welcoming, with that fresh linen smell hitting you as soon as you walk in. Check-in was a breeze; the staff were these friendly locals who chatted about the best coffee spots nearby (turns out there’s a great little cafe on the corner of Captain Cook Crescent that’s killer for brekkie). My room – well, suite, really – was spacious, with a full kitchenette that saved me a ton on eating out. I mean, who doesn’t love whipping up a quick pasta after wandering around Lake Burley Griffin all afternoon? The bed was super comfy, that plush kind where you sink in but don’t wake up with a crick in your neck, and the balcony overlooked some quiet gardens – no highway noise, which is a godsend in a city that’s usually pretty hushed anyway.

What really sold me on the Abode was how it felt like a home base without the pretentious hotel fluff. It’s rated 8.3 for a reason – solid four-star without trying too hard. You’ve got free parking right out front, which is clutch if you’re renting a car to zip over to Manuka Oval for a game or down to the Kingston foreshore for those trendy bars (pro tip: go on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds). The Wi-Fi was reliable, not that spotty stuff you get in some places, and there’s a little gym downstairs that’s actually usable – nothing fancy, but enough to shake off the jet lag. I appreciated the small touches, like the eco-friendly toiletries that didn’t smell like cheap chemicals, and the way the air con hummed quietly without blasting you out. Oh, and if you’re there in summer, it gets warm, but the place stays cool inside – though fair warning, the pool’s more of a dip-and-dash situation than a full-on resort thing. I did notice the walls are a bit thin; I could hear the neighbors’ TV faintly one night, but it wasn’t a deal-breaker, especially since Narrabundah’s such a chill, residential area – think tree-lined streets and not much foot traffic after dark.

All in all, if you’re heading to Canberra and want something practical that doesn’t break the bank, I’d totally recommend the Abode Narrabundah. It’s not the Ritz – sort of understated, you know? – but that’s what makes it authentic for a trip where you’re actually exploring, not just lounging. Whether you’re there for business, like me, or hitting up the National Gallery (it’s only about a 15-minute drive), you’ll feel settled in. Just book ahead during peak times like Floriade season in spring, when everything fills up fast. Honestly, it left me wanting to extend my stay – and that’s saying something for a place in the capital.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $158. Studio with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $158. Studio – Disability Access with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $169. Studio with Balcony with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $176. Studio with Terrace with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $181. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $187. Family Studio with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• I enjoyed the usual high standards of comfort and facility for the most part. – Louise from Australia – 13 July 2025 (9/10)

  Comfortable and clean with comfy bed and good facilities.
  
  What could be improved: The green armchair is not fit for purpose. It’s sold ole you can feel the frame through the padding.
  There were small children running up and down the hallway and the adults talking loudly and closing doors loudly up until midnight. There were no staff to assist and as a woman by myself I was not comfortable talking to them.

• Comfortable & clean. Certainly would stay there again. – Teresa from Australia – 10 July 2025 (9/10)

  Warm& clean.quite central for what we needed.

• Superb – Cheryle from Australia – 30 June 2025 (9/10)

  Fantastic value , great kitchen. facilities and very comfortable

• Great value, and clean with everything you need – Lisa from Australia – 22 June 2025 (8/10)

  As above
  
  What could be improved: The hotel was great value for money for our short stay. We would definitely return and highly recommend it.
  
  The room was super clean, there was plenty of parking, and the location was quiet while still within a short commute to the airport and the city. There was a basic kitchenette for reheating food and making tea/coffee, as well as a dishwasher (and washing machine and dryer)!
  
  We were also able to bring our dog with us with a $50 pet fee. We locked ourselves out of the room when taking him to the toilet in the courtyard, but were able to contact one of the afterhours team who resolved it for us over the phone and we were back in our room within a few short minutes…. Grateful for the friendly help and efficient process, particularly as it was -7 outside!!!

• Good for my business trips – Yevgeny from Australia – 21 June 2025 (8/10)

  Clean, well maintained hotel. I stayed here several times when I travelled for work.
  
  What could be improved: My only problem is the choice of kitchen utensils.

• Good value but few places to eat. – Lin from Australia – 15 June 2025 (9/10)

  The room was very comfortable, quite spacious, and had everything we needed. All of the extras were good quality.
  
  What could be improved: If you are given a room in the higher numbers, you can have quite a walk to your room.
  On the night we stayed all the staff had left by 5pm so there was no access to any of the meals etc.in the fridges.

• Superb – Angela from Australia – 28 May 2025 (9/10)

  Good location, clean
  
  What could be improved: The app.said we would get a dog toy for the dog but there was none

• Very good – Zoe from Australia – 25 May 2025 (8/10)

  Comfort and spacious room. Easy parking out front. Convenient location.
  
  What could be improved: Its a long way to the rooms through long hallways. Just a big hotel but pretty soulless.

• Great layout, easy to get to and good parking. – Sandra from Australia – 22 May 2025 (9/10)

  The layout and facilities of the unit were great. The staff were friendly and helpful. We had a phone call letting us know there was a problem with the heating. We were offered a full refund and cancellation or a portable heater and extra blankets. So glad we chose the latter. It was a lovely place to stay. Parking was very no problem. We had an appointment at the Canberra hospital and getting there was easy.
  
  What could be improved: The bed was a bit soft for my husband’s back.

• Although we only stayed one night we would definitely book if we returned to Canberra. – Karen from Australia – 22 May 2025 (9/10)

  Spacious, great facilities such as washer and dryer in the room, and comfortable bed and good shower.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities