Lovely in Lyneham – 1bd 1bth Apt

Hotel Description

You know, when I first pulled up to Lovely in Lyneham on Northbourne Avenue, I was a bit skeptical – it’s right on that busy stretch heading into Canberra’s CBD, so I figured traffic hum might be an issue, especially during rush hour when everyone’s funneling in from the north. But honestly, it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. I arrived mid-afternoon in spring, when the jacarandas are blooming all over the suburbs, and the place is tucked into this unassuming block that feels more like a local’s hideaway than a hotel. Check-in was a breeze – no front desk fuss, just a quick code for the door that they emailed ahead, which was perfect after a long drive from Sydney. Parking? There’s a spot out back, but it’s first-come-first-served, so if you’re rolling in late, you might end up on the street (which isn’t too bad in Lyneham, mind you – it’s not as chaotic as downtown). The neighborhood’s got that chill Canberra vibe; you’re a short walk from the light rail stop that zips you to Civic in like 10 minutes, or you can stroll over to Dickson for some killer Asian eats – I grabbed pho at this little joint on Woolley Street that was packed with locals, and it was spot-on.

Stepping inside the one-bedroom apartment, it felt cozy right away, like crashing at a friend’s place rather than some sterile hotel room. It’s rated 3 stars, which matches – nothing fancy, but clean and functional with that lived-in charm. The living area has this soft, worn couch that begs for a Netflix binge, and the kitchenette’s stocked with basics: a microwave that actually works without that weird buzzing some places have, a fridge big enough for leftovers, and even a Nespresso machine (though bring your own pods if you’re picky). The bedroom’s got a queen bed with sheets that smell faintly of fresh laundry – not the chemical kind, thank goodness – and blackout curtains that do a decent job blocking out the morning light from Northbourne. I mean, there is some road noise if you’re a light sleeper, especially around 7 a.m. when the trams start running, but by evening it quiets down, and the double glazing helps. The bathroom’s compact, sort of like those efficient setups in older Aussie apartments, with hot water that doesn’t quit halfway through your shower. Oh, and there’s free Wi-Fi that’s surprisingly zippy for streaming – I caught up on emails without any lag, which is a win when you’re traveling for work.

All in all, if you’re looking for an affordable spot in Canberra that’s not trying too hard to impress but gets the job done, this is it. At a 7.8 rating, it’s solid for what it is – great for solo travelers or couples who want a base to explore without blowing the budget. I stayed a few nights last October, and it was ideal for hitting up the National Gallery (just a quick drive down the avenue) or wandering the nearby wetlands in O’Connor for a bit of nature. Sure, it could use a fresh coat of paint in spots, and the decor’s a tad dated – think neutral tones with a splash of local art – but that adds to the authenticity, you know? I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-peak when Canberra’s not swarming with pollies during sitting weeks. If you’re after luxury, look elsewhere, but for a genuine slice of suburban Canberra life with easy access to everything, Lovely in Lyneham nails it.

Rooms

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

Reviews

• Very good – Anna from Australia – 3 April 2025 (8/10)

  Ambiance, views, quality of fixtures. Location.
  
  What could be improved: Kitchen equipment inadequate.
  Proprietor should update instruction for access, the aspect concerning which elevator to use.
  Duvet too hot for this season. Supply light cotton blanket.

• Good – Sharon from Australia – 3 February 2025 (7/10)

  The view from the apartment was nice. Kitchen was equipped so suitable for cooking.
  
  What could be improved: 1. Having to pick up the keys from a lock box that was not at the site of the accommodation.
  2. Not receiving prompt responses from host, when necessary.
  3. Paying $500.00 as a deposit for unforeseen damages.

• Good value.Thank you. – Deb from Australia – 30 January 2025 (8/10)

  Clean, convenient, well appointed with everything you need.
  
  What could be improved: Having to get the keys at a different location.

• We definitely will book this place again we loved the apartment – Helen from Australia – 3 January 2025 (9/10)

  Immaculate apartment, everything in the kitchen that we needed, close to food only a short walk and we really liked the secure parking.
  
  What could be improved: The only downfall was going into town to collect the keys from the office and my keys weren’t in the box.

• comfortable – Johannes from Australia – 26 June 2025 (8/10)

  The apartment was quite comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: There was no top sheet on the bed (just a dooner and a bottom sheet).
  The key pickup instruction was somewhat vague and confusing -though we got there after a couple of phone calls

• The property was great but I’ll only remember how frustrating the check- in and the different check out process was. – Linda from Australia – 25 March 2025 (8/10)

  The property was clean spacious and comfortable. The location was close enough to everything.
  
  What could be improved: The check-in and check- out process was annoying, confusing, frustrating and there was little signage in basement garage to indicate there were 2 entry points to the different buildings as there was no internet reception in basement car park to follow instructions provided. In the property there was no manual or information with wifi, check out ,garbage and location etc details.

• Very good – Jacoby-hogg from Hong Kong – 10 June 2024 (8/10)

  Good location with parking included. Easy to catch the tram into Civic. Plenty of space and well equipped. Quiet.
  
  What could be improved: Communication regarding key handover is not timely, only 24hrs in advance which isn't great for a long haul traveler. And that is when we found out that we would need to go to another location altogether to get them! And then they key box code was wrong. We were exhausted and this felt like such a hassle.

• Very nice apartment great location. – Rodger from Australia – 3 March 2025 (10/10)

  Great location and easy parking

• Exceptional – Karen from Australia – 29 December 2024 (10/10)

  Very clean and quiet , bed absolutely comfortable , my car was very sucure in underground parking.. Lovely view.. Myself and my young daughter felt very safe as its in a sucure building.. Host was amazing and friendly..
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to fault

• Exceptional – Fiona from Australia – 29 October 2024 (10/10)

  Quiet at night. Very new. Very secure. Lots of casual restaurants and a supermarket within 10min walk.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing negative with the property but watch out for cyclists on the walking/cycling paths and the pedestrian crossing at the back of the building where you exit the car park. They fly along and visibility at the crossing is not great.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities