Light & Lovely in Canberra’s CBD – 1BR Apt w/Carsp

Hotel Description

You know, when I first rolled into Canberra and pulled up to Light & Lovely on City Walk – right there at 260 City Walk, smack in the heart of the CBD – I was honestly a bit skeptical. I’d driven down from Sydney, dodging those endless highway stretches, and by the time I got there around dusk, the city was just starting to light up with that crisp, cool evening vibe Canberra does so well in autumn. But stepping into this 1-bedroom apartment? It lived up to its name immediately. The place is all about that airy, sun-drenched feel – big windows letting in heaps of natural light, with these soft, neutral tones that make it feel more like a cozy home than some sterile hotel room. And the car space? A godsend, especially since parking in Civic can be a nightmare during peak hours when everyone’s flooding in for work or events at the nearby Canberra Theatre. I mean, I parked right downstairs, no fuss, and didn’t have to circle the block like I did last time I stayed near the lake.

What really sold me, though, was how it balances that apartment-style independence with just enough polish to feel like a solid 4-star spot – you get a full kitchen (hello, fresh brekkie from the markets at EPIC if you’re into that), a comfy queen bed that actually lets you sleep through the night without that weird hotel mattress sag, and a little balcony overlooking the bustle below. It’s not massive, but for a solo traveler or a couple, it’s perfect – sort of intimate, with these thoughtful touches like fresh linens that smell faintly of lavender (or maybe that’s just my imagination after a long day). Location-wise, you’re steps from the Canberra Centre for shopping or grabbing a flat white at one of those hidden cafes on Bunda Street – I wandered over to Mocan & Green Grout one morning, and it was divine. Oh, and if you’re into politics or history, Parliament House is a quick 10-minute drive south, or you could even walk to Glebe Park for a quiet picnic if the weather’s playing nice. Noise levels are pretty tame for a CBD spot; there’s some street hum in the evenings, especially on weekends when the bars on London Circuit get lively, but nothing that kept me up – well, except maybe that one night with the distant fireworks from some festival. Honestly, the only minor gripe is the Wi-Fi can be spotty during busy times, like when the Floriade crowds hit in spring, but it’s fast enough for streaming or work calls otherwise.

All in all, with that 8.8 rating, I’d say it’s spot-on for anyone wanting a no-drama base in Canberra without breaking the bank. If you’re visiting for a conference at the National Convention Centre (just a short stroll away) or just exploring the capital’s underrated food scene – think those craft breweries popping up around Braddon – this place makes it easy to feel like a local. It’s not flashy or over-the-top luxurious, but that’s what I loved about it; it’s practical, welcoming, and leaves you with that satisfied “yeah, I’d come back” feeling. Next time I’m in town, maybe for the summer jazz festival, this is where I’ll book again – no question.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $108. One-Bedroom House with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Great location, clean & comfy! – Tracey from Australia – 12 May 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent location, immaculate property

• Great apartment, very livable. Great central location. – Dan from Australia – 2 May 2025 (9/10)

  We had some difficulties finding the key lock box and entry to carpark, but that was our issue not CityStayz who provided good advice. The advance emails to us though were delayed and only arrived after we checked in. Great apartment, very livable. Great central location.

• Exceeded our expectations, wonderful stay! – Kerryn from Australia – 13 April 2025 (10/10)

  Beautiful apartment, bigger than expected, solid, clean, quiet, cozy. Brilliant location. Fantastic instructions by the hosts on how to access the keys, the car space, and the apartment.

• Great unit for city central stay – Elizabeth from Australia – 11 March 2025 (9/10)

  Location and unit

• Convenient and comfortable apartment, clean and close to all amenities – Monica from Australia – 7 November 2024 (9/10)

  once you worked out how to collect the property keys and got that sorted, it was all very easy and convenient. The bathroom and furniture and kitchen are all new so that was great. Nice to also have access to a balcony if you need to have some fresh air in the apartment
  
  What could be improved: The only thing I wasn't that impressed with was the bed, bedding and pillows. It was just.. ok. Perhaps I'm just spoilt at home but I have quality bedding and this was a lot more average than I'm used to.

• Superb – Jaimee from Australia – 30 September 2024 (9/10)

  Great location. Neat tidy and comfortable
  
  What could be improved: Key pickup a little challenging as there was no where to stop/ park the car. Otherwise no issues

• Exceptional – James from Australia – 20 August 2024 (10/10)

  Just like my apartment in Melbourne.
  Very nice and great location.

• The place lived up to my expectation. It was a lovely stay indeed. – Allec from Australia – 22 July 2024 (9/10)

  It is exactly like the description. It is really light and lovely. Loved how it felt just like my home. Immediately became comfortable as soon as I stepped in.
  
  What could be improved: The only thing I had a problem with is the deadlock. It is really hard to open. Took me probably 5 minutes just to open the door.

• Great stay! good location – Johnny from Australia – 21 June 2024 (9/10)

  GREAT location! close to Canberra centre. the apartment was very clean
  
  What could be improved: parking layout is quite weird, but that's more of a building issue. the instructions on key pick up, car parking instructions, left entry and check out steps may be a bit daunting to those not used to AirBNB style accommodations!

• Excellent place to stay, comfortable, homely, spacious and at a great location. – Athula from Australia – 28 May 2024 (10/10)

  It was at a great location. Spacious, homely, comfortable and had all the required facilities.
  
  What could be improved: I would have preferred the collection of the keys to be more convenient.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities