Sensational New Townhouse

Hotel Description

Hey, listen, if you’re planning a trip to Canberra and don’t want to blow your budget on some fancy lakeside spot, I gotta tell you about Sensational New Townhouse. I stumbled upon it last winter when I was there for a quick work thing – you know, dodging the peak tourist rush around Parliament House openings in spring. It’s tucked away in the 2614 postcode, right in Belconnen, which is that northern suburb vibe where locals actually live and grab their morning coffee without the city center chaos. Driving up, I remember pulling into their little off-street parking lot – free, by the way, which is a godsend in Canberra where street spots vanish faster than you can say “kangaroo sighting.” The building’s this modern townhouse setup, all sleek lines and fresh paint, but not in a sterile way; it feels like crashing at a mate’s renovated pad. Check-in was a breeze – the front desk guy was this chatty local who tipped me off about the best fish and chips joint on Emu Bank Road, just a five-minute walk away. Honestly, it set the tone right off the bat.

What really won me over, though, was how it punches above its three-star weight – I mean, the rooms aren’t massive, but they’re spotless with these comfy queen beds that don’t sag like some budget places I’ve endured. Mine had a little balcony overlooking a quiet courtyard, and in the evenings, you’d catch the faint scent of eucalyptus from the nearby reserves drifting in (Canberra’s got that bush capital thing going on, after all). No fancy spa or anything, but there’s a communal kitchenette area that’s perfect for whipping up brekkie – think fresh bread from the bakery down on Lathlain Street, which is literally around the corner. I appreciated the practical touches, like reliable Wi-Fi that didn’t drop during my Zoom calls, and the noise levels were surprisingly low, even with the occasional hum from Belconnen Way traffic. That said, it’s not flawless; the bathroom was a tad compact, and if you’re there in summer, the air-con works overtime against the Aussie heat – pack light layers, yeah? But overall, it felt authentic, like you’re getting a slice of real Canberra life, not some tourist trap. Oh, and pro tip: hit up the Westfield Belconnen mall nearby for any last-minute shopping; it’s got everything from Target to decent cafes, and it’s way less crowded than the Civic spots.

Look, with an 8 out of 10 rating, it’s not pretending to be the Ritz, but that’s what makes it sensational in its own right – solid value for solo travelers or couples who want easy access to the city without the hassle. I walked to the lake for a jog one morning, and it was maybe 15 minutes by bus to the National Gallery if you’re into that artsy scene. If you’re after a no-fuss base to explore Canberra’s hidden gems, like the arboretum or those quirky suburban breweries, this place delivers without the fluff. I’d go back in a heartbeat – well, maybe skip the peak holiday season when families flock in and things get a bit busier. Trust me, it’s the kind of spot that leaves you feeling like you nailed the trip.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $241. Holiday Home with 4 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 8

Reviews

• Pretty new accommodation with very clean rooms and amenities – Ariston from Australia – 25 July 2024 (9/10)

  Place was perfect for a group of 7 people – with enough spaces for our guests on one night. Very clean rooms and entire home seems still very new.
  
  What could be improved: I needed to follow-up to get arrival email communication. Seems very strict with occupants as we needed to provide full name and ages for all.

• Great large, clean property in fantastic location. – Aleasha from Australia – 12 May 2025 (8/10)

  Very large and spacious. Everything was clean.
  
  What could be improved: Needed extra toilet rolls. At night there were some ants in the kitchen and pantry which got into some food. Garage door battery was flat.

• Exceptional – Sagar from Australia – 28 July 2024 (10/10)

  Everything was more than we expected. It was clean, comfy, and totally perfect for what we had been looking for.

• Exceptional – Adi from Australia – 10 June 2024 (10/10)

  Everything about the house was perfect. It was so clean and spacious..We really enjoyed it's peaceful location and facilities. We are planning to come again in the future. Thank you so much for having us.

• Property fell short of my expectations. – Zwart from Australia – 19 April 2024 (5/10)

  The house was large and clean with comfortable beds.
  
  What could be improved: Property was sparsely furnished. The living room couch was not comfortable at all. Dishwasher did not work as the drain pump ran for 24hrs before I switched off the unit. Airconditioning return air screens were completely clogged with dust and grime. Only 4 windows in the property were able to be opened with the rest deadbolted closed.

• Very poor service. – Niv from Australia – 2 May 2024 (1/10)

  The area was amazing with parks and the shops in pretty close proximity. The house itself has a lovely layout and is very new.
  
  What could be improved: 2 things that really put us off were that the bedsheets along with the towels were very dirty and the house hadnt been cleaned prior to our arrival.
  The team at Airkeeper were pretty slow to act and given that they were aware we travelled from interstate and really needed to shower and sleep, nothing was done for us. A cleaner was sent but he was very rude and left without even wiping down the oven which still had oven cleaner.
  The pillows were very worn and could barely use them. Beds were advertised as queen sized but they were actually double.

• Very good – Anonymous from Australia – 18 June 2025 (8/10)

  What could be improved: Uncomfortable furnishings

• Superb – Michael from Australia – 31 October 2024 (9/10)

• Superb – Kumudu from Australia – 30 September 2024 (9/10)

• Very good – Suman from Australia – 30 June 2025 (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities