Forrest Hotel & Apartments

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the Forrest Hotel & Apartments last time I was in Canberra for a quick work trip – it was one of those spontaneous bookings after my original plans fell through, and honestly, it turned out to be a solid choice. Tucked away on National Circuit in the leafy suburb of Forrest, it’s got that understated vibe that fits right into the capital’s whole planned-city thing. I mean, you’re basically a stone’s throw from the Parliamentary Triangle – I walked over to Parliament House in about 15 minutes one morning, dodging the early joggers along those wide, tree-lined paths. The area feels super safe and quiet, especially at night when the only sounds are maybe a distant car or some rustling leaves from the nearby parks. Parking was a breeze too; they have plenty of spots out front, which is a godsend in Canberra where everything’s spread out and you don’t want to be circling blocks forever. Check-in was straightforward – the staff were friendly enough, though a bit harried during peak afternoon hours, but hey, who isn’t after a long day?

What really sold me on the place was the apartment-style setup – it’s not your typical sterile hotel room, more like a comfy little home base with a kitchenette that actually had decent pots and pans (none of that flimsy stuff you sometimes get). I whipped up a simple pasta one evening after wandering back from Manuka Oval, where I’d caught a bit of a local cricket match – that suburb’s just a short drive away, full of cute cafes and that village feel, you know? The rooms are spacious, with those big windows letting in tons of natural light, and the beds are firm but comfy – I slept like a log despite the occasional hum from the air con, which, fair warning, can be a tad noisy if you’re a light sleeper. Breakfast at their on-site cafe was nothing fancy – think basic buffet with fresh fruit and decent coffee – but it hit the spot before heading out to Lake Burley Griffin for a stroll. Oh, and if you’re there in summer, the outdoor pool is a nice touch, though it gets crowded with families on weekends. It’s rated around 7.7 for a reason; everything’s clean and functional, but don’t expect luxury frills – the decor’s a bit dated in spots, like the carpets could use a refresh, but it adds to that no-nonsense charm.

All in all, if you’re visiting Canberra for the sights or maybe some government business – it’s super close to all those embassies on Empire Circuit – I’d say give Forrest Hotel a go. It’s affordable for what you get (3.5 stars feels about right), and perfect for folks who want space to spread out without breaking the bank. Families or solo travelers would dig it, especially if you like self-catering to avoid eating out every meal. Just book ahead during events like Floriade in spring, when the whole city buzzes; otherwise, it’s a peaceful spot to unwind after exploring. I left feeling like I’d found a reliable little gem – not flashy, but the kind of place that makes you think, yeah, I’d come back.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $76. Queen Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $79. Twin Room with 1 single bed and 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $97. Executive One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $114. Superior Two bedroom Apartment with 2 single beds and 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $115. Executive Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 single beds and 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Great value, comfortable and well-equipped place to stay. – Dawn from Australia – 14 July 2025 (8/10)

  Comfy warm room and bed with extra blankets and electric blanket. Great location, within walking distance to the new Government House. A quiet neighbourhood. It was good to have the restaurant there, but a shame it was closed on weekends, however there are many places to eat located a short drive away. It was good value and I would stay there again.
  
  What could be improved: I did find the noise from other rooms carried a bit, plus there were noisy people down in the carpark early one morning

• Great Location on a budget – Monica from Australia – 13 July 2025 (9/10)

  Great location for everything we visited. Clean and comfortable room. Great budget hotel.

• Pleased to discover the convenience, reasonable rates and good facilities. – Suzanne from Australia – 8 July 2025 (7/10)

  Location, good set up for a few days stay.
  
  What could be improved: Heating inadequate and located over eating area. A panel heater in the bedroom and bathroom would have improved conditions.

• Will use this venue again. – Trickman4 from Australia – 8 July 2025 (8/10)

  Great value.Good bed.
  
  What could be improved: N A

• The apartments were very warm and comfortable and situated in a good location to all attractions – Trevor from Australia – 4 July 2025 (8/10)

  Cleanliness, Location close to attractions and restaurants, Amount of space in the one bedroom apartment, having two TV;s

• It was comfortable stay – Francisca from Australia – 4 July 2025 (8/10)

  Excellent room, clean and has comfortable beds
  
  What could be improved: Good apartment

• Very Hapu – Simon from Australia – 30 June 2025 (9/10)

  All good
  
  What could be improved: Location and Dinner options

• Great value in a very good location. – Pauline from Australia – 29 June 2025 (8/10)

  Location is excellent, rooms clean and everything very clean. Bed was very comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: Showers were a bit dated but bathrooms had been reptiles so overall it was fine.

• Great value stopover – Caroline from Australia – 28 June 2025 (8/10)

  Great location, very warm and cozy for a mid winter stop on the way to the snow.
  
  What could be improved: Rooms are small but typical for a motel in this price range.

• Love this motel and will always stay here when I come to Canberra – Phoebe from Australia – 27 June 2025 (9/10)

  Basic but clean, comfortable, warm, great shower, nice and quiet. Easy walk to great cafes and shops

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities