Dana-Cozy Private Room in Shared Central Apt-Rm 2

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Dana-Cozy Private Room in Shared Central Apt-Rm 2 during a quick solo trip to Canberra last spring, and honestly, it turned out to be one of those hidden gems that just feels right for budget travelers who don’t mind a bit of local flavor. It’s tucked away at 222 City Walk, right in the heart of Civic – that’s the bustling downtown area where you can literally step out and grab a flat white from one of those trendy cafes on Bunda Street without even crossing a road. I mean, arriving after a long drive from Sydney, I was knackered, but the host, Dana, made check-in a breeze – she buzzed me up from the street entrance (no fancy lobby here, just a secure intercom), handed over the keys with a quick chat about the best nearby spots, and even pointed out where to snag free parking on nearby Ainslie Avenue if you’re lucky enough to find a spot before the evening rush. The building itself is one of those older apartment blocks, nothing flashy, but it’s got that lived-in charm – think creaky wooden floors that echo a bit when someone walks by, and a faint whiff of fresh coffee from the shared kitchen that hits you as soon as you open the door. It’s rated an 8.1 for a reason; it’s not luxurious, but it’s clean and thoughtful, like someone actually cares about making you feel at home.

What really sold me on the place was how cozy the private room felt, even though you’re sharing the apartment with a couple of other guests or maybe the host’s flatmates – Rm 2 is this snug little space with a comfy queen bed (the linens were soft, almost like they’d been line-dried in that crisp Canberra air), a desk for if you need to bang out some emails, and a window overlooking the pedestrian buzz of City Walk below. Mornings were my favorite; you’d wake up to the distant hum of trams on Northbourne Avenue and that fresh, eucalyptus-scented breeze wafting in – Canberra’s got this unique clean smell, especially after a light rain, which happens more than you’d think in autumn. The shared bathroom was spotless, with hot water that never ran out (a godsend after hiking around Lake Burley Griffin, which is just a 10-minute walk away), and the kitchen had all the basics – microwave, kettle, even some communal herbs if you’re feeling chef-y. Sure, it can get a tad noisy on Friday nights with folks spilling out from the bars on Garema Place, but earplugs sorted that out, and during the week, it’s surprisingly quiet, like the whole city winds down early. Oh, and if you’re into politics or history, you’re basically next door to the National Museum or a short bus ride to Parliament House – I popped over one afternoon and it felt effortless.

All in all, if you’re not after five-star pampering and want something authentic that puts you smack in the middle of Canberra’s vibe without breaking the bank, this spot’s a winner. It’s got that 3-star simplicity, but with heart – think affordable at around 100 bucks a night, and way more personal than a chain hotel. Just a heads up, though: if you’re super private or traveling with kids, the shared setup might feel a bit intimate (I overheard a conversation or two through the thin walls), but for solo adventurers or couples, it’s perfect. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in spring when the Floriade festival lights up nearby Commonwealth Park – book early, as spots like this fill up fast. Trust me, it’s the kind of place that makes you appreciate Canberra’s understated cool.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $96. Queen Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Good – Wi from Australia – 13 June 2025 (7/10)

  Convenient location next to a shopping centre. Given the price, I got what I expected. The apartment was clean and there’s two toilets so it’s good.
  
  What could be improved: It is one bedroom apartment which the living room is converted into a second "bedroom", so no lounge area.
  
  Communication with the host was easy but felt robotic. The 9am check-out reminder the day before felt pushy and gave off a "can't wait to get rid of me" vibe. To make matters worse, the reminder about having to pay $100 if I lost the key felt unwelcome also needed to take a photo of the key in the little lock box in the locked mail box for proof.
  
  Check-in was a bit stressful due to disjointed instructions – the passcode was in one place, and the instructions on how to use it were somewhere else. Had to piece it together like a puzzle. Also, wasn't clear about the $20 parking fee before booking.
  
  And yeah, the reviews weren't kidding about the spa tub height… no joke!

• Superb location – Sheryl from New Zealand – 22 February 2025 (9/10)

  Location was superb.
  Large clean room with lots of light and balcony.
  Easy to contact host
  Great having the washing machine available.
  I would definitely stay again..
  
  What could be improved: Could do with some hand towels on the bathroom and toilet.

• Excellent location and facilities – Valerie from Australia – 28 December 2024 (8/10)

  N/a

• Good – Karen from Australia – 27 June 2024 (8/10)

  Location and comfy bed
  
  What could be improved: Security-other tenant in apartment left front door wide open on leaving early morning

• Andrea from Czechia – Stratilova from Czech Republic – 1 June 2024 (9/10)

  Absolutely perfect location in the centre, very nice and helpful hostess, my stay was for one night only and I enjoyed it a lot.

• Grea – Yomaira from Colombia – 1 June 2024 (9/10)

  The room is well located and easy to get to.
  Everything was clean and I had full access to all the appliances.
  It's near to Canberra centre, which made easier to get supplies for my trip (food and a Sim card).
  Great communication with the owner.
  
  What could be improved: There should be a basket in the room.

• Pleasant and comfy. Well located. – Bronte from Australia – 9 May 2024 (7/10)

  Very clean with a comfy bed.
  
  What could be improved: Sparsely furnished. No TV. Nor even a bedside lamp. Was not previously aware I’d be sharing a bathroom.

• Superb – Gurbum from Australia – 4 April 2024 (9/10)

  Location, view
  
  What could be improved: Roommate is crazy

• Absolutely beautiful place to live. – Kapil from United Kingdom – 3 September 2023 (9/10)

  It’s very cool place, near to the city centre and easy to walk around the city.
  
  What could be improved: There nothing as such which I don’t liked. But I think the arrangement of checking should be more easy.

• Love the location and bed was comfy – Salote from Australia – 16 August 2023 (9/10)

  Clean and very comfortable
  
  What could be improved: I came in to the room one day from town and the cleaner was inside the apartment.
  I wasn’t aware the cleaner was going to be around. It would be good to be informed ahead if cleaner will be around to change beddings or do any cleaning

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities