Garden City Hotel, Best Western Signature Collection

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the Garden City Hotel in Narrabundah during a quick trip to Canberra last spring – it’s that Best Western Signature Collection spot on Jerrabomberra Avenue, tucked away in this leafy suburb just south of the city center. Honestly, after dodging the traffic on the Monaro Highway coming from the airport (which is only about a 10-minute drive, by the way), pulling up felt like a relief. The place has this unpretentious vibe – not flashy like some of the downtown high-rises near Parliament House, but solid and welcoming, with a low-slung building surrounded by actual gardens that smell faintly of eucalyptus in the mornings. I mean, it’s rated an 8 out of 10 for a reason; it’s got that 4-star polish without trying too hard. Check-in was a breeze – the staff were chatty locals who tipped me off about avoiding the rush hour on Canberra Avenue if I was heading to the lake. My room? Spacious enough, with a comfy king bed that didn’t creak (a pet peeve of mine), and big windows overlooking the greenery – though, fair warning, the decor’s a bit dated, like early 2000s chic, but it works. Oh, and parking’s free and plentiful out front, which is gold in a city where spots can vanish during events like Floriade.

What really sold me was how it fits right into the neighborhood – Narrabundah’s this quiet, residential pocket with that classic Canberra mix of wide streets and native trees, and you’re only a short walk from the shops on Manuka Oval for a decent coffee or pub meal (try the Kingston Hotel nearby if you’re into craft beers). The hotel’s got a pool that’s surprisingly peaceful, even in the afternoons when families splash around – I spent a lazy hour there reading, with the sound of birds chirping overriding any distant traffic hum from Hindmarsh Drive. Breakfast in the on-site restaurant was solid, nothing gourmet, but the fresh fruit and eggs hit the spot, and it’s included in some rates, which saves you trekking out early. Rooms are quiet at night, too – no thumping bass from bars like you’d get closer to Civic – though if you’re a light sleeper, ask for one away from the avenue side, as the occasional truck rumbles by. I ventured out to Lake Burley Griffin for a bike ride (they have loaner bikes, actually, which was a nice touch), and it was an easy 15-minute drive or even a longer stroll if you’re feeling energetic. Little things like the free Wi-Fi that didn’t lag during my video calls, or the textured linens that felt properly laundered, made it feel homey rather than sterile.

All in all, if you’re visiting Canberra for work or to hit up the galleries and war memorial (both under 10 minutes away by car), this place is a smart pick – it’s not the ritziest, but it’s reliable and gives you that breather from the capital’s bustle. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in autumn when the leaves turn and the air’s crisp; just pack light, as the elevators are on the slower side. You get what you pay for here – comfort without the fuss – and in a town that’s all about understated efficiency, it fits right in. (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $108. Standard Queen Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $114. Deluxe Queen Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $119. Deluxe Queen & Single Room with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $125. Executive Queen Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $160. Executive Suite with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Nice – Richard from Australia – 7 July 2025 (8/10)

  Simple clean room with sufficient facilities
  
  What could be improved: Nil.

• Superb – Mai from Australia – 6 July 2025 (9/10)

  Good
  
  What could be improved: I wish they have King size bed for family

• Very good – Cummings from Australia – 29 June 2025 (8/10)

  The comfy beds
  
  What could be improved: Used milk I'm my fridge for coffee…. that's soo wrong and unhygienic

• Very enjoyable. – Peter from Australia – 22 June 2025 (8/10)

  Great service and value for money.

• So comfy, I nearly slept in and missed check out haha – Christian from Australia – 16 June 2025 (8/10)

  Exceptional service.

• Great price and location – Kim from Australia – 10 June 2025 (8/10)

  Price, location, free parking.
  
  What could be improved: The pillows.

• love it! Excellent! – Emily from Australia – 9 June 2025 (9/10)

  love the comfy beds

• Staff are freindly & helpful! – Paul from Australia – 9 June 2025 (7/10)

  Location is excellent for my needs!
  
  What could be improved: Rooms are dated, broken tiles, cracked shower screens! Rooms smell musty!

• A great priced hotel, friendly staff and central location – Gary from Australia – 9 June 2025 (8/10)

  Hotel is well laid out, easy to find and isn’t noisy facing the road side at all. Breakfast was a lot better than had expected, plenty of great selections and tasty coffee. Water pressure was awesome and the large oversized bath towels were an added comfort!
  
  What could be improved: At times you might hear your neighbours if they chose to speak at volumes which could be annoying late at night for some but it didn’t ruin our stay, however it’s something to consider.

• Very good,nice and quiet. Staff very helpful – Padloper from Australia – 29 May 2025 (8/10)

  Location central a d nicely set out.
  
  What could be improved: Cost was too expensive @ $50 each for breakfast

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities