Modern City Living – 1BR Apt in Vibrant Dickson – Hosted by CanStay

Hotel Description

Hey, if you’re heading to Canberra and want something that feels more like crashing at a mate’s modern pad than a stuffy hotel room, check out this one-bedroom apartment called Modern City Living in Dickson. I stayed there last spring – you know, right when the jacarandas are blooming and the whole city gets that purple haze – and honestly, it was a solid pick. It’s hosted by CanStay, and the check-in was a breeze; they sent over a code for the lockbox, no fussing around with front desks or anything. The place is smack in the middle of Dickson, on that bustling stretch near Woolley Street, where you’ve got all those Asian grocers and noodle spots just a short walk away. I mean, I grabbed some killer pho from this little joint called Pho Hub right after I arrived – talk about starting the trip on a high note. The building itself is pretty newish, with that clean, minimalist vibe – think sleek concrete floors that stay cool underfoot even on warmer days, and big windows letting in heaps of natural light. Oh, and parking? There’s undercover spots included, which is a godsend because street parking in Dickson can be a nightmare during peak dinner hours when everyone’s out for yum cha.

What really sold me on it was how it nails that balance of city buzz without feeling overwhelming. The apartment’s got a full kitchen – stainless steel everything, even a decent coffee machine that I abused every morning – and the bedroom’s comfy with a queen bed that doesn’t sag like some rentals do. I remember waking up to the faint hum of trams rolling by on Northbourne Avenue, which is just a block over; it’s not dead quiet, but earplugs sorted that out if you’re a light sleeper. (Pro tip: avoid weekends if noise bothers you, as the Dickson shops turn into a lively scene with markets and all.) It’s a four-star setup, and yeah, it lives up to the high ratings – spotless, with fast Wi-Fi that didn’t glitch once while I was streaming footy games. Being in Dickson means you’re super close to the city center; I hopped on a bus to Lake Burley Griffin in like 10 minutes, or you could walk to the ANU campus if you’re into that uni vibe. There’s even a little balcony where I sipped my evening beer, watching the sunset over the suburbs – smells like eucalyptus mixed with stir-fry from downstairs, you know? It’s not massive, but for a solo traveler or couple, it’s perfect; felt homey without being cramped.

All in all, I’d totally recommend this spot if you’re after an authentic slice of Canberra life rather than touristy fluff. It’s great for a weekend getaway or even a longer stay if you’re working remotely – well, as long as you don’t mind the occasional street chatter. At that price point, it’s a steal compared to downtown hotels, and the hosts were quick to respond when I had a question about the laundry setup. Just book early in summer; Dickson gets packed with festival-goers. Trust me, you’ll leave feeling like you actually lived there a bit, not just passed through.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $141. Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities