Central CBD – parking – sleeps 4

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Central CBD – parking – sleeps 4 when I was planning a quick getaway to Canberra last spring, and honestly, it turned out to be a solid pick for what it is – a no-frills spot right in the heart of things. Pulling up to 81 Cooyong Street, I remember thinking how underrated this little stretch is; it’s tucked away from the main buzz of Northbourne Avenue but still close enough that you can hear the faint hum of trams rolling by in the morning. Parking was a godsend – they have dedicated spots, which is huge in the CBD where circling for ages is basically a local sport. I mean, I drove in from Sydney and didn’t want to deal with that headache after four hours on the road. Check-in was straightforward, though the lobby’s nothing fancy – think functional with a bit of that ’70s vibe lingering in the carpet patterns. But hey, for a 3-star joint with an 8 rating, it punches above its weight. The room we got was spacious enough for me, my partner, and a couple of friends crashing with us – sleeps four comfortably, like they promise, with a queen and a sofa bed that didn’t feel like sleeping on a rock.

What really sold me was how it felt like a home base rather than just a hotel room. The kitchenette came stocked with basics – microwave, fridge, even a little stovetop – so we whipped up brekkie most mornings using stuff from the nearby Canberra Centre markets (pro tip: hit up the fresh produce stalls on weekends; the berries are killer this time of year). The place has that clean, airy feel, with big windows letting in the crisp Canberra light, though you might catch a whiff of the city – exhaust from Cooyong mixing with eucalyptus from the nearby parks, especially after rain. It’s not dead quiet at night; there’s some street noise if you’re a light sleeper, but earplugs sorted that out for me. Well, actually, the air con hummed a bit too loudly at first, but a quick call to the front desk fixed it – staff were friendly, the kind who chat about local spots like they’re old mates. We walked everywhere: Lake Burley Griffin is just a 15-minute stroll south, perfect for those foggy morning jogs, and you’re steps from Braddon for trendy cafes (try Bar Rochford for cocktails – trust me, their negronis are spot on).

All in all, if you’re heading to Canberra for a mix of sightseeing and chilling – say, catching a show at the Playhouse or wandering the National Gallery – this place makes sense without breaking the bank. It’s not luxury, sure, with towels that are a tad thin and no fancy spa, but for families or small groups (it really does sleep four without feeling crammed), it’s practical and well-located. I’d go back in a heartbeat during the quieter off-season, like autumn when the leaves turn and the crowds thin out. Just pack light and embrace the CBD energy – you won’t regret it.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $153. Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Well located little apartment, close to everything, well appointed. Would stay again. , – Virginia from Australia – 25 January 2025 (8/10)

  Compact unit with everything you need.
  
  What could be improved: Washing machine needs feet adjusted so it doesn’t go for a run when it spins and a banister brush and dustpan and a broom would be handy.

• We will come back – Peter from Australia – 10 March 2025 (7/10)

  Good location, comfortable and clean
  
  What could be improved: The bin smelt and there was no green tea – only normal was available

• Superb – Sam from Australia – 6 March 2025 (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities