Spacious 2BR APT Next to the City – Hosted by Canstay

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon this place called Spacious 2BR APT Next to the City – Hosted by Canstay – when I was scrambling for a spot in Canberra last spring, right around Floriade time when everything gets booked solid. It’s tucked away in postcode 2612, which is basically the inner north, like a stone’s throw from O’Connor or Turner – you can walk to the ANU campus if you’re into that academic vibe, or hit up Braddon for those trendy cafes on Lonsdale Street. Honestly, arriving felt a bit low-key; no fancy lobby or anything, just a self-check-in with a code from the host, which was a lifesaver after my delayed flight from Sydney. The building’s nothing flashy – think mid-century apartment block with that classic Canberra red-brick look – but parking was a breeze out front, no hunting for spots like in the city center. I mean, it’s not right in the parliamentary hustle, but you’re close enough to zip over to Lake Burley Griffin for a morning jog without dealing with the tourist crowds at the National Gallery.

Stepping inside, though, that’s where it won me over – the place is genuinely spacious for a 3-star setup, with two bedrooms that actually feel like they could fit a small family without anyone tripping over luggage. The living area has this big window overlooking a quiet street lined with those gum trees that drop leaves everywhere in autumn (watch out for slippery paths if you’re there then). I loved the kitchen – fully stocked with basics like a decent coffee machine and even some local tea bags, which came in handy for those chilly evenings when the wind whips through from the Brindabellas. It’s not luxurious, mind you; the bathroom’s a tad dated with that ’80s tile vibe, and the Wi-Fi can be spotty during peak hours, like when everyone’s streaming after work. But hey, the beds were comfy enough – firm mattresses that didn’t leave me with a backache – and there’s a washer-dryer combo that saved me from overpacking. Noise-wise, it’s pretty peaceful at night, though you might hear the occasional tram rumbling by on Northbourne Avenue if your window’s open. Oh, and the smell – that fresh, eucalyptus-y air mixing with whatever’s cooking from the neighbors – it just screams authentic Canberra living, you know?

All in all, if you’re not chasing five-star pampering and just want a solid base for exploring – say, hitting the War Memorial or cycling around the lake – this spot’s a smart pick, especially at that price point. I’d give it a solid 7.7 myself; it’s got that homey feel without the pretension, but pack your own toiletries because the provided ones are basic. Well, sort of – they had shampoo, but it was the generic stuff. Anyway, for solo travelers or couples dipping into the capital for a weekend, it’s worth it; families might appreciate the extra room too. Just time it right – avoid summer if you hate the heat, as there’s no pool to cool off in. I left feeling like I’d gotten a real slice of local life, not some sterile hotel room.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $137. Apartment with 2 single beds and 1 double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Lovely just a little warm. – Janene from Australia – 2 March 2025 (9/10)

  Location is brilliant. Comfortable & clean home with everything we needed for the weekend. Lovely balcony
  
  What could be improved: Air conditioning was only in the living areas so bedroom were a very warm on a hot weekend

• Very good – Alexander from Australia – 10 November 2024 (8/10)

  Clean and tidy with all that was required to be self contained, but a bit spartan, close to the shopping center and the war memorial.
  
  What could be improved: Messing around with the indoor TV aerial to get a channel, was like being back in the 70s.

• Short stay for a funeral this time. Would stay here again with family. – Isabel from Australia – 30 November 2024 (8/10)

  Closeness to city. Two bedrooms. Undercover car park. Clean, tidy. View to interior courtyard. Balcony. Suburb
  
  What could be improved: Seemed dusty when we arrived but realized that it was just warm and needed a window opened for some fresh air.
  Staff wrote about extra service and extra stay – I tried to answer but sent by ‘no reply’ email. Annoying and time consuming to have replied rejected

• Comfortable place with good facilities but access information was terrible. – Ian from Australia – 23 February 2025 (5/10)

  Plenty of space, good location
  
  What could be improved: Access information was very poor.
  No unit number on any correspondance except buried in an message sent at the last minute. Rang help number and was told incorrect unit number so wasted 15 minuted trying to find and access the wrong place. Access code to building door was wrong. No code to unit door was given other than "xxxx". Spent 20 mintutes on the phone to get correct unit door code. Then was sent another message the following day that had a "reminder" of our access code. This is the first message with the correct door code but the building access code was still wrong.

• Stay was frustrating, uncomfortable bed and couch. But the managers did try did try and help. – Jim from Australia – 8 December 2024 (3/10)

  The prosperity was a good location, however the car would not fit in the garage and parking on the street was only available for 2 hours during the day. The windows in the bedroom could not be opened as there was no key to unlock them. The couch was very uncomfortable to sit on any the bed was to hard and uncomfortable. There was no instructions for anything. Could not get the TV to work and when they came and showed us how to set it up properly the reception was poor due to the temporary aerial. The people who are looking after it did come and sort some things out and were helpful but it needs a lot done to make it a great place to stay

• Exceptional – Warren from Bermuda – 8 May 2025 (10/10)

• Exceptional – Tim from Australia – 16 November 2024 (10/10)

• Exceptional – Dianne from Australia – 18 August 2024 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities