Sensational City Apartment with Lake Views

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the Sensational City Apartment with Lake Views during a quick getaway to Canberra last spring, and honestly, it turned out to be one of those spots that just clicks – not flashy or over-the-top, but solidly comfortable in that understated Aussie way. It’s tucked away in the Belconnen area, postcode 2617, right near Lake Ginninderra, which means you’re not smack in the middle of the tourist hustle around Parliament House or the National Gallery (that’s about a 15-minute drive south on the Tuggeranong Parkway, by the way). I pulled up in the evening after a long drive from Sydney, and the check-in was a breeze – no fuss at the front desk, just a friendly local bloke who handed over the keys and pointed out the secure underground parking, which is a godsend in Canberra where street spots can vanish during peak hours. The building itself has that modern apartment vibe, with clean lines and big windows that immediately draw your eye to the water – I mean, waking up to that shimmering lake view with the morning mist rolling off it? It’s the kind of thing that makes you linger over coffee instead of rushing out.

What really sold me, though, was how it feels like a home away from home, especially if you’re traveling with a partner or small group. My unit was a spacious one-bedroom – think plush king bed with those crisp white sheets that actually smell fresh (none of that stale hotel scent), a full kitchen stocked with basics like a Nespresso machine and a dishwasher, which saved me a fortune on eating out. I whipped up brekkie most mornings using stuff from the nearby Westfield Belconnen shops, just a short walk down Emu Bank where you’ll find great little cafes like The Coffee Club for a flat white fix. The balcony overlooking the lake was my favorite spot – breezy afternoons with the sound of ducks quacking below and that faint eucalyptus tang in the air, perfect for unwinding after a day exploring. It’s rated 8.9 for good reason; the Wi-Fi is speedy (streamed movies without a hitch), and the bathroom has a rain shower that feels luxurious without being pretentious. Oh, and a minor heads-up: the area can get a bit quiet at night – great for light sleepers, but if you’re after nightlife, you’ll need to head into Civic, about 10km away. During busier seasons like Floriade in September, book early because those views draw crowds, but off-peak, it’s blissfully serene.

All in all, if you’re heading to Canberra and want something more than a cookie-cutter hotel – say, for a weekend of hiking around the lake paths or hitting up the markets at EPIC – this place is a winner. It’s got that 4-star polish without the stuffiness, and at the end of the day, it’s those little touches like the complimentary laundry facilities or the easy access to biking trails along the water that make you feel like you’ve got the inside scoop on the capital. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially for those sunset views that turn the whole scene golden. Trust me, it’s sensational without trying too hard.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $262. Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Exceptional – Michael from Australia – 30 December 2024 (10/10)

  Amazing Location very close to the mall, great views

• Exceptional – Julie-anne from Australia – 15 September 2024 (10/10)

  Easy to communicate with the host. Very detailed instructions on how to access apartment which was most helpful. Comfortable beds and lounge. Fantastic views though they may be lost when the building next door eventually is built. We recommend the property.

• We enjoyed it overall except dirty linens and inside the drawers. – Anonymous from Australia – 23 February 2025 (4/10)

  The location is convenient as surrounded byWest field shopping center and bus stations. Quiet with good views.
  
  What could be improved: Clean linens should be provided instead of making it looks like clean. More tea towels and cleaning inside the cupboard and drawers where utensils are kept and bedside tables or inside the drawers. As they are dusty with hair pieces.

• Er hat unseren Australienurlaub bereichert. – Thomas from Germany – 16 January 2025 (9/10)

  Wir waren Selbstversorger. Die Lage war perfekt.
  
  What could be improved: Eine Infobroschüre mit den wichtigsten Informationen hat gefehlt, wie t.B.: WLAN-Zugang – wo befindet sich die „Müllentsorgung – wo sind der Swimmingpool, Fitnessstudio, etc. .

• Easy access, excellent apartment – Mitchell from Australia – 7 April 2025 (10/10)

• Exceptional – Fatima from United Arab Emirates – 20 September 2024 (10/10)

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

• Exceptional – Taylor from Australia – 24 January 2025 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities