Ramada by Wyndham Diplomat Canberra

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the Ramada by Wyndham Diplomat Canberra kind of by accident last time I was in town – I was driving down Canberra Avenue, dodging the usual afternoon traffic from the airport, and there it was, tucked away at the corner with Hely Street in Griffith. It’s this unassuming four-star spot that doesn’t scream luxury from the outside, but honestly, it feels like a solid, no-fuss base for exploring the capital. I mean, Griffith’s one of those leafy suburbs where you get that quiet, residential vibe – think tree-lined streets and easy access to Manuka Oval if you’re into cricket or just wandering around cafes – without being right in the chaotic heart of the city center. Parking was a breeze; they have a decent lot out front, and I didn’t have to circle forever like you do near Parliament House. Check-in was quick, the staff were friendly Aussies who actually chatted about the best spots for a flat white nearby, and before I knew it, I was in my room, which overlooked a little garden area that smelled faintly of eucalyptus after a light rain. It’s not flashy, but there’s this comfortable, lived-in feel – the beds are plush enough to sink into after a day hiking around Lake Burley Griffin, and the air con hums quietly, which is a godsend in Canberra’s unpredictable summers.

What really won me over, though, was how the place balances that old-school hotel charm with practical touches that make traveling easier. The rooms are spacious – mine had a king bed, a work desk that didn’t feel cramped, and even a small balcony where I could sip my morning coffee while watching the neighborhood wake up. Breakfast in the on-site restaurant was decent; nothing gourmet, but the bacon was crispy, and they do a mean eggs benny with fresh avocado – perfect fuel before heading to the National Gallery, which is just a 10-minute drive away on those smooth Griffith roads. Oh, and if you’re there in winter, the heated pool is a nice surprise; it’s indoors, so you avoid that biting cold wind that whips through Canberra in July. That said, it’s not perfect – the decor’s a tad dated, like 90s vibes with those heavy curtains and carpet that could use a refresh, and the Wi-Fi dipped a bit during peak evening hours when everyone’s streaming. But hey, for a 8.4 rating, it punches above its weight, especially with the friendly housekeeping who left extra towels without me asking. I even caught a quiet happy hour at the bar one night, chatting with locals about the best hidden trails in Namadgi National Park – it’s that kind of spot where you feel connected, not isolated.

All in all, if you’re visiting Canberra and want something reliable without the downtown bustle or the hefty price tag of those flashy spots near the lake, I’d say give the Ramada Diplomat a go. It’s close enough to zip into the action – like a quick Uber to the War Memorial or even a stroll to the nearby shops in Manuka for some boutique browsing – but far enough to unwind in peace. I left feeling like I’d found a little gem; next time I’m back for work or whatever, that’s where I’ll crash. Just book ahead during events like Floriade in spring, when the whole city buzzes and rooms fill up fast. Trust me, it’s the kind of place that grows on you.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $161. Queen Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $161. Queen & Single Room with 1 single bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $182. King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $194. King Boardroom with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $208. King Spa Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $225. Twin Queen Room with 2 large double beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Fairly good. – John from United Kingdom – 13 July 2025 (8/10)

  Good staff. Good value.
  
  What could be improved: The dining area was cold.

• Good package price of stay and breakfast – Evelyn from Australia – 13 July 2025 (9/10)

  Free of charge happy hours.
  
  What could be improved: Central exhaust fan in bathroom inefficient.

• Enjoyable – Domenic from Australia – 12 July 2025 (8/10)

  Breakfast rate was not explained tried to get the $22 rate but were told it didn’t apply to the room but able to get that rate on the second morning.

• Pleasant and comfortable – Katherine from Australia – 11 July 2025 (8/10)

  Breakfast was ok
  
  What could be improved: Room had not been cleaned by 3pm on first day when we arrived back to room which was disappointing

• Comfortable and quiet with great food. Dated decor but service and food make up for this – Rosa from Australia – 9 July 2025 (9/10)

  Comfortable beds, quiet, working air con, great service and awesome food
  
  What could be improved: Dated decor, bathroom needs more ventilation

• Well located hotel with a very comfortable bed and great onsite dining. – Rhonda from Australia – 4 July 2025 (9/10)

  Location was excellent. Had a lovely dinner in the restaurant and breakfast was great also. Staff were very helpful and polite.
  
  What could be improved: The heater wasn’t working properly in the restaurant and was blowing cold air.

• Highly recommended – Anthony from Australia – 3 July 2025 (9/10)

  Excellent staff and bar/restaurant area.
  Our room was in not a great location and the bathroom door was difficult to open and close. The room was very clean and comfortable and I will definitely stay here again.

• Very good – Rodney from Australia – 3 July 2025 (8/10)

  Nice size room with good size bathroom
  
  What could be improved: The room temperature of the restaurant was very cold and needed to wear coats to keep warm.

• Convenient, helpful staff but needs some feng shui to make it more inviting over all. – Mary from Australia – 3 July 2025 (7/10)

  I stayed here twice. It’s clean, parking is easy, staff are really helpful and kind, it is quiet though near a big intersection.
  
  What could be improved: It just felt kind of sterile. Like no one had paid attention to decor to make it warm and inviting. For this price you hope for that. In the larger rooms (I was booked in rice, before and after an Alpine walk), the couch was not comfortable so you didn’t want to read and relax. The pillows were really large- all types. Great for big men. I went and bought my own blow-up travel pillow after 2 days sleeping here and getting a crick in my neck. I travel worldwide regularly and have always found smaller pillows or even cushions off a couch- but nothing here. The restaurant did not look ambient so I went elsewhere. For this price I’d want something more inviting and attractive. Through the whole hotel.

• Superb – Sue from Australia – 27 June 2025 (9/10)

  Room, dinner & breakfast.
  Food was fabulous. Room was lovely

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities