Griffin 159 Kingston ACT

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the Griffin 159 in Kingston while planning a quick getaway to Canberra last spring – honestly, I wasn’t expecting much from a 4-star spot tucked away on Jardine Street, but it turned out to be one of those hidden gems that just clicks. Pulling up to 8 Jardine Street, right in the heart of Kingston (that’s that funky inner-south suburb with all the cafes and boutiques, you know, just a stone’s throw from Lake Burley Griffin), I was relieved to find street parking wasn’t a nightmare – though if you’re driving in peak hour, aim for the side streets off Eyre or Kennedy to avoid the hassle. Check-in was a breeze; the staff were these laid-back locals who chatted about the best spots for a flat white nearby, like that little roastery on Printers Way – made me feel like I was crashing at a mate’s place rather than some sterile hotel lobby. The building itself has this modern apartment vibe, all clean lines and big windows, but with a cozy twist – think exposed brick in the common areas that sort of nods to Kingston’s old warehouse history. I mean, it’s not flashy, but stepping inside after a long drive, the faint scent of eucalyptus from the lobby diffuser hit me, and I thought, yeah, this’ll do nicely.

What really sold me on the Griffin was how it balances that urban buzz with actual comfort – the rooms are spacious enough for a couple or small family, with these super-comfy king beds that make you want to hit snooze (though fair warning, the pillows are on the firmer side, so pack your own if you’re picky). My suite overlooked a quiet courtyard – no traffic noise from the nearby Canberra Avenue, which can get rowdy during rush hour, but instead, you’d hear birds chirping in the mornings, especially around dawn when the lake fog rolls in. Amenities-wise, there’s a decent kitchenette in most rooms (handy for whipping up brekkie from the IGA down on Green Square), and the Wi-Fi is solid – streamed a whole movie without a glitch, which is more than I can say for some fancier joints in the city center. Oh, and if you’re into exploring, it’s a 10-minute walk to the foreshore for a jog along the lake path, or hop on a bike from the hotel’s rental rack to zip over to Manuka for dinner – I grabbed some killer wood-fired pizza at that spot on Franklin Street one night. It’s not perfect, mind you; the gym is basic (just a treadmill and some weights, nothing to write home about), and during busy conference seasons in Canberra, like when Parliament’s in session, the area can feel a tad crowded. But overall, it’s got this authentic, lived-in feel that makes you forget you’re in a hotel.

Look, if you’re heading to Canberra for work or just to soak up the capital vibes without the tourist trap prices – say, around autumn when the leaves turn and the air’s crisp – I’d totally recommend the Griffin 159. It’s rated an 8.5 for good reason: practical, well-located without being overwhelming, and with that personal touch that turns a stay into something memorable. You won’t get over-the-top luxury, but you’ll leave feeling like you actually experienced a slice of local life. Next time I’m in town, that’s where I’m booking – no question.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $213. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 4

Reviews

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

  Nicely furnished, comfortable beds, restaurants and supermarket within walking distance, everything you need in the unit plus parking.

• Exceptional – Elise from Australia – 23 June 2025 (10/10)

  Upon arrival I was greeted by two lovely woman who were extremely helpful and friendly.
  The room was clean and tidy.
  The beds were very comfortable and the location was great.

• A comfortable apartment in lovely Kingston – Amanda from Australia – 11 June 2025 (9/10)

  The apartment was very comfortable and spacious for us and in a great location to Manuka Oval
  The heater was wonderful which we truly needed with the weather
  A bonus having a Cafe on the ground floor
  
  What could be improved: The TV connection would flicker in and out at times – probably the connection
  The only little thing – it would have been great to have a tiny little carton of milk in the fridge to make a cup of tea or coffee

• Very pleasant. – Roslyn from Australia – 22 April 2025 (9/10)

  Great location close to shops, good supermarket, glassworks, city sights. Comfortable beds and nice linen.
  Very good breakfast cafe on ground floor where they clearly care about their food and coffee. Give the one in the shopping center square a miss – cheaper but not worth half the cost.
  
  What could be improved: There is a flight of stairs to get to the unit which were not mentioned.
  Crockery and glasswear were a bit of a random assortment. Obviously hosts have had many losses over the years.

• Perfect apartments in convenient Kingston – Bradley from Australia – 13 March 2025 (10/10)

  Perfect setup for a group stay. A bed for everyone + 2 bathrooms to share. Comfortable communal areas and all the mod cons.
  
  What could be improved: Swipe cards and keys were a minor hassle. Keyless entry would be a great upgrade.

• Pleasant. – Sarah from Australia – 2 March 2025 (9/10)

  Clean, spacious, good cooking equipment in the kitchen.
  
  What could be improved: Instructions on how to access property after picking up keys after hours need to be redrafted as they are confusing. A small map maybe useful.

• Convenient – Beth from Australia – 16 February 2025 (9/10)

  Great place for a reunion.

• Superb – Beth from Australia – 16 February 2025 (9/10)

  Convenient and comfortable.

• Large, clean, easily accessible apartment in unbeatable location. – Judy from Australia – 9 February 2025 (8/10)

  Excellent location, close to fabulous supermarket and plenty of great restaurants. Apartment was large and clean. Coffee shop on ground floor was an added bonus. Check-in information was easy to understand – thank you for the detailed instructions.
  
  What could be improved: The weather was hot when we were there and bedrooms two and three, having no ceiling fans, were quite stuffy. The air conditioning struggled to extend that far. We would suggest providing free standing fans for these rooms. Also, we suggest a small table and chairs on the balcony. As the mornings were gloriously cool, it would have been nice to have breakfast on the balcony, enjoying the view of the trees.

• Very good – Kat from Australia – 25 January 2025 (8/10)

  Very easy and straightforward collection but the photo included one extra key than what we have been given.
  The place was spacious and clean and had everything we could need.
  
  What could be improved: Some of the lights were not working. One of the bedside lamp didn't have a bulb.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities