The Cook Cottage

Hotel Description

You know, when I first pulled up to The Cook Cottage on Grylls Crescent in Cook – that’s this quiet little suburb in Canberra’s north, tucked away in the 2614 postcode – I wasn’t sure what to expect from a 3-star spot. But honestly, it felt more like stumbling into a friend’s cozy guesthouse than some generic hotel. The place is this charming, low-key cottage setup, with a garden out front that’s got these native eucalypts rustling in the breeze, and the air smells fresh, like after a light rain (which happens a lot in Canberra, especially in spring). I arrived around dusk after a drive from the city center – it’s only about 15 minutes from Parliament House if you take the Tuggeranong Parkway, avoiding the peak-hour snarl on Northbourne Avenue. Parking was a breeze; there’s plenty of spots right outside, no fighting for space like you do downtown. Check-in was super laid-back – the owner, this friendly local bloke, handed over the keys with a quick chat about the best nearby coffee (head to the Cook shops for a flat white at the little cafe on the corner of Cook Place, it’s way better than the chains).

What really won me over, though, was how it nails that home-away-from-home vibe without trying too hard. The rooms are simple but spotless – think soft, queen-sized beds with those crisp white sheets that actually feel like they’ve been ironed, and a little kitchenette where I whipped up brekkie using stuff from the IGA just down the road on William Webb Drive. It’s not massive, mind you – the bathroom’s on the snug side, which might bug you if you’re traveling with a ton of luggage – but everything works like it should, and the Wi-Fi’s surprisingly zippy for streaming (I caught up on some shows after a day at the National Gallery). Noise-wise, it’s blissfully quiet; Cook’s not on the flight path or anything, so you get that suburban peace, with maybe some kookaburras laughing at dawn if you’re up early. I mean, for a 9.2 rating, it’s punching above its weight – the value’s insane compared to those overpriced spots near Lake Burley Griffin. Oh, and if you’re into hiking, it’s a stone’s throw from the Aranda Bushland Reserve; I did a morning walk there and felt like I’d escaped the city entirely, even though you’re only 10 minutes from Belconnen Mall for any shopping fixes.

All in all, if you’re heading to Canberra and want something authentic without the tourist trap prices – say, for a weekend exploring the arboretum or hitting up the markets in Braddon – The Cook Cottage is a gem. It’s not flashy, but that’s the point; it lets you actually live like a local for a bit. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially in autumn when the leaves turn and the area’s at its prettiest. Just book ahead if it’s peak season like during Floriade – it fills up fast with savvy travelers who know the score.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $90. One-Bedroom House with 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Cozy cottage! – Toby from Australia – 3 July 2025 (10/10)

  A cute and super comfortable cottage. It was cozy and warm, the kitchen was very well equipped, the bed was comfy and the shower was nice. Everything was very clean, fantastic!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing negative at all.

• Holiday Stay – Dorette from Australia – 26 June 2025 (10/10)

  Was better than we expected. The cottage was exceptionally great with everything you could need. The gentleman was very welcoming & nothing was a bother. Would HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE PROPERTY & we will DEFINITELY stay there again.

• Superb – Helen from Australia – 13 June 2025 (9/10)

  The property was clean and as advertised. Would definitely stay again.
  
  What could be improved: The hearing was very good, an electric blanket would be lovely though.

• Charming and comfortable. We’ll be back . – Anne from Australia – 12 June 2025 (10/10)

  Its cuteness
  
  What could be improved: Hubby unhappy with toilet seat lid not staying up!

• Excellent. – Andrew from Australia – 17 May 2025 (10/10)

  The host, Viktor, is very helpful and friendly. I arrived a little early and that was no problem at all.

• Clean, comfortable, private cottage, helpful hosts. – Kvack from Australia – 20 April 2025 (10/10)

  Clean, comfortable, quiet, good location, helpful hosts. It is a nice private cottage in the back yard of the hosts house. Off street parking is good.
  
  What could be improved: All was good

• Exceptional – Perri from Australia – 14 April 2025 (10/10)

  Victor was very nice and easy to reach out to. Location was close to everything, and the accomodation itself was clean and comfortable.

• For my son and I being tourists in Canberra, this place was perfect. It was central to all the attractions and the owner – Amanda from Australia – 12 March 2025 (9/10)

  It was like home away from home. The facilities great, had everything you needed for a short or long stay…and a coffee machine! The area was quiet and easy drive to city and shops
  
  What could be improved: N/a

• Relaxing, romantic, enjoyable – Gay from Australia – 26 November 2024 (10/10)

  Our host was very friendly & helpful, The Cottage was bright inside & cosy, very clean & well set out, we had all we needed, at the back of the garden it was surround by trees which gave it a secluded feel & very quiet at night. The Cottage was only 3 minute walk to the venue we were there to visit, + a fantastic pizza restaurant and cafe etc. We really had a wonderfully relaxing time there.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, all was wonderful.

• Quite and convenient; comfortable and well located. – Keitht from Australia – 15 November 2024 (9/10)

  A comfortable self catering cottage in the rear of a suburban block. It was spacious (one bedroom but good kitchen, and lounge/meals space), and set in a garden setting. It was the end of spring and we enjoyed the fragrances of the plants in the garden.
  
  It was in a perfect location – close to a supermarket, and pizza restaurant, a coffee lounge, not far from Jamison shopping centre and within easy reach of Canberra Civic or Belconnen Mall, by bus and the Belconnen market and Bunnings is a good walk away or an easy drive.
  
  It was quiet and you would be hard pressed to think you were in the capital of Australia. There were birds everywhere, and the roosters crowing in the day gave it a rural feel.
  
  Lots of trees and clean fresh air. A good place to act as a base for anything you do in CBR.
  
  What could be improved: I had trioubke sleeping but that was my problem. I think a blanket would have been better instead of a doona (although we didn't look for one and I was not aware of any other bedding).

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities