Luxury and Stylish Apt on NB Ave

Hotel Description

You know, when I first pulled up to the Luxury and Stylish Apt on NB Ave – that’s 218 B Northbourne Avenue in Braddon, right on the edge of Canberra’s inner north – I was honestly a bit skeptical. Northbourne’s this bustling artery that connects the city center to the suburbs, and yeah, it’s got that constant hum of traffic, especially during rush hour when everyone’s commuting in from places like Dickson or heading out to the airport. But stepping inside? Total game-changer. The check-in was super straightforward – no front desk drama, just a key code they emailed ahead, which was a relief after a long drive from Sydney. The place feels more like a chic urban pad than some sterile hotel room; it’s got these high ceilings and polished concrete floors that give off a cool, industrial vibe, mixed with plush rugs that actually muffle the outside noise pretty well. I mean, I could hear a faint tram rattle by now and then (the light rail stops right nearby, super handy for zipping to Civic without dealing with parking), but honestly, by evening it quiets down, and you’re left with that crisp Canberra air seeping in if you crack a window – smells fresh, like eucalyptus from the nearby parks.

What really sold me was how thoughtfully it’s set up for actual living, not just crashing. The kitchen’s legit – full-sized fridge, dishwasher, even a Nespresso machine with pods waiting (saved me a fortune on coffee runs). I whipped up breakfast using stuff from the Mort Street markets, which are just a short stroll away in Braddon – you know, that hip strip with all the artisanal bakeries and craft brew spots like Bentspoke or the little Vietnamese joints on Lonsdale Street. The bedroom’s a highlight too; king bed with those Egyptian cotton sheets that feel ridiculously soft against your skin, and blackout curtains that block out the early morning light – perfect if you’re here in summer when the sun rises at like 5 a.m. Oh, and the bathroom? Spacious rain shower with decent pressure, though I will say the hot water took a minute to kick in, which was a minor annoyance first thing. It’s got that 4-star polish without feeling over-the-top; the rating’s about 8.5, which tracks – solid but not flawless. I appreciated the little touches, like the complimentary toiletries that actually smelled good (lavender and something herbal), and there’s a washer-dryer combo in the unit, which came in clutch after a muddy hike up Mount Ainslie – that’s just a 10-minute drive if you’re into that outdoorsy side of Canberra.

All in all, if you’re visiting Canberra for work or a quick getaway – say, to catch the Floriade festival in spring when Braddon’s buzzing but not overwhelmingly crowded – this spot’s a smart pick. It’s not the cheapest, but you get value in the location: walkable to the Australian War Memorial or hop on that tram to Lake Burley Griffin for sunset views. Parking’s street-side and can be tricky during peak times (metered, so budget for that), and while it’s stylish, it’s more self-catered apartment than full-service hotel, so don’t expect daily housekeeping unless you book it extra. But hey, that’s part of the charm – feels authentic, like you’re borrowing a local’s place. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially for that balance of luxury and real-world convenience. If you’re the type who wants to blend in rather than tourist it up, this is your vibe.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $111. Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Exceptional – Natalie from Australia – 16 June 2025 (10/10)

  Loved the layout, the amenities was fantastic

• Very good – Ross from Australia – 7 October 2024 (8/10)

  Location

• Very good – Derek from Australia – 1 March 2025 (8/10)

• Very good – Lauren from Australia – 27 August 2024 (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities