Modern Comfort in Canberra’s City Center – Hosted by Canstay

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Modern Comfort in Canberra’s City Center during a quick work trip last spring, and honestly, it turned out to be one of those spots that just clicks – like, you arrive feeling frazzled from the drive down from Sydney, and suddenly you’re in this sleek, no-fuss apartment setup that feels more like a mate’s spare room than a hotel. It’s hosted by Canstay, right there at 2601 in the heart of things, smack on Northbourne Avenue, which means you’re basically steps from the light rail stop that zips you to the airport or over to Civic without dealing with the peak-hour chaos on the Federal Highway. I mean, parking was a bit of a juggle – they have undercover spots, but if you’re rolling in after 5 PM during the Floriade festival season, good luck snagging one without circling like a shark. But once you’re in, the check-in’s a breeze; it’s all self-service with a code they text you, and there’s this faint eucalyptus scent in the lobby that hits you right away, probably from the native plants they scatter around – reminds you you’re in Oz, not some generic chain.

What really sold me was how the place balances that modern vibe without going overboard. My room – well, it was more of a one-bedroom suite, actually – had these massive floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the buzz of the city center, with views toward Lake Burley Griffin if you squint past the buildings. The bed was plush, like sinking into a cloud after a day hiking in Namadgi National Park (pro tip: pack bug spray if you’re heading out there in summer), and the kitchenette came stocked with decent appliances – I whipped up a brekkie of avo on toast using stuff from the nearby Braddon markets, which are just a 10-minute stroll away and packed with local roasters and fresh produce on weekends. Noise-wise, it’s pretty chill for a city spot; you might hear the occasional tram ding or early-morning joggers on the paths below, but the double-glazing keeps it hushed – though, fair warning, if you’re a light sleeper, avoid rooms facing the avenue during events like Summernats, when the car revs echo like thunder. Oh, and the bathroom? Spotless, with those rain shower heads that make you linger – heated floors too, which is a godsend in Canberra’s nippy winters when the fog rolls in off the Brindabellas.

All in all, if you’re after a 4-star stay that punches above its weight with that 9.1 rating, this is it – especially for solo travelers or couples who want to dip into Canberra’s scene without the stuffiness of the big hotels near Parliament House. It’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi can glitch during busy times, like when everyone’s streaming after a day at the National Gallery (which is an easy 15-minute walk, by the way, past some killer street art in NewActon). But honestly, for the price and the comfort, I’d book it again in a heartbeat – grab a coffee at Mocan & Green Grout nearby, wander the lake paths at dusk when the cockatoos are squawking, and you’ll see why this spot just feels right for getting the real Canberra vibe.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $145. Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Exceptional – Ryoho from Japan – 1 July 2025 (10/10)

  The location is excellent—very close to the center of Canberra.
  The room was spacious, very clean, and situated in a quiet, comfortable environment.
  
  What could be improved: The key pickup and return location is a bit far from the accommodation.
  This could be inconvenient, especially for guests without access to a car.

• Overall was good & clean – Sanjeev from Australia – 3 May 2025 (9/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: Collecting keys from far place. Key lock if it was building site would make visit pleasant

• Excellent location in the City, well appointed apartment. – Angelo from Australia – 19 April 2025 (9/10)

  Excellent location in City, nicely furnished with everything you need. Clean and comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: Key collection was inconvenient in that it was difficult finding a car park in Braddon whilst collecting and returning the keys.

• Cosy and modern, well equipped and furnished for an extended stay – Frances from Australia – 13 September 2024 (10/10)

  Like-new decor, well equipped kitchen, laundry and cosy furnishings. Books and games, although unused, were a nice homey touch.
  
  What could be improved: Proximity of key collection location to property slightly further away than ideal, especially having to return keys to same place during check out.

• Perfect place to stay, very clean, off street secure parking and close to CBD – Warwick from Australia – 28 January 2025 (10/10)

  Great location! city centre at your door. Perfect unit couldn’t have wished for a better place to stay.
  
  What could be improved: The bed was to hard for my liking, and the plants weren’t looked after but we watered them so I hope they survive.

• Very good – Maria from Australia – 19 May 2025 (8/10)

  We had to drive to a locked box, about 5 minutes from the hotel, to get the keys.
  Then when we checked out we had to drive back to put the keys back in the locked box.
  Lots of road works as new tram lines are being put in.This added to the stress of getting the keys.
  The hotel room was very nice and comfortable.The parking however, was challenging.We had been warned that it was many floors down,but the corners are quite tight as well.
  
  What could be improved: the car park and retrieving (and returning)the keys in another location.

• Superb – Sonya from Australia – 26 April 2025 (9/10)

  Location was great. Clean, well appointed, had everything we needed. Loved the communication from the people running it – very clear information
  
  What could be improved: Bed was too firm for my liking

• We left a day early because it wasn't very comfortable – Sophie from Australia – 26 May 2025 (7/10)

  What could be improved: The car park and the sofa in the living area was very uncomfortable

• Great location, great eateries all around. – Vivienne from Australia – 9 June 2025 (10/10)

• Superb – Douglas from Australia – 29 September 2024 (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities