Beautiful Art Apartment near Tram and Shops! – Hosted by CanStay

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the Beautiful Art Apartment near Tram and Shops! while planning a quick getaway to Canberra last spring, and honestly, it turned out to be one of those spots that just clicks – hosted by CanStay, it’s tucked away in the 2612 postcode, right in the heart of Dickson, which is that lively inner-north suburb where everything feels walkable but not overwhelmingly touristy. Pulling up, I remember thinking, “Okay, this place looks unassuming from the outside,” with its modern low-rise building blending into the residential vibe along Woolley Street. Check-in was a breeze – no fuss with a front desk; they sent me a code for the door, and I was in within minutes, even though I arrived a bit early after dodging some roadwork on Northbourne Avenue. Stepping inside, the apartment hit me with this cozy, artistic flair – think exposed brick walls dotted with local Canberra prints (one was this quirky abstract of Lake Burley Griffin at sunset), soft wool rugs underfoot that felt like walking on clouds, and a kitchenette stocked with actual decent coffee pods, not the cheap stuff. It smelled faintly of eucalyptus from a diffuser in the corner, which was a nice touch, especially after a long drive from Sydney.

What really sold me, though, was how plugged into the neighborhood it is – you’re literally steps from the Dickson shops, where you can grab a flat white at that hidden gem cafe, Sweet Bones, or stock up on fresh produce from the Asian grocers that locals swear by. The tram stop is right there, maybe a two-minute stroll, zipping you straight to the city center in under 15 minutes; I used it to hit up the National Gallery one afternoon, and it was way easier than dealing with parking downtown, which can be a nightmare during peak hours. The apartment itself is a solid 4-star setup – spacious for a couple or small family, with a queen bed that didn’t creak (thank goodness), reliable Wi-Fi for streaming, and a balcony overlooking a quiet courtyard where you hear birds chirping in the mornings instead of traffic roar. Oh, and parking? There’s a secure spot underground, which is gold in Canberra where street parking fills up fast, especially on weekends when everyone’s out for the markets. That said, it’s not perfect – the trams do rumble by every now and then, sort of a gentle hum that might wake light sleepers early, but earplugs sorted that for me. And in quieter seasons like winter, the area feels even more peaceful, with fewer crowds wandering from the nearby pubs.

All in all, if you’re after a place that feels like a home base rather than a sterile hotel room, this one’s a winner with its 8/10 rating that honestly feels spot-on. I’d recommend it to anyone wanting to explore Canberra without the hassle – families digging the self-catering vibe, or solo travelers like me who appreciate the art and easy access to spots like Mount Ainslie for a sunrise hike. Just book ahead for summer; it gets snapped up quick. You won’t regret it – well, unless you’re allergic to good coffee and great public transport, I suppose.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $138. Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Very good – Ben from Australia – 6 December 2024 (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities