Stylish, Modern, Cute as a Button – Braddon CBD

Hotel Description

Oh man, if you’re heading to Canberra and want something that feels more like a cool apartment than a stuffy hotel, you have to check out Stylish, Modern, Cute as a Button in Braddon. I stayed there last spring – you know, right when the jacarandas are blooming and the air has that crisp, eucalyptus tang mixed with coffee from all the nearby roasteries. It’s on Mort Street, smack in the middle of Braddon, which is basically Canberra’s hipster heart. I remember pulling up in my rental (parking’s a bit of a squeeze on the street, but they have a secure spot out back if you ask nicely at check-in), and the place just screamed “boutique vibe” without trying too hard. The facade is all sleek lines and big windows, and inside, the lobby’s tiny but welcoming – think exposed brick, some funky local art, and a receptionist who actually chats with you like a human, not a robot. My room? Adorable. It was one of those compact suites with a kitchenette (handy for whipping up brekkie from the markets down on Lonsdale Street), super comfy king bed with those crisp white sheets that smell faintly of lavender detergent, and a bathroom that had rain showerheads – honestly, after a day traipsing around the National Gallery, that was a godsend. Oh, and the Wi-Fi? Blazing fast, no dropouts, which mattered since I was catching up on work emails.

What really sets this spot apart, though, is how it plugs you right into Braddon’s buzz without the overwhelm. You’re literally steps from places like Bar Rochford for a sneaky negroni or Rye Cafe for avocado toast that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg – I mean, forget the CBD hotels where everything’s a taxi ride away; here, you can wander out at dusk and hit up the laneways for street food or vintage shops. The hotel itself keeps things modern and cute, like with those little touches – fresh flowers in the vase, a Nespresso machine stocked with pods, and even a balcony overlooking Mort Street’s tree-lined vibe (though it can get a tad noisy on Friday nights when the bars fill up, so earplugs if you’re a light sleeper). It’s not massive, mind you – no gym or pool, which might bug some folks – but for a 4-star joint, it punches above its weight. I appreciated the self-check-in option via app; arrived late from a flight and didn’t have to deal with anyone, just scanned and crashed. And get this, it’s pet-friendly if you call ahead, which is rare in the city center. Canberra can feel a bit sleepy mid-week, but Braddon keeps it lively year-round, especially during Floriade season when the crowds swarm nearby.

All in all, if you’re not into those big-chain hotels and want something authentic to Canberra’s evolving scene, this place is a gem – that 8.6 rating feels spot on, maybe even a touch low. It’s perfect for couples on a weekend getaway or solo travelers like me who crave walkability (you’re a quick stroll to the light rail for Lake Burley Griffin jaunts). Sure, rooms are on the snug side for families, and breakfast isn’t included (but who needs it with all the cafes?), but the value’s there. I’d go back in a heartbeat – actually, I might just book it for my next trip down under. You won’t regret it.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $108. Apartment with Balcony with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Moody delight with everything you need – Kerren from Australia – 2 January 2025 (9/10)

  There was very descriptive instructions which made things easy to navigate.
  
  What could be improved: The view from the apartment…. But you can’t help the neighbors roofs lol

• Superb staycation – Kat from Philippines – 11 December 2024 (10/10)

  It was a comfortable stay. The facilities are complete. It's a staycation that's worth the bucks.

• Excellent stay, close to the city and public transport. Lots of restaurants, cafes and shops around. – Toi from Australia – 8 December 2024 (9/10)

  Nice apartment in excellent location. Only a few minutes walk from my daughter's place which is very convenient.
  
  What could be improved: Slightly dusty shelves but it's not that much a problem.

• Uneventful – Stephen from Australia – 31 October 2024 (8/10)

  Flouted our needs
  
  What could be improved: Tight parking

• Comfortable handy location – Enrico from Australia – 15 October 2024 (9/10)

  Clean, comfortable, good basement parking and close to town

• A good stay – Peter from Australia – 8 October 2024 (8/10)

  Central location, clean and has what you need. Convenience store close by.
  
  What could be improved: The flat sheet kept coming off the bed. It is much better to have a fitted sheet on the bed.
  One of the blinds in the living area doesn’t come down to the ground properly and so it lets in light in the morning as the windows face east.

• Exceptional – Jess from Australia – 14 September 2024 (10/10)

  Pleasant stay, with an easy check in and out process. Apartment was clean and comfortable and close to centre.

• Comfortable and convenient location, well maintained and furnished apartment – Frances from Australia – 19 August 2024 (9/10)

  convenient location, well maintained and furnished apartment. Good amenities for a medium term stay.
  
  What could be improved: Kitchen knives could do with a resharpening, and shower shelf could be re-leveled to support bigger bottles without sliding off.

• It was perfect for our weekend in Canberra – Lyndel from Australia – 23 July 2024 (9/10)

  Proximity to where we wanted to be

• Location, location, location!!! Easy access to everything we wanted to do for the weekend. – Jocelyn from Australia – 18 July 2024 (9/10)

  Location was great, so convenient to cafes, shops, city. Building was very secure. Communication was great from Sarah and Tommy.
  
  What could be improved: Our checkin was delayed (but just meant we snuck a beer in early which was fine!). The pillows weren’t super comfortable.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities