East Hotel and Apartments

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon East Hotel and Apartments during a quick trip to Canberra last spring, and honestly, it turned into one of those places that just feels right from the moment you pull up. It’s right there on Canberra Avenue in Kingston – that leafy suburb south of the lake, where the vibe shifts from the bureaucratic buzz of the city center to something a bit more relaxed, like a hidden pocket of the capital. I remember driving in after a long day exploring Parliament House (which is just a 10-minute hop away, by the way – no need to battle peak-hour traffic on the Kings Avenue Bridge if you time it right). The building itself has this modern, unpretentious edge – think sleek lines with a touch of industrial chic, not the sterile high-rise feel you get in some spots. Check-in was a breeze; the staff were chatty without being over-the-top, and they even pointed out the secure underground parking, which is a godsend in Canberra where street spots vanish during events like Floriade. Oh, and that lobby scent – a subtle mix of fresh coffee from their in-house espresso bar and whatever herbs they’re growing in the little courtyard garden – it just hits you and makes you unwind instantly.

What really sold me, though, was how the place blends hotel comforts with apartment-style living, especially if you’re staying more than a couple nights. My room – well, suite, actually – had a full kitchenette with proper appliances (not those sad mini-fridges you find elsewhere), and the balcony overlooked the quiet end of the avenue, where you could hear the distant hum of traffic fading into bird calls from nearby wetlands. It’s in Kingston, so you’re steps from gems like the Old Bus Depot Markets on weekends – I grabbed some killer artisanal cheese there one Sunday morning – or you could wander to Local Press for a brekkie smoothie without even crossing a major road. The pool area’s a nice touch too, heated and tucked away, perfect for laps after a day at the National Gallery (about 2km north, easy walk along the lake path if you’re into that). Noise-wise, it’s surprisingly peaceful for its spot; sure, there’s the occasional car whooshing by, but nothing like the chaos near Civic. I mean, it’s not flawless – the Wi-Fi dipped a bit during evenings when everyone seemed to be streaming, and rates can creep up in summer when tourists flock for the festivals – but overall, it feels lived-in, with thoughtful perks like complimentary bikes for zipping around Lake Burley Griffin. And the beds? Plush without being too soft, the kind that make you hit snooze repeatedly.

Look, if you’re heading to Canberra for work or a family getaway, East Hotel is the sort of spot that makes the city feel approachable rather than overwhelming. It’s got that 4.5-star polish with an 8.9 rating that actually holds up – not hyped-up fluff. I’ve recommended it to mates visiting for conferences, and they all rave about how it bridges that gap between hotel convenience and home-like space. You won’t regret basing yourself here; it’s like discovering a cool aunt’s place in the suburbs, full of surprises without the fuss. Just book ahead if it’s cherry blossom season – things get busy fast.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $191. East Studio with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $207. Luxe Studio with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $207. Standard Double Room – Disabled Access with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $231. East One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $247. Luxe One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Very comfortable room and superb restaurant – Mariana from Australia – 14 July 2025 (10/10)

  We loved the room, so comfortable! Our kids had a great time playing with the furniture as if it was their shop. The bed was comfortable and the kitchen had everything we needed. The restaurant was superb! Amazing Italian food. Make sure you make a reservation though as it's very busy. Staff were friendly and the kids loved the lollies available for guests as reception.
  
  What could be improved: $20 for carpark is a bit pricey considering there's plenty of street parking available.

• Amazing weekend away – Annie from Australia – 13 July 2025 (9/10)

  The space of the room was huge and the great vibe the hotel has.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing we thought it was a great weekend

• Highly recommend Easts hotel, great facilities and location – Frances from Australia – 10 July 2025 (10/10)

  Modern, clean, comfortable bed, great room service from Agostini’s
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Excellent place to stay – Shayne from Australia – 8 July 2025 (9/10)

  The room was fantastic. The service by the staff was excellent.
  The restaurant was exceptional.
  
  What could be improved: The chromecast didn't work on one night that we stayed.

• Very comfortable short walk to shops and cafes good heating in the hotel – Paul from Australia – 7 July 2025 (10/10)

  Very clean very nice staff nice meals at the restaurant
  
  What could be improved: Nil

• Love this hotel – only place we’ll stay in Canberra! – Belinda from Australia – 6 July 2025 (10/10)

  Good value for money, the size of the room, cleanliness, the products, restaurant/bar and staff.
  
  What could be improved: Couldn’t get a car park when we arrived at 6.3pm on a Saturday.

• Exceptional – Denis from Australia – 1 July 2025 (10/10)

  So nice to stay in a great hotel. So close to the galleries and restaurants.

• Great to stay at a clean, friendly and convenient hotel – Brad from Australia – 30 June 2025 (10/10)

  Location and friendly staff
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• The right place to be for that moment. – Alessandra from Australia – 29 June 2025 (8/10)

  Clean, modern, good location, late checkout, friendly and helpful staff, easy to find
  
  What could be improved: Would appreciate free parking

• Superb hotel and Agostini's for breakfast was awesome. Highly recommend it. – Caitlin from Australia – 23 June 2025 (10/10)

  Everything was SUPERB! Comfy bed, lovely bathroom, friendly staff, lollies in reception a nice treat, very clean and comfortable. Agostini's for breakfast was terrific.
  
  What could be improved: Had trouble heating the room – a bit confusing.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities