IQ Smart Apartments 507 Braddon ACT

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon IQ Smart Apartments 507 in Braddon during a quick work trip to Canberra last autumn – honestly, it was one of those spots that just clicks when you’re tired of cookie-cutter hotels. Tucked away on Mort Street, right in the heart of Braddon, which is this buzzing little suburb that’s basically Canberra’s cool kid on the block. I mean, if you’ve been to the capital before, you know how the city center can feel a bit sterile, but Braddon? It’s got that gritty, creative vibe with street art popping up everywhere and those hole-in-the-wall cafes on Lonsdale Street just a five-minute stroll away. I remember pulling up in my rental – parking’s a bit of a hassle here, mind you, mostly on-street spots that fill up quick during peak hours, especially on weekends when the brunch crowd descends. But once I got inside, it was smooth sailing; the check-in is all self-service with a code they email you, which is brilliant if you’re arriving late like I did around 9 PM, no fussing with a front desk.

What really sold me on the place – and yeah, it’s rated a solid 7.7, which feels spot-on – is how these apartments feel like a proper home base rather than just a crash pad. Mine was a one-bedroom setup on the fifth floor (hence the 507 in the name, I suppose), with these massive floor-to-ceiling windows letting in that crisp Canberra light – you get views over the rooftops toward Mount Ainslie if you’re lucky. It’s all smart tech, too: keyless entry, voice-activated lights, even a tablet that controls the AC and orders you room service from nearby spots. The kitchenette’s a lifesaver – well-stocked with basics like a Nespresso machine and a mini-fridge that actually keeps things cold, not that lukewarm nonsense you sometimes get. I whipped up a quick brekkie one morning, and the smell of fresh coffee mixing with the faint eucalyptus scent drifting in from outside? Pure bliss. Oh, and the bed – firm but comfy, with those high-thread-count sheets that don’t feel cheap. That said, it’s not flawless; the bathroom’s a tad compact, and if you’re noise-sensitive, you might hear the occasional hum from Mort Street traffic or revelers spilling out from the bars on Elouera Street late at night. But during quieter seasons like winter, it’s dead peaceful, and the building’s insulation keeps the chill out nicely.

All in all, if you’re heading to Canberra for a few days – maybe to hit up the National Gallery or just explore the lake trails – I’d say give IQ Smart Apartments a go, especially if you’re traveling solo or as a couple who wants that apartment freedom without breaking the bank. It’s got that four-star polish without the pretension, and being smack in Braddon means you’re steps from gems like BentSpoke Brewery or those artisanal bakeries that locals rave about. Sure, it’s not the Ritz, and the Wi-Fi can lag a bit during busy times, but for the price and the location, it punches above its weight. I left feeling like I’d found a little secret in the city – you know what, next time I’m back, I’d book it again in a heartbeat. (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $220. Two-Bedroom Apartment – 507/104 Northbourne with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $245. One-Bedroom Apartment – 404/51 with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Superb – Kimberley from Australia – 11 July 2025 (9/10)

  Very clean spacious & convenient

• Great stay with family – Kane from Australia – 8 January 2025 (7/10)

  Great location, walking distance to bars and restaurants. Off street, secure, garage parking is excellent.

• Superb – Michele from Australia – 8 January 2024 (9/10)

  A short walk to cafes, restaurants, or the tram if you want to go further.
  
  What could be improved: The key pick up point is on the other side of the city.

• wonderful apartment and location. easy parking and easy to walk to great cafes, restaurants and shops. – Daiana from Australia – 31 October 2022 (9/10)

  great size and location. perfect for families.
  
  What could be improved: not much.

• It was very pleasant – Glenn from Australia – 6 October 2022 (9/10)

  The apartment was very spacious & close to the concert we were attending
  
  What could be improved: Didn’t like having to drive so far out of our way to pick up keys & drop them off

• A very comfortable apartment,close to shops and restaurants. – Kerry from Australia – 21 September 2022 (9/10)

  very central, spotless and with great amenities.
  
  What could be improved: The only thing that was a bit of a hassle was picking up and dropping off the key but the instructions were good.

• Comfortable apartment, great location but the logistics make it more complex than it needs to be. – Gina from Australia – 13 August 2024 (8/10)

  Comfortable apartment, great location, very spacious with great facilities: kitchen, bathrooms, laundry.
  
  What could be improved: The booking process is unnecessarily lengthy (between the management and Booking.com I received 8 emails requesting info & waivers); the keys have to be collected in Kingston about 10mins drive from Braddon where the apartment is & not easy to locate the office; the apartments have 2 separate towers and the paring situation is not intuitive. It´s a comfortable, clean apartment (you get some traffic noise if that bothers you) with great facilities – but the above made the experience a bit painful.

• Good. I would come again. – Robert from Australia – 29 May 2024 (8/10)

  What could be improved: The access card was unreliable. Key collection on the other side of Canberra to the apartment was awkward.

• Very good – Fiona from Australia – 7 April 2024 (8/10)

  Apartment was great
  
  What could be improved: Absolute pain to pick up the keys and return them (20 minutes drive + to pick up and then return away from apartment where stayed). If I hadn’t had family with a car it would have been even more of a significant issue

• Good – Kym from Australia – 25 September 2023 (7/10)

  Location in bradden close to restaurants and shops
  
  What could be improved: Not being about to check in at apartment
  And having to drive past apartment over to another suburb to collect keys from a real estate.
  And having to return keys to real estate when checking out.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities