Exquisite Apartment at Citys Doorstep – Hosted by Canstay

Hotel Description

You know, when I first rolled up to the Exquisite Apartment at City’s Doorstep – this spot hosted by Canstay in Canberra’s 2612 postcode, tucked away in that lively pocket near Dickson – I was honestly a bit skeptical. I’d just come off a long drive from Sydney, and the address popped up on my GPS as this unassuming building on a side street off Northbourne Avenue, where the light rail zips by every few minutes. But man, stepping inside changed everything. It’s not your typical hotel vibe; it’s more like borrowing a mate’s sleek city pad. The self-check-in was a breeze – they email you a code, no fussing with a front desk, which is perfect if you’re arriving late after hitting the wineries out in Murrumbateman (highly recommend, by the way, especially in autumn when the leaves turn). The place smells faintly of that fresh linen spray, mixed with whatever’s cooking from the Vietnamese joints downstairs in Dickson – pho heaven, if you ask me. I plopped my bags down on the plush carpet, kicked off my shoes, and just sank into the couch; it’s got that lived-in comfort without feeling worn out.

What really sets this apartment apart, though – and I mean this as someone who’s bounced around Canberra a fair bit – is how it nails that balance of city buzz and quiet retreat. It’s a solid 4-star setup with an 8 rating that feels earned; the kitchen’s fully kitted out with a proper oven and dishwasher, so I whipped up brekkie using goodies from the nearby Coles (way cheaper than room service, honestly). The bedroom’s got these blackout curtains that actually work, blocking out the early morning sun that blasts over the Brindabella Ranges – you get glimpses of them from the balcony if you’re up high enough. Oh, and parking? It’s undercover in the building, but spots can get tight during peak times like Floriade in spring when everyone’s flocking to the lake for the flower displays. Noise-wise, there’s a bit of traffic hum from Northbourne, especially around rush hour, but it dies down by evening, and the double-glazed windows keep it mellow. I spent one afternoon wandering over to Braddon – just a 10-minute stroll – for coffee at that funky spot, The Cupping Room (their flat whites are killer), and it felt like the apartment was my little base camp. Sure, it’s not overflowing with amenities like a pool or gym – it’s an apartment, after all – but the Wi-Fi’s speedy, and there’s a washer-dryer combo that saved me from overpacking.

All in all, if you’re heading to Canberra for work or to check out the museums around Lake Burley Griffin – Parliament House is a quick light rail ride away – I’d say book this place without hesitation. It’s got that authentic, homey feel that makes a trip memorable, especially for longer stays where you don’t want to eat out every meal. Yeah, it might not be flawless (the bathroom’s a tad compact for two people unpacking at once), but for the price and location, it’s a gem. Sort of reminds me why I love these hosted spots – they let you live like a local, you know? Next time I’m in town, I’m crashing here again.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $112. Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Great location and just what we required. – Paul from Australia – 4 May 2025 (8/10)

  The location was great. It was within walking distance Canberra Central and restaurants.
  
  What could be improved: The shower was over the bath. It was a spa bath and so was very high. It was ok for us but I think it could be quite difficult for older people to manoeuvre.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities