ibis Styles Canberra Eagle Hawk

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the ibis Styles Canberra Eagle Hawk during a quick road trip through the ACT last spring, and honestly, it turned out to be a pretty solid spot for crashing after a long drive. It’s tucked away on the Federal Highway Service Road in Sutton – that’s basically the main artery heading north out of Canberra, so if you’re coming from the airport (which is like a 20-minute zip down the Majura Parkway), it’s super straightforward to find. No getting lost in those confusing roundabouts downtown, you know? I pulled up around dusk, and the place has this quirky, eagle-themed vibe – think bold colors and aviation motifs everywhere, which makes sense given it’s near the old Eaglehawk area, sort of nodding to Canberra’s defense history or something. Parking was a breeze; there’s heaps of spots right out front, no hunting around like in the city center. Check-in was quick, the staff were friendly enough – one guy even chatted about the best local wineries in the Canberra district, which led me to a great afternoon detour the next day.

What really stuck with me was how the hotel balances that budget-friendly ibis feel with some unexpected perks, especially for a 4-star joint rated around 7.1 – it’s not luxurious, but it’s comfortable and fun in a low-key way. My room was spacious, with these funky patterned carpets and a bed that was actually comfy after a day exploring places like the National Gallery (about 25 minutes away via the highway). The air con hummed quietly, which was a relief because Sutton can get surprisingly warm in summer, and there’s not much traffic noise at night despite the road – well, except maybe the occasional truck rumbling by early morning, but earplugs sorted that out. Breakfast was included, and it was decent: fresh croissants, decent coffee (not the best, but better than servo stuff), and they had these little touches like themed eagle decorations on the buffet. There’s a pool out back that’s great for a dip if you’re there in the warmer months – I mean, Canberra’s winters are brutal, so aim for spring or autumn to avoid the chill. Oh, and if you’re into birdwatching or hikes, it’s close to the Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve, just a short drive east; I spotted some kangaroos grazing nearby one morning, which felt like a proper Aussie bonus. The Wi-Fi was reliable for streaming, but don’t expect spa-level pampering – it’s more of a practical base camp.

All in all, I’d recommend it if you’re road-tripping or need something affordable without the hassle of central Canberra parking nightmares. It’s got that casual charm that makes you feel like you’re in the real Australia, not some glossy tourist trap. Sure, the decor might feel a tad dated in spots, and the rating reflects it’s not flawless – like, the bathroom could use a refresh – but for the price, it’s a winner. If you’re heading to events at Parliament House or the War Memorial, it’s an easy commute, and you’ll save enough to splurge on a meal at one of those hip spots in Braddon. Just book ahead in peak tourist season around Floriade; it fills up fast.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $98. Standard Queen Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $104. Superior Double Room with Two Double Beds with 2 double beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $116. Standard King Room with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 bunk bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $139. Family Room with 3 single beds and 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $151. Dormitory Room with Three Double Bunk Beds with 3 bunk beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $157. Dormitory Room with Seven Single Beds with 7 single beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Usually okay but maybe not that dog friendly. – Jayne from Australia – 12 July 2025 (6/10)

  Good location, spacious room, good parking.
  
  What could be improved: Quite a lot of noise at night. People coming home late. Also, “dog friendly” didn’t say $30 extra per day for cleaning. The dog used no linen, no crockery, no Manchester. If the dog had caused damage etc we would have paid. Not sure how the extra charge is calculated and what it is actually based on. Being advertised as dog friendly means what? There were no obvious signs or facilities for dogs. It did feel like fee for no service. In addition the a/c in the room sounded like an aircraft approaching the runway. Very noisy.

• Very good – Kristy from Australia – 11 July 2025 (8/10)

  Location and convenience
  
  What could be improved: Disabled shower

• Pretty convenient to most places in Canberra – Catriona from Australia – 11 July 2025 (8/10)

  Air con kept the room warm and the space was large and clean.

• Perfect for a quick stop on your way through to final destination – Kylie from Australia – 28 June 2025 (8/10)

  The breakfast was great!
  
  What could be improved: The shower and bathroom were not great

• Very good – Maaz from Australia – 9 June 2025 (8/10)

  Everything all good.
  
  What could be improved: Microwave was not in the room.

• Not bad – Liling from Taiwan – 9 June 2025 (7/10)

  Nice
  
  What could be improved: the location of room.

• Great budget hotel. – Jacqueline from Australia – 17 May 2025 (8/10)

  Comfortable beds, clean rooms, nice and quiet, easy checking in and checkout. Staff very nice. Great budget hotel. Would stay there again.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Overall, we are satisfied with our stay – Kerrie from Australia – 27 April 2025 (8/10)

  The beds were comfortable
  The staff are amazing, friendly and super helpful
  Breakfast was delicious
  The entrance looked awesome, very modern
  The room we used was spacious and fitted our needs exactly
  The pool was clean and well kept
  
  What could be improved: The walls of the rooms were not entirely clean, with unidentified marks and stains on the walls, bathroom, bathroom floor mat, and kitchen area.
  The kitchen did not have a kettle
  The playground felt abandoned and needed an update

• Great location, great space and comfort, but could use some updating and better cleaning. – Mohammad from United Kingdom – 25 April 2025 (8/10)

  large room, good beds, good bathroom and shower, small park and pool. good location on the main road for car users and close to Canberra. Decent and well priced breakfasts
  
  What could be improved: cleanliness was an issue (not cleaned thoroughly before we came), and also wear and tear of furniture and facilities, old and could use some upkeep. TVs are old and not good reception.

• Good – Melissa from Australia – 24 April 2025 (7/10)

  We got a free upgrade to a family room. Was quite spacious. Had everything we needed. Would stay again. It was clean, and comfortable. All staff were lovely. Included a microwave which was good.
  We went to the restaurant for dinner on the first night and the meals were good and a decent size.
  
  What could be improved: We paid for breakfast to be included. The staff were all lovely but the bacon was swimming in oil both days. It wasnt great. We should've just had toast in the room.
  Shower was clean enough but the shower head was too low to stand under and also covered in lime scale which didn't look great.
  The tv only had 2 channels.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities