City Centre – Pool – Parking – Self check-in

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the City Centre hotel on Cooyong Street during a quick trip to Canberra last summer, and honestly, it turned out to be a solid find – especially if you’re like me and hate fussing with hotel lobbies after a long drive. It’s right there at 83 Cooyong, smack in the middle of the action but not overwhelmingly chaotic, you know? I mean, you’re just a short walk from the Civic bus interchange or those trendy spots in Braddon where you can grab a flat white and some avo toast without dealing with the tourist crowds around Lake Burley Griffin. Pulling up, the self check-in was a breeze – they send you a code for the door, and boom, you’re in your room without chatting to anyone, which is perfect if you’ve got that post-flight grumpiness. And parking? Oh man, that’s a lifesaver in Canberra’s city center; they have secure spots onsite, so no circling blocks like you might near Parliament House during session times. The building itself has this modern, unpretentious vibe – clean lines, a bit of that glassy facade that catches the afternoon sun – and stepping inside, there’s this faint eucalyptus scent from the lobby plants, which sort of reminds you you’re in Australia without trying too hard.

What really won me over, though, was how it balances that 4-star comfort with practical touches that make you feel like you’ve got the run of the place. The rooms are spacious enough – mine had a king bed that was plush but not overly fluffy, with those blackout curtains that actually work, blocking out the early morning light (and trust me, Canberra summers start bright and early). There’s a little kitchenette too, which came in handy for brewing tea from the local markets – nothing fancy, but it beats room service prices. The pool on the rooftop is a highlight, especially on those sweltering afternoons when the city’s heat hits you like a wave; it’s not huge, more of a lap pool with some loungers, but dipping in while overlooking the treetops toward Mount Ainslie? Pure bliss. I will say, it can get a tad noisy from the street below during peak hours – Cooyong isn’t exactly a quiet laneway, with trams rumbling by and the occasional siren from nearby hospitals – but earplugs sorted that out, and it’s quiet after 10 PM anyway. Oh, and the Wi-Fi is speedy, which mattered for me catching up on work emails; no buffering frustrations like at some other spots I’ve tried in the capital.

All in all, with its 8.6 rating, this place feels like a smart pick for anyone wanting to dive into Canberra without the hassle – whether you’re here for a conference at the convention center (just a 10-minute stroll) or exploring the galleries around the lake. It’s not perfect; the breakfast options are basic (think continental grab-and-go, nothing gourmet), but that just pushes you out to discover local gems like those cafes on Lonsdale Street. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in the off-season when the city’s vibe is more relaxed – you get that authentic Canberra feel, planned and polished, but with enough grit to keep it real. If you’re traveling solo or with a partner, it’s got that effortless appeal; families might want more space, but hey, for the price and location, it’s a winner.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $199. Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Excellent Option – Ben from Australia – 13 June 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent location, very clean and the facilities were great
  
  What could be improved: Only issue for me was the TV wouldn’t connect to the wifi and therefore couldn’t use the apps

• Superb – Matthew from Australia – 4 May 2025 (9/10)

  The location of this apartment is superb, right opposite the Canberra Central Mall, a short stroll from the casino and ample dining options just a few kicks of the footy from the front door. The apartment is modern and cosy, the heating made our stay comfortable. The kitchen is fully equipped without being oversized. The host was very polite and helpful, I would book again.
  
  What could be improved: Couldn't find the pool or bbq patio, it was cold so not a huge loss.

• Perfect location and very clean and comfortable. – Nikoleta from Australia – 16 April 2025 (10/10)

  Extremely clean and very central to everything.

• Excellent facility and great location for visit to Canberra would stay here again and recommend to others – Andrew from Australia – 24 February 2025 (9/10)

  Perfect location for short walk to shopping centres and car ride to tourist attractions, clean, very good facilities, multiple rooftop areas
  
  What could be improved: On hot days bedrooms hard to cool down
  Needs a portable cooler for each bedroom
  The one in rooms stand was partly broken but worked

• A perfect location for a city break. Central, very clean and convenient – Rosemary from Australia – 19 February 2025 (10/10)

  The apartment was very clean and comfortable and the location was so convenient for the city centre. It was very well equipped
  
  What could be improved: The only thing that could have been improved was to specify on the check-in instructions that the directions for the key pickup are from the entrance on Cooyong Road. We started from the side entrance and were very confused. However, a quick phone call quickly cleared up the problem.

• Very convenient and clean – Pennington from Australia – 16 January 2025 (8/10)

  The property was clean and comfortable. It was super close to everything. We were able to walk for diner to a plethora of choices

• Very good – Jennifer from Australia – 31 December 2024 (8/10)

  Very good location with easy access to all important locations
  Comfortable
  Good layout and two bathrooms

• Excellent location and clean modern apartment – Jeanette from Australia – 21 December 2024 (10/10)

  Such a good location and although compact was perfect for a few days to week away in Canberra. It had a nice view and balcony, came well equip, was very clean, great spot to walk everywhere and bonus that our Cavoodle could stay too.

• Close to the shops had everything we need and great communication with the owners – Rebecca from Australia – 10 November 2024 (10/10)

  Very clean and had everything we needed.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Superb – Jocelyn from Australia – 28 October 2024 (9/10)

  Great location. You can walk to restaurants and shops and there is a lovely public garden across the road. Getting to the parking place is a challenge and the instructions are important! However, it is great to have the free parking in the city centre. The apartment is comfortable and the extra kitchen items were really appreciated. The living area is small but pleasant. The outside area gives a sense of space.
  
  What could be improved: We enjoyed our stay and had a great time.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities