21 National Circuit, Barton, 2600 Canberra, Australia
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Image 1 of Little National Hotel Canberra
Image 2 of Little National Hotel Canberra

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the Little National Hotel in Canberra kind of by accident last spring – I was in town for a quick work trip and needed something central without all the fuss. It’s tucked away on National Circuit in Barton, right in that leafy parliamentary precinct where everything feels a bit more polished and quiet than the busier parts of the city. Honestly, pulling up after a long drive from Sydney, the place just hit that sweet spot: modern without trying too hard, with this sleek black facade that blends right in with the government buildings nearby. Check-in was a breeze – no long lines or awkward small talk; the staff were super chill, handed over my key card in under five minutes, and even pointed out a spot for parking (which, by the way, is underground and secure, a godsend in Canberra where street spots vanish during peak hours like rush hour around Parliament House).

What really won me over, though, was how the hotel nails that balance of cozy and clever design – it’s not your massive resort vibe, but more like a smart boutique spot that’s perfect for solo travelers or couples. My room was on the third floor, overlooking a bit of greenery toward Lake Burley Griffin (you can actually stroll there in about 10 minutes if you cut through the paths near the National Gallery – great for a morning jog or just clearing your head after a day of meetings). The bed was ridiculously comfortable, with those crisp white linens that smell faintly of fresh laundry, and the bathroom had this rain shower that felt like a mini spa session. Oh, and get this – they have a communal lounge area with free coffee and snacks all day, which is brilliant if you’re working remotely; I spent an afternoon there tapping away on my laptop, surrounded by that soft hum of quiet conversations and the occasional whiff of espresso. It’s not without its quirks, mind you – the rooms are on the compact side, so if you’re traveling with a ton of luggage, you might feel a bit squeezed, and the Wi-Fi can dip during evenings when everyone’s streaming (but hey, it’s Canberra, not exactly party central, so it evens out). Still, the whole place has this understated elegance, like they know you’re there to explore the city, not hole up forever.

All in all, if you’re heading to Canberra – say, for the Floriade festival in September when the tulips turn the gardens into a riot of color, or just a low-key weekend escape – I’d totally recommend Little National. It’s smack in the middle of things without the noise; you can walk to spots like the High Court or grab a bite at those cute cafes on Bunda Street in about 15 minutes. Prices are reasonable for what you get (I paid around $180 a night, which felt like a steal compared to the bigger chains nearby), and it left me feeling refreshed rather than drained. Sure, it’s not flashy, but that’s the charm – it’s like staying at a friend’s stylish apartment in the heart of the capital. If you’re after that authentic Canberra experience, this is your spot.

Rooms

  • Estimated price from: $137. Little National Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
Image 3 of Little National Hotel Canberra
Image 4 of Little National Hotel Canberra

Reviews

  • Comfortable rooom and very quiet. Also a "Library Area" available with tea and coffee. – Samuel from United Kingdom – 13 July 2025 (10/10)

    Not available in hotel but in Ritual cafe next door or sister hotel Realm across the road

    What could be improved: Nothing

  • 100% would recommend – Maddie from Australia – 13 July 2025 (10/10)

    Comfiest bed and wonderful block out blinds! Staff were lovely to interact with and parking was good! Place smelt amazing and had the best sleep of my life!

    What could be improved: Parking wasn’t attached but was easily accessed.

  • Great for a weekend stay. The lounge was great along with the self service bar. – Leigh from Australia – 13 July 2025 (10/10)

    Great location and very new and modern.

    What could be improved: Nothing

  • Comfortable stay, thank you team – Tiffany from Australia – 12 July 2025 (9/10)

    Location was good and easy for car park access, rooms were comfortable and chic

  • Exceptional – Alan from Australia – 12 July 2025 (10/10)

    The common areas (library, bar) were warm, cosy and inviting. A great place to relax before heading out. The room, while small, was very well appointed and stylish. Undercover parking was a bonus given the cold weather.

    What could be improved: Everything was fine

  • Exceptional – Olga from Australia – 11 July 2025 (10/10)

    Location, service, cleanness, cozy room and comfortable bed

  • Always a comfortable stay – Fiona from Australia – 11 July 2025 (10/10)

    Comfy comfy comfy

  • Exceptional – Aprelle from Australia – 10 July 2025 (10/10)

    The bed was very comfortable, nice bathroom

    What could be improved: I had rose petals and desert platter but the receptionist had said they were getting it ready in front of my partner when it was supposed to be a surprise that is why I came to check in earlier without my partner and ask if the room was ready

  • Quiet, compact and comfortable with everything required to have an enjoyable and memorable stay. – Amanda from Australia – 7 July 2025 (10/10)

    Love the quirky nature of the rooms

  • Compact rooms that work well for a few nights stay. Great value loved the lounge area. Great stay – Kimberley from Australia – 7 July 2025 (9/10)

    For what it is this property is perfect I really enjoyed my stay. Rooms are compact and efficient. Staff were helpful and informative. Perfect for 1/2/3 nights.

    What could be improved: All great even had free parking.

SURROUNDINGS

What’s nearby:

  • Questacon: 1.5 km
  • Sculpture Garden: 1.7 km
  • Commonwealth Park: 2.3 km
  • Canberra Labyrinth: 1 km
  • Parkes Place Lawns: 1.6 km
  • Old Parliament House: 1.4 km
  • The Broinowski Rose Garden: 1.4 km
  • Old Parliament House Gardens: 1.4 km
  • National Gallery of Australia: 1.6 km
  • Australian– American Memorial: 2.7 km

Restaurants & cafes:

  • Restaurant Ostani: 250 m
  • Restaurant Buvette: 250 m
  • Restaurant Maple and Clove: 300 m

Top attractions:

  • Anzac Parade: 3.7 km
  • Telstra Tower: 7 km
  • Royal Australian Mint: 4.5 km
  • Australian War Memorial: 5 km
  • National Zoo and Aquarium: 7 km
  • National Museum of Australia: 4.6 km

Natural beauty:

  • Lake Lake Jerrabomberra: 14 km

Public transport:

  • Train Canberra: 2.2 km
  • Train Canberra Railway Station: 2.2 km

Closest airports:

  • Canberra Airport: 6 km

Facilities

Bedroom:

  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Alarm clock
  • Extra long beds (> 2 metres)

General:

  • Shared lounge/T V area
  • Air conditioning
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Wake-up service
  • Hardwood or parquet floors
  • Heating
  • Soundproofing
  • Car hire
  • Laptop safe
  • Soundproof rooms
  • Lift
  • Fan
  • Ironing facilities
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Iron
  • Wake up service/Alarm clock

Kitchen:

  • Dining table
  • Coffee machine
  • Electric kettle
  • Refrigerator

Parking:

  • Parking garage
  • Accessible parking

Bathroom:

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Slippers
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Bathrobe
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower

Activities:

  • Bicycle rental
  • Aerobics
  • Cycling

Living Area:

  • Desk

Food & Drink:

  • Coffee house on site
  • Wine/champagne
  • Snack bar
  • Bar
  • Minibar
  • Tea/Coffee maker

Accessibility:

  • Lower bathroom sink
  • Higher level toilet
  • Toilet with grab rails
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Upper floors accessible by elevator

Room Amenities:

  • Socket near the bed
  • Clothes rack

Languages spoken:

  • English

Cleaning services:

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Ironing service
  • Dry cleaning

Safety & security:

  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV outside property
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Smoke alarms
  • Security alarm
  • Key card access
  • 24-hour security
  • Safety deposit box

Media & Technology:

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Cable channels
  • Satellite channels
  • Radio
  • TV
  • Pay-per-view channels

Reception services:

  • Invoice provided
  • Private check-in/check-out
  • Concierge service
  • Luggage storage
  • Express check-in/check-out
  • 24-hour front desk

Business facilities:

  • Fax/photocopying
  • Business centre
Image 5 of Little National Hotel Canberra
Image 6 of Little National Hotel Canberra

Rules

Pets:

  • Pets are not allowed.

Check-in:

  • From 14:00 to 00:00
  • Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in

Check-out:

  • Until 11:00

Cancellation/prepayment:

  • Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.

Guest reviews

Staff:

9.3

Comfort:

9.0

Location:

9.0

Free WiFi:

9.0

Facilities:

8.8

Cleanliness:

9.0

Value for money:

8.6

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