Rydges Canberra

Hotel Description

You know, I rolled into Rydges Canberra last spring, right when the cherry blossoms were starting to pop around Lake Burley Griffin – talk about perfect timing if you’re into that whole scenic Canberra vibe. It’s tucked away in Forrest, at the corner of Canberra Avenue and National Circuit, which honestly feels like a smart spot if you want to be close to the action without the full-on hustle of downtown. I mean, you’re just a quick 10-minute drive from Parliament House or the National Gallery, but far enough that you don’t hear the tourist buses rumbling by at dawn. Pulling up, the place has this solid, no-nonsense 4-star look – not flashy, but clean and welcoming, with a big lobby that smells faintly of fresh coffee from their in-house cafe. Check-in was a breeze; the staff were chatty Aussies who actually asked about my drive from Sydney and tossed in tips on avoiding the peak-hour traffic on the Barton Highway. My room? Spacious enough for a solo traveler like me, with a comfy king bed that didn’t creak (a rarity in some hotels, let me tell you), and views out over some leafy suburbs – though, fair warning, if you’re on the lower floors, you might catch a whiff of exhaust from the avenue during rush hour.

What really sold me on Rydges was how it balances that practical, everyday comfort with a few thoughtful touches that make you feel like you’re not just crashing in another chain hotel. The pool area is a hidden gem – outdoor, heated, and surprisingly quiet even in the evenings when families are winding down; I spent an afternoon there reading, with the sound of magpies chattering in the eucalypts nearby, which is so quintessentially Canberra. Breakfast at the restaurant? Solid buffet with fresh croissants and decent eggs – nothing gourmet, but it hits the spot after a day exploring the War Memorial (which is only about 2km away, by the way – walkable if you’re up for it). Parking’s a plus too; they’ve got undercover spots that don’t cost an arm and a leg, unlike some spots nearer the city center. Oh, and if you’re traveling for work – like I was, sort of – the Wi-Fi held up for video calls without dropping, though it did get a bit sluggish during peak times. One minor gripe: the decor feels a tad dated in places, like the carpets could use a refresh, but hey, for a 7.4 rating, it’s honest value without pretending to be luxury.

All in all, if you’re heading to Canberra for a mix of sightseeing and downtime – maybe catching a show at the Playhouse or just wandering Manuka’s cafes (just down the road in Griffith) – Rydges is a reliable pick. It’s not going to blow your mind with opulence, but it delivers on the essentials with that laid-back Aussie charm. I’d go back, especially in the quieter off-season like autumn when the crowds thin out and you can snag a room without the event-season markup. Trust me, after a long day on your feet, sinking into that bed with the AC humming softly is pure bliss.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $156. Queen Room – Disability Access with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $172. Superior King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $188. Executive King Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $203. Embassy Suite with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 sofa beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $232. Superior Twin Room with 2 double beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Overall good stay and facilities. Would stay there again – Matt from Australia – 10 July 2025 (8/10)

  Location, clean, good room and facilities
  
  What could be improved: Had to pay for parking which was not expected

• Great family stay, enjoyed the spa. – Sylvia from Australia – 8 July 2025 (8/10)

  Affordable
  
  What could be improved: Paying for parking

• Great hotel, noisy guests – Sandie from Australia – 5 July 2025 (8/10)

  Very nice bed. Great staff
  
  What could be improved: Small children racing through the hallways up til 11pm. Not the hotels fault but the rooms were not sound proof

• Great comfortable stay – Red from Australia – 4 July 2025 (8/10)

  The bar area with fire places
  
  What could be improved: Having to pay $25 p/day for parking

• Very good – Sarah from Australia – 1 July 2025 (8/10)

  The buffet breakfast is nice. Family room (sleeping four) is good value.
  
  What could be improved: The shower head was not adjustable and overshot the cubicle. Not really a problem for us but maybe for housekeeping because this made the floor and toilet wet

• Staff were great and accommodating just the noisy room was disheartening – Natascha from Australia – 27 June 2025 (6/10)

  Clean and friendly
  
  What could be improved: Toilet kept resetting every 3-5 minutes very loud keeping everyone up all night

• Spacious rooms but average service and below average breakfast – Adele from Australia – 13 June 2025 (7/10)

  Spacious rooms
  
  What could be improved: There was a clear staff shortage over the long weekend. There were long lines at the check in counter and a lack of service at breakfast. We waited 30 mins for coffee and when it arrived it was cold. The breakfast buffet had a poor selection and wasn’t restocked as often as required. At one stage there were no forks and plates.

• Ramireznovoa from Australia – 11 June 2025 (8/10)

• Good – Manpreet from Australia – 9 June 2025 (8/10)

  Room was clean and tidy, kids enjoyed the indoor pool.
  
  What could be improved: Not enough staff at the breakfast time. Had to wait long for food and crockery

• Comfortable and good value for money – Warwick from Australia – 8 June 2025 (8/10)

  Clean and well presented
  
  What could be improved: The bed was too soft and you rolled into the middle

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities