Peppers Gallery Hotel

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Peppers Gallery Hotel during a quick work trip to Canberra last spring, and honestly, it turned out to be a pretty solid spot to crash – especially if you’re into that artsy, urban vibe without all the pretentious fluff. It’s tucked away on Edinburgh Avenue, right in the heart of the NewActon precinct, which is this funky little area that’s exploded with cool cafes and street art over the past few years. I mean, if you’ve been to Canberra before, you know how the city can feel a bit spread out and bureaucratic, but this place is just a short stroll from Lake Burley Griffin – perfect for those early morning jogs or just wandering over to grab a flat white at Mocan & Green Grout (their coffee smells like heaven, by the way, all rich and nutty). Driving in, I appreciated that they have undercover parking – a godsend in Canberra’s unpredictable weather, though it can get tight during peak conference seasons when everyone’s piling into town for parliament sittings. Check-in was a breeze; the staff were friendly without being over-the-top, and the lobby has this gallery feel with rotating local artworks on the walls – nothing too flashy, but it adds a nice touch of creativity that you don’t always get in chain hotels.

What really won me over, though, was how the rooms felt lived-in yet polished, you know? I had a standard king room on the third floor, and it was spacious enough to spread out my laptop without feeling cramped – the bed was super comfy, with those crisp white sheets that just sink in after a long day exploring. There’s a little kitchenette too, which came in handy for brewing my own tea (they stock decent loose-leaf stuff, not the cheap bags), and the bathroom had this rainfall shower that actually worked without sputtering – a small win, but travelers know how hit-or-miss that can be. Oh, and the views? Mine overlooked the avenue, so you’d catch glimpses of people buzzing around the nearby bars on Lonsdale Street in the evenings; it’s lively but not obnoxiously noisy, especially if you avoid weekends when the crowds hit. That said, the walls are a tad thin – I could hear the occasional door slam from neighbors, which woke me up once or twice, but nothing a pair of earplugs couldn’t fix. Food-wise, their in-house restaurant does a mean breakfast buffet with fresh pastries that have that buttery, flaky texture you crave, and it’s all sourced locally – think eggs from nearby farms. If you’re into exploring, it’s dead easy to hop on a bike (they have rentals) and cruise over to the National Gallery or even Parliament House, which is just a 10-minute ride away. Canberra’s quiet in the off-season, like winter, so rooms feel even more peaceful then.

All in all, if you’re heading to Canberra and want something that’s not your bog-standard business hotel, Peppers Gallery is worth considering – it’s got that 4-star comfort with a genuine local flavor, and at a 7.9 rating, it’s reliably good without breaking the bank. I’d go back, especially for a weekend getaway; just pack light and embrace the artsy side of the capital. You won’t regret it, but maybe request a higher floor if you’re a light sleeper.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $136. Peppers Petite Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $144. Peppers Queen Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $144. Peppers Queen Room with Bath Tub with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $149. Peppers King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $149. Peppers King Room with Bath Tub with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $203. Peppers Suite with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• This didn't really meet my expectations of staying at a Peppers Hotel. – Jennifer from Australia – 30 June 2025 (7/10)

  The staff were very friendly though no one advised me of the $40:00 parking fee until I had to pay on check out.
  
  What could be improved: The parking experience was dreadful. Parking is in another hotel at the back of Peppers. The access from the parking is through a very dark courtyard connecting 2 hotels. This needs much better lighting for both safety and directions between the 2 hotels. No one advised me of the $ 40:00 parking fee until I checked out. This seems like a very high parking fee given the complicated access.

• A very nice stay – Sarah from Australia – 29 June 2025 (8/10)

  Excellent location, nice staff, nice rooms.
  
  What could be improved: The restaurant is a little draughty. No ACB channels on the TV.

• Would go back. Great value – Hannah from Australia – 16 June 2025 (8/10)

  Very friendly staff. Great location. Quiet and not too big. Good food in restaurant. Great prawn pizza and share plates.
  
  What could be improved: No complaints

• Always great – Steve from Australia – 25 May 2025 (9/10)

  Great location, wide variety of dinner options and three on-property bars
  
  What could be improved: Rooms are due for an upgrade, though I think they were doing some whilst we were there

• My stay in this hotel was very comfortable and enjoyable. Great location, stylish hotel and friendly, helpful staff. – Ruth from Australia – 22 April 2025 (9/10)

  This hotel just had a nice feel about it. A little unusual and a little quirky. I just stayed in a small double room but it was very well designed and didn’t feel small at all and had everything I needed including a decent sized work desk. The ensuite was good too. I loved the Japanese style sliding entry doors and the huge shower. All the staff I encountered during my stay were super helpful and friendly. La Biccicletta, the Italian restaurant on site served pretty decent Italian food too!!
  
  What could be improved: I wasn’t mad about the colour choice of the bedroom doors. I would get rid of the fluorescent green colour completely. It cheapens the look. I did like a splash of colour against the black, white and grey of the walls and carpet but I would go for a more ‘elegant’ colour choice. Perhaps a very dark red or wine colour. Something classier.

• Superb – Norma from United Kingdom – 21 April 2025 (9/10)

  The hotel is very well situated for visiting the local places of interest. Less than 10 minutes drive from the National Museum, The National Memorial, Parliament House and the Botanical Gardens. All the staff were excellent and the room facilities well above average. This was my 2nd stay & would be my first choice for future visits.
  
  What could be improved: Can't think of anything.

• Great location, quiet and walking distance to galleries. Rooms were clean and comfortable. – Kylie from Australia – 15 April 2025 (8/10)

  Great location, quiet and walking distance to galleries. Rooms were clean and comfortable. There is a great restaurant on site.
  
  What could be improved: Some furniture in the room is a bit tired and could do with replacing.

• Superb – Jane from Australia – 6 April 2025 (9/10)

  Parking was multistory near by which was very close but $35 a day.
  Room had towels and robe for 1 person with a 2 person booking

• Very comfortable. – Paul from Australia – 4 April 2025 (9/10)

  Very friendly and helpful staff at reception. Excellent restaurant facilities. Complimentary upgrade!
  
  What could be improved: No pool or gym facilities.

• Very good – Lwilbers from Australia – 13 March 2025 (8/10)

  Nice big rooms, which were very clean
  
  What could be improved: Parking was not the easiest, entry via a different building (need to go outside)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities