CBD Japanese Retreat 2BR 1P Brekky Wifi Netflix

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the CBD Japanese Retreat while planning a quick getaway to Canberra last spring, and honestly, it turned out to be one of those hidden gems that makes you rethink what a city stay can feel like. Tucked away on Mort Street in Braddon – that’s that buzzy inner-north suburb where all the cool cafes and bars are popping up – it’s just a stone’s throw from the heart of Civic, but without the constant hum of tourist crowds. I mean, you can walk to places like Lonsdale Street for a killer coffee or even hop over to Lake Burley Griffin for a morning stroll if you’re feeling energetic. Arriving mid-afternoon, check-in was a breeze; the host met me right at the door with a warm smile and a quick rundown of the place – no stuffy front desk nonsense, just straightforward and friendly. Parking was easy too, with spots right out front, though it can get a bit tight during peak hours when everyone’s hitting the nearby eateries. The vibe hits you immediately: it’s styled like a serene Japanese retreat, with those clean lines, bamboo accents, and a faint scent of green tea lingering in the air – sort of calming after a long drive from Sydney.

What really sold me was the setup inside – it’s a two-bedroom spot that feels more like a stylish apartment than a hotel room, perfect for a small group or if you’re traveling with a partner and need some space. The living area has this massive comfy couch where I binge-watched Netflix after dark (yep, it’s all set up and ready to go), and the wifi was rock-solid, no buffering even when I was streaming and working at the same time. Breakfast was included, nothing fancy but thoughtful – think fresh fruit, yogurt, and some Japanese-inspired touches like miso soup packets and rice crackers that you can whip up in the little kitchenette. I appreciated the details, like the soft tatami-style mats underfoot that made padding around barefoot feel luxurious, and the bathroom with its deep soaking tub – oh man, after hiking around Mount Ainslie, that was a lifesaver. It’s not huge, mind you, and the street can get a tad noisy on weekend nights with Braddon’s bar scene kicking off, but earplugs sorted that out quick. Plus, being in Canberra’s cooler months meant quieter evenings anyway; summer might be busier with festivals drawing crowds.

All in all, if you’re heading to Canberra and want something that feels authentic and low-key luxurious without breaking the bank – it’s a 4-star spot with a solid 9.1 rating for a reason – this is it. I’ve stayed in fancier hotels downtown, but this one just had that personal touch, like crashing at a friend’s well-curated pad. You’d save on eating out too, with the kitchen and brekky setup, and it’s super close to public transport if you’re sans car. Honestly, I’d go back in a heartbeat for a relaxed weekend; just book ahead during events like Floriade, when everything fills up fast. If you’re after a breather from the usual tourist traps, this Japanese retreat vibe nails it – calming, convenient, and way more memorable than your average stay.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $154. Deluxe Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Great location, great place to stay. Very helpful staff! A great place for a family to stay while exploring Canberra – Lisa from Australia – 3 July 2025 (10/10)

  Great location, walking distance to good restaurants and shopping. Easy to access.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing at all!

• Perfect Canberra short stay with restaurants galore nearby and parking – Michelle from Australia – 27 June 2025 (9/10)

  Great location with bonus underground parking included. Loved the long layout which made the apartment feel a bit more spacious. Lots of breakfast (and a few other) treats in the cupboard and fridge which were appreciated. Comfortable and clean with loads of restaurants, food trucks, and bars nearby but still very quiet in the apartment. Definitely a livelier Canberra area!

• Superb – Rita from Australia – 27 June 2025 (9/10)

  Great location close to a range of eateries and arcades

• Top option for Canberra stay – Matthaios from Australia – 26 April 2025 (10/10)

  Everything was top notch. Place was clean and quiet. Appreciated having parking and Netflix available. The location is walking distance to City Centre. The communication with host was excellent.

• Fantastic location & clean small properly.perfect!! – Mary from Australia – 25 April 2025 (10/10)

  The property is small but we were there to see Canberra so it was perfect for a place to leave our things and go explore. Very clean and well setup. With many food places around the block and the city centre a quick walk away, am happy we found this property. The hosts were great at communicating.
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Superb – Georgina from Australia – 17 April 2025 (9/10)

  Parking was a bonus
  
  What could be improved: Would be good to add a full length mirror. There was a consistent beeping sound every couple of minutes but we couldn't work out where it was coming from. Could've been next door

• Wonderful really & exceeded our expectations. – Maureen from Australia – 25 March 2025 (9/10)

  It was very central, comfortable & it had a very well stocked pantry & fridge.
  
  What could be improved: We were, initially concerned about accessing both the key & the property, but the instructions that were sent to us proved more than adequate.

• Superb – Julie from Australia – 23 February 2025 (9/10)

  Thankful for shampoo and shower wash provided, and for brekky and condiments provided, many thanks.
  Many thanks also for meeting us to provide keys, at time suitable to us, excellent service.
  Very clean, very comfy beds, heaps of pillows, superb!
  
  What could be improved: These little things could help:
  It could do with a wire shelf hanging from the shower hose, just to hold my soap and my facewasher.
  Needs rails to hold my swim towel and bath towel, hooks mean they dont dry.
  Needs more teaspoons.
  Please offer gluten free bread option for brekky
  I am being picky, but overall very pleased.

• Exceptional – Molly from Australia – 21 February 2025 (10/10)

  Hong was such a great host and responded extremely quickly to any question I had! The location was perfect and the apartment itself was lovely; I especially appreciated the generous fruit platter in the fridge! Thanks again for a great stay Hong 😊

• Exceptional – Julie from Australia – 10 February 2025 (10/10)

  Comfortable bed and spotlessly clean. Great location as well
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

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Facilities