Little Gem in the City

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Little Gem in the City during a quick trip to Canberra last spring, and honestly, it turned out to be one of those spots that just clicks – like finding a cozy nook in the middle of all that government bustle. It’s tucked away on Elimatta Street in Braddon, which is this vibrant little pocket of the city, right? Not the touristy heart around Lake Burley Griffin, but close enough that you can wander over to the National Gallery or Parliament House in about 15 minutes on foot – or hop on one of those lime-green buses if you’re feeling lazy. I arrived around lunchtime, and the check-in was a breeze; the staff were these friendly locals who chatted about the best coffee spots nearby without making it feel scripted. Oh, and parking – well, it’s street parking mostly, so get there early if you’re driving, especially during those peak conference seasons in autumn when the place fills up with suits. But once you’re in, the vibe shifts to this quiet, almost hidden retreat. The lobby smells faintly of fresh eucalyptus – they must diffuse it or something – and there’s this little courtyard with hanging plants that catches the afternoon sun just right, making you forget you’re in the middle of a capital city.

What really sold me on the place was how it balances that 4-star polish with a sort of unpretentious charm – I mean, it’s not trying to be flashy like some of the big chains down by the lake, but it nails the details that actually matter. My room was on the second floor, overlooking a row of those classic Canberra gum trees, and it had these super-soft linens that felt like wrapping up in a cloud after a day of exploring. The bathroom? Spotless, with rain showerheads and those little complimentary toiletries that smell like native botanicals – lemon myrtle, I think – which was a nice touch for someone like me who’s always forgetting shampoo. Breakfast in the mornings was a highlight too; they do this buffet with fresh pastries from a bakery just around the corner on Lonsdale Street, and you can grab a flat white that’s leagues better than what you’d get at a chain hotel. It’s not huge, mind you – only about 50 rooms or so – which keeps things intimate, but that also means it can get a bit noisy in the hallways during evenings if there’s a group checking in late. Still, the soundproofing is pretty solid; I barely heard the city hum at night, even with the windows cracked open for that crisp Canberra air. And for a 9.5 rating, it lives up – they even have bikes you can borrow to zip over to the Australian War Memorial, which is a must if you’re into history like I am.

All in all, if you’re heading to Canberra and want somewhere that feels like a local secret rather than a sterile stopover, Little Gem is worth it – especially if you’re traveling solo or as a couple, dodging the family crowds at the bigger spots. It’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi dipped a couple times during my stay (blame the weather, maybe?), but that’s a minor gripe in the grand scheme. I’d go back in a heartbeat, particularly in spring when the jacarandas are blooming and Braddon turns into this colorful maze of cafes and boutiques. Just book ahead – it fills up fast for a reason.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $129. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• This truly was a ‘little gem in the city’ – William from United Kingdom – 10 July 2025 (9/10)

  Location was good for local attractions
  
  What could be improved: How cold the bathroom was due to the ventilation through the window

• Perfect place and perfect stay – Darren from Australia – 8 May 2025 (10/10)

  Location

• Spacious, stylish and comfy apartment – Paula from Australia – 27 April 2025 (10/10)

  What could be improved: A few indoor plants collected gnats that floated around throughout the stay. Otherwise no issues.

• Exceptional – Dudley from South Africa – 19 April 2025 (10/10)

  Excelent location

• Exceptional – Kevin from Australia – 26 March 2025 (10/10)

  The perfect location. Very well appointed with everything you need if you want to make your own meals. A very pleasant balcony. The dishwasher and laundry is a great advantage. Having your own lock up garage means your car is safe.
  Close to the big shopping centre with everything you need.
  All up a great place to stay.
  
  What could be improved: Maybe some salad serving cutlery. I know, a first world problem.
  I had to find something to say.

• Enjoyable stay in well furnished apartment. Thank you – Garry from Australia – 19 March 2025 (9/10)

  Good location close to shops. Well furnished apartment with lock up garage for car. Good communication from hosts
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Very good – Manjushree from Australia – 3 January 2025 (8/10)

  We had a wonderful two-day stay at this apartment. The space was clean, cozy, and exactly as described in the listing. Both check-in and check-out were incredibly smooth. The location was convenient, with easy access to local attractions and restaurants. The amenities provided were great and made my stay comfortable
  
  What could be improved: The only minor thing was the lack of complimentary snacks and drinks, which would have been a nice touch, but it didn’t take away from the overall experience. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a comfortable and enjoyable stay!

• Exceptional – Leanne from Australia – 26 June 2025 (10/10)

• Exceptional – Colin from Australia – 11 April 2025 (10/10)

• Exceptional – Craig from Australia – 28 March 2025 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities