The Prince 228 Kingston ACT

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon The Prince 228 Kingston ACT during a quick trip to Canberra last spring, and honestly, it was one of those finds that makes you feel like you’ve got the inside scoop on the city. Tucked away on Eyre Street in Kingston – that’s that lively inner-south suburb, right near the foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin – it’s not smack in the middle of the tourist chaos around Civic or Parliament House, but close enough that you can hop on a bus or even walk if you’re feeling energetic (it’s about a 20-minute stroll to the National Gallery, which is perfect for dodging the peak-hour traffic snarls). I pulled up around midday, and parking was a breeze – they’ve got a small undercover lot, though it fills up fast on weekends when locals flock to the nearby markets. Check-in was smooth, with this friendly staffer who chatted about the best coffee spots in Manuka (just a five-minute drive away), and before I knew it, I was in my room, which had this cozy, boutique vibe – think exposed brick walls and those plush, sink-right-in beds that smell faintly of fresh linen.

What really sets this place apart, I think, is how it blends that 4-star polish with a sort of unpretentious charm – it’s not trying to be flashy like some of the bigger chains up in Braddon, but it nails the details that matter. My room overlooked a quiet courtyard (well, mostly quiet, except for the occasional bird chatter in the mornings, which was actually kind of nice), and the bathroom had one of those rain showers that makes you linger a bit too long. Breakfast downstairs was solid – fresh pastries and decent eggs, nothing gourmet, but way better than the grab-and-go stuff you’d get elsewhere – and they source from local spots, which fits right in with Kingston’s foodie scene. You know what, though? The Wi-Fi was a tad spotty in the evenings, especially during busy seasons like Floriade when everyone’s streaming or whatever, so if you’re working remotely, maybe snag a room closer to the lobby. Oh, and the mini-bar prices are steep – I mean, $8 for a soda? – but there’s a Woolies supermarket just down the road on Giles Street for cheaper snacks. Still, wandering out to the nearby cafes on Kennedy Street for dinner felt effortless, with that crisp Canberra air and the hum of evening joggers by the lake adding to the whole relaxed atmosphere.

All in all, if you’re heading to Canberra and want something that’s authentically local without the sterile hotel feel, The Prince 228 is a solid bet – that 8.6 rating doesn’t lie, it’s earned from real travelers like me who appreciate the little things. It’s great for couples or solo explorers who dig exploring on foot (avoid peak summer if you hate the heat, though; spring or autumn is prime), and yeah, I’d go back in a heartbeat. Just book early for those lakeside views – they go quick.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $236. The Prince 226 with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• thank you looking forward to rebooking a return trip soon. – Jamie from Australia – 19 August 2024 (10/10)

  Awesome location, easy to get anywhere, fantastic local cafes restaurants. outstanding apartment.
  
  What could be improved: nothing

• Great apartment, fabulous location and the weather was fabulous. – Alison from Australia – 25 June 2024 (9/10)

  Comfy beds, great showers, great facilities, brilliant location
  
  What could be improved: Really difficult to find the right lift from the car park to the property

• Very comfortable great location – Helen from Australia – 18 June 2024 (9/10)

  Great location
  
  What could be improved: Access to car park

• Great Spot – Great Apartment – Nicole from Australia – 24 May 2024 (10/10)

  This is our second stay here. Brilliant spot with easy access to all the things we need and want. Unit was a lovely as ever.

• Relaxing stay, plenty of space for a family of four. – Anja from Australia – 23 April 2024 (9/10)

  Spacious, easy access, parking, close to restaurants, Kingston, Manuka and Galleries
  
  What could be improved: Some simple blankets in the lounge area or to use outside on the balcony would have been nice.

• WoW, Canberra’s own Canary Wharf! – Robyn from Australia – 27 February 2024 (9/10)

  Great location, although not a handy supermarket!
  Unit spacious & modern, very comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: Instructions needed for use of induction cooktop…quire challenging!

• Very good – Jenny from United Kingdom – 23 February 2024 (8/10)

  Location & comfortable facilities
  
  What could be improved: Minor – only one bedside table in second bedroom. No mirrors in second bedroom.

• Amazing apartment – Maureen from Australia – 23 February 2024 (10/10)

  Lovely big apartment with everything you need. Great balcony looking out over the lake morning or evening. Easy accessibility to foreshore restaurants and Cafes with great coffee. Car parking underneath, easy to find. Close to old Kingston shops.
  
  What could be improved: The view from the balcony, nice quite location.

• Great place and would love to stay there again – Jane from Australia – 18 February 2024 (10/10)

  It was light and airy and had everything we needed

• Good stay at The Prince 206 – Xiaozhen from Australia – 23 January 2024 (9/10)

  The location is perfect, close to shops and restaurants. This apartment has two bedrooms and a study, lots of space. It's comfortable and clean.
  
  What could be improved: We stayed for 4 nights at this apartment. There's only one bath towel for each person for the duration, no spares. One small tube of shampoo, one small tube of show gel and one soap in each bathroom for us to share. It would be good if they had supplied a bit more. After two nights stay, the fridge stopped working. So we couldn't have any cold drinks or fruits for the rest of the stay, and these days were all over 30 degrees.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities