Leumeah Lodge

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Leumeah Lodge during a quick trip to Canberra last autumn, and honestly, it was one of those places that just feels right from the moment you pull up. It’s tucked away on O’Hanlon Place in Nicholls, this leafy suburb up north that’s all about quiet streets and those big, open parks – think easy drives to the AIS (Australian Institute of Sport) if you’re into that, or a short hop over to Gold Creek Village for some decent cafes and that quirky tourist farm thing. I mean, parking was a breeze; there’s plenty of spots right out front, no circling the block like you sometimes have to in the busier parts of town near Civic. Check-in was smooth – the staff were these friendly locals who chatted about the best spots for a morning jog around nearby Lake Ginninderra, and they even hooked me up with a room upgrade because it was a slow week. The lobby’s got this cozy vibe, with fresh coffee brewing and that faint, welcoming scent of eucalyptus from the diffusers – nothing over-the-top, just enough to make you unwind after the drive from Sydney.

What really sold me on the place, though, was how it balances that four-star polish with a sort of unpretentious charm. My room was spacious, with these huge windows overlooking a little garden – you could hear birds chirping in the mornings, which is a nice change from the traffic hum you get closer to the city center. The bed was comfy as anything, firm but not too hard, and there was a small kitchenette that came in handy for whipping up breakfast (pro tip: grab some supplies from the Woolies in Gungahlin, it’s like five minutes away). Amenities-wise, they’ve got a pool that’s heated year-round – I took a dip one evening, and it was blissfully quiet, no crowds even though it was peak leaf-peeping season. Oh, and the Wi-Fi? Solid, no dropouts, which mattered because I was catching up on work emails. That said, it’s not perfect; the bathroom could use a bit more counter space – I ended up balancing my toiletries on the edge of the sink – and if you’re a light sleeper, you might hear the occasional car from the main road, though it’s pretty hushed after dark. But overall, it felt authentic to Canberra’s laid-back scene, you know? Like staying at a mate’s upscale guesthouse rather than some sterile chain.

Look, if you’re heading to Canberra for a conference at the convention center (it’s about a 15-minute drive, traffic permitting) or just to explore the galleries and bushwalks, Leumeah Lodge is a solid pick without breaking the bank. That 8.1 rating? Totally earned – it’s clean, thoughtful, and gives you that insider feel of the suburbs without isolating you from the action. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in spring when the nearby trails are blooming. Just pack light; the closets are roomy enough, but who needs extra baggage anyway?

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $147. Bunk Room with 4 bunk beds for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $147. Queen Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $154. Twin Room with 2 large double beds for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Economical and Comfortable – Jatin from Australia – 10 July 2025 (8/10)

  Facility is very new and was spotless clean. Everything was in great condition and in working order. Staff was very helpful. Location is also very good as it is next to 2 petrol stations, KFC, McDonalds, and several other facilities.
  
  What could be improved: A common cooking area with hotplate, microwaves, BBQ, and a common coin-based laundry with dryers and cleaning facilities will make the experience exceptional.

• Great value for money, comfortable and ideal location for families – Harriet from Australia – 6 July 2025 (9/10)

  Great location and easy booking
  
  What could be improved: Parking was a little out of the way from our room (we were at the back)

• Wonderful. – Bob from Australia – 24 June 2025 (9/10)

  Everything about the accommodation was great and exceeded our expectations.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, everything was fine.

• Superb – Margaret from Australia – 1 June 2025 (9/10)

  Great location , very clean and plenty of room.
  
  What could be improved: Wish it had shower gel or soap, luckily I brought some with me. Also wish there was a microwave.

• Very good – Lisa from Australia – 14 May 2025 (8/10)

  Nice staff and rooms very good location

• Great accommodation – Ann from Australia – 12 May 2025 (9/10)

  I've stayed here several times. It is clean and comfortable with friendly staff. Close to KFC and McDonalds as well as several cafes and a pub, all within walking distance.
  
  What could be improved: Nil

• Lovely stay many thanks – Caroline from Australia – 6 May 2025 (9/10)

  Super clean, very comfortable and nice and warm
  
  What could be improved: The toilet paper was only 1 ply. Perhaps different paper for school groups vs general public could be used? 🙂

• Great stopover motel. Very clean and comfortable – Rachel from Australia – 22 April 2025 (8/10)

  Super clean. Felt very new. Very comfortable and clean beds. Convenient for a stopover
  
  What could be improved: Location is convenient for some of the Canberra attractions but it’s not picturesque (next to KFC).

• good location and reasonable price. – Chris from Australia – 16 April 2025 (8/10)

  Room and location suited our purpose.
  
  What could be improved: Was a little weird that room did not include a table or chair to sit at. If you wanted to eat in the room you had to sit on the bed.

• Nice stay – Thayaparan from Australia – 15 April 2025 (9/10)

  Clean place and spacious
  
  What could be improved: Can clean the room every other day if we stay more than 2 nights

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities