Founders Lane Apartments by Urban Rest

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Founders Lane Apartments by Urban Rest during a quick work trip to Canberra last spring, and honestly, it turned out to be one of those spots that just clicks – not flashy, but solid and thoughtful in ways that make you feel settled right away. It’s tucked away on Currong Street North, right in Braddon, which is that trendy inner-north suburb where all the good cafes and breweries are popping up. I mean, if you’re into your morning flat white, you’re literally a five-minute stroll from places like The Cupping Room or that little roastery on Lonsdale Street – beats fighting traffic in Civic, especially during peak hour when everyone’s commuting from the parliamentary triangle. Pulling up, I was relieved to find street parking wasn’t a total nightmare (though I’d snag a spot early if you’re driving in from the airport), and check-in was a breeze – no fuss, just a code for the door and a welcome pack with local tips, like where to grab decent laksa nearby. The building itself has this modern, low-key vibe, all clean lines and big windows that let in that crisp Canberra light, you know, the kind that makes everything feel a bit brighter even on a chilly day.

What really sold me, though, was how these apartments feel like a proper home base rather than some sterile hotel room. I stayed in one of the one-bedroom setups – spacious enough for unpacking without tripping over your suitcase, with a full kitchen that had actual sharp knives and a decent coffee machine (none of that pod nonsense). The bed was comfy, sheets soft and fresh-smelling like they’d just come out of the dryer, and the bathroom had those rain showerheads that make you linger a bit longer in the morning. It’s all self-contained, which is perfect for longer stays – I whipped up a simple pasta one night after wandering back from Lake Burley Griffin, where the paths are great for a jog but get windy in the evenings. Oh, and noise-wise, it was surprisingly quiet for being so central; sure, you might hear the occasional tram ding from Northbourne Avenue, but nothing that kept me up – actually, it added to that urban hum without overwhelming. Minor gripe? The Wi-Fi dipped a tad during evenings when everyone’s streaming, but for work calls, it held up fine. And being near ANU, it’s got that youthful energy around, with students grabbing kebabs late at night, but the place itself stays pretty chill.

All in all, if you’re heading to Canberra for a conference, a family visit, or just to explore the galleries without blowing your budget on overpriced eats out every meal, I’d say Founders Lane is a smart pick. It’s got that 4-star polish with an 8.7 rating that feels earned – practical, well-located, and with those little touches like in-unit laundry that save you from schlepping to a laundromat. Honestly, next time I’m in town for the Floriade festival in September (when the tulips turn the city into a flower explosion), this is where I’d book again. It’s not trying to be a luxury resort or anything – well, sort of understated in the best way – but it makes the whole trip feel effortless, and that’s what counts when you’re traveling, right?

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $137. One Bedroom Apartment With Parking with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $158. Two Bedroom Apartment With Parking with 1 double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Founders Lane apartments provided everything our family needed during our stay in Canberra – Elissa from Australia – 6 July 2025 (9/10)

  Location, room facilities, size of apartment
  
  What could be improved: Nil

• Enjoyable.couple of queries resolved quickly byUrbanrest staff – Stewart from Australia – 10 June 2025 (8/10)

  Modern, reasonably new, spacious.

• Superb – Kelly from Australia – 9 June 2025 (9/10)

  Very clean and in a great location.
  
  What could be improved: Very confusing car park different lifts for different parts of the building but no signage , ended up stuck in the wrong lift with no way to get out

• Cosy well appointed unit close to Glebe Park, City and Lake. – Diana from Australia – 25 May 2025 (9/10)

  Facilities: dishwasher, washing machine and dryer very useful.
  Light and airy
  Close to Lake and shops
  Privacy and security
  Parking
  Warm
  
  What could be improved: Distance between carpark and unit for moving luggage etc.
  extractor fans connected
  Ensuite bathroom fan didn't work
  Other bathroom fan was noisy and light couldn't be operated individually

• I reccomend this apartment. – Edyta from Poland – 17 May 2025 (10/10)

  Amazing apartment. Everything was available, even tea and coffee. It was really easy to access, and a parking place was close to the apartment. This is a very good place if someone wants to be close to the Canberra city centre. And a beautiful tree in front of the door.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was OK.

• Great apartment great location. – Jenny from New Zealand – 27 April 2025 (8/10)

  Location was excellent
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• We had a great holiday and would definitely recommend to others. – Leigh from Australia – 27 April 2025 (10/10)

  Great location, good size, clean and modern. Secure building.
  
  What could be improved: No negatives.

• Excellent location easy walk to shopping and nightlife in Canberra City. – Cathy from Australia – 26 April 2025 (9/10)

  This is was great apartment right in Central Canberra City. Easy walk to coffee shops, supermarkets, restaurants and major shops. The apartment had everything you needed to cook in if you wanted which we did as there supermarkets only a few minutes away. Would definitely stay here again when I come back to Canberra.
  
  What could be improved: The door code is not a one-off as I used in the past, you needed to put the code in each time you went back to the apartment which I was not aware. Once I got past that I was okay with it.

• Great location close to cafes, restaurants and shops – Tania from Australia – 21 April 2025 (8/10)

  Convenient location within waking distance of Lonsdale Street and other spots with restaurants and cafes. Close to retail for shopping
  
  What could be improved: I think the instructions for entering the car park and finding allotted carapace are overly wordy and could be simplified greatly which would be better for future guests. I also think the bed frame in the main bedroom may be in need of some repair or replacement as seemed to have some structural issues which the owner may wish to have looked at.

• Superb – Donscar from Australia – 20 April 2025 (9/10)

  Great location and very comfortable, value for money accommodation

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities