Tranquil 2BR APT – Glebe Park View – Hosted by CanStay

Hotel Description

You know, when I rolled into Canberra last autumn – right around that crisp time when the leaves are turning all those fiery reds and golds – I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect from this spot called Tranquil 2BR APT in Glebe Park View, hosted by CanStay. It’s tucked away in the 2601 postcode, smack in the heart of Civic, which is basically Canberra’s understated downtown. I mean, driving up, I had to circle a bit for parking – street spots can be a hassle during peak hours, especially with all the government folks commuting in – but once I found a spot on Bunda Street, it was smooth sailing. The host from CanStay met me at the door with a quick key handover; no fancy lobby or anything, just a straightforward check-in that felt more like crashing at a mate’s place than a hotel. Stepping inside, honestly, the place hit me with this immediate sense of calm – the living room has these big windows overlooking Glebe Park, and you can smell that fresh, earthy park air seeping in if you crack them open. It’s a two-bedroom setup, nothing extravagant, but the beds are comfy with those plush linens that don’t feel like they’ve been through a thousand washes, and there’s a little balcony where I sipped my morning coffee watching joggers loop the paths below.

What really sold me on it, though, was how it blends that apartment vibe with just enough perks to make you forget you’re not in a full-on hotel. The kitchen’s compact – well, sort of a galley style, so if you’re cooking up a storm for a group, you might bump elbows – but it’s stocked with basics like a decent coffee machine and even some local teas from the Canberra region. I wandered out one evening and hit up the nearby Gus’s Place on Bunda for a quick bite; it’s this iconic spot locals swear by for Greek eats, and it’s literally a five-minute stroll. The park view isn’t just pretty – it’s practical too. Glebe Park’s this hidden gem, quiet even on weekends when the city’s buzzing with tourists heading to Lake Burley Griffin or the National Gallery (which, by the way, is an easy 15-minute walk if you cut through the paths). Noise-wise, it’s surprisingly peaceful at night; you might hear a distant hum from City Walk, but nothing that kept me up. And for a 4-star rating of 8.8, it punches above its weight – the Wi-Fi’s solid for streaming, and there’s a washer-dryer that saved me from overpacking. Oh, and if you’re there in summer, the air con is a lifesaver; Canberra can get surprisingly toasty.

All in all, if you’re after a spot that feels like a real slice of Canberra life without the sterile hotel chain feel, this is it. I stayed for a week and left wishing I had more time – it’s perfect for families or couples who want space to spread out, maybe explore the War Memorial or just chill in the park. Sure, the bathroom’s a tad basic (no fancy spa tub or anything), but that’s a minor nitpick compared to the value. Honestly, next time I’m in town, I’d book it again in a heartbeat – it’s that kind of place that makes you appreciate the quieter side of Australia’s capital. (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $157. Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Loved it. Would stay again. – Tom from Australia – 16 June 2025 (10/10)

  Location location and accessibility to all Canberra's best destinations.

• Will be back whenever in Canberra! – Karen from Australia – 9 June 2025 (9/10)

  The apartment was spacious, centrally located and it was probably the best supplied place I’ve experienced in terms of having everything you need (kitchen , laundry, bathroom appliances, etc). Very thoughtful hosts indeed.
  
  What could be improved: Thanks goodness for the YouTube video of entry instructions…..very complicated otherwise.

• Excellent comfort made our stay effortless. – Christine from Australia – 2 June 2025 (10/10)

  Everything was perfect. We really enjoyed our stay. The apartment was handy to all the attractions and shops a short drive away or you could take the walkway through the park. The beds were comfy cosy and the apartment had a lovely view over Glebe Park.

• Superb – Judith from Australia – 17 May 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely position near s beautiful park and close to War Memorial and Galleries. The apartment was well furnished and supplies of cleaning products and toiletries were generous.
  
  What could be improved: The ventilation system was very noisy the fans probably need adjusting or changing. It was necessary to wear ear plugs in order to sleep.

• Beautiful welcoming apartment in a great location – Hilary from Australia – 12 May 2025 (10/10)

  Lovely light filled apartment, looks over a park, fabulous location within easy walking distance of city centre. Comfortable beds, nice bathrooms, plenty of room to hang clothes. Great kitchen, supplied with everything we needed. Huge selection of books to read and also looked great!
  
  What could be improved: Internet speed a little slow but I suspect due to external factors – current renovation works with some scaffolding at other end of building

• Great apartment that is close to where you want to be! – Scott from Australia – 11 February 2025 (8/10)

  Glebe Park View property is in a fantastic location with easy walking to Canberra Civic and Commonwealth Park. Parking was great and convenient access via lift. Great facilities such as gymnasium and pool.
  
  What could be improved: Unable to tune in local TV Channels.

• great location and good value – George from Australia – 30 November 2024 (9/10)

  great location
  
  What could be improved: the bathroom fans do not work

• A wonderful stay in the heart of Canberra – Jules from Australia – 24 April 2025 (9/10)

  The apartment was big, very clean, with a great view over Glebe Park. It faces East so it was always bright and light, making it the perfect place to relax in the morning or after a big day out exploring the sights.
  
  Both beds were comfortable and the showers had good water pressure too. They also supplied all the necessary things including full soap bottles at all sinks, along with detergent and kitchen scrubbers.
  
  Location wise you're just a short 5min drive from the main shopping area with the supermarket and plenty of places to eat. We found the location to be ideal for our purposes.
  
  The team managing the properly were responsive and polite, making it easy to manage our booking.
  
  What could be improved: 1. This is a note for light sleepers: There is an always-on air-conditioning system with loud intake vents in both the bedrooms.
  
  The people managing the property didn't know how to turn it off but they were kind enough to drop around earplugs.
  
  They did say they would have the system checked before the next booking – so just take a look to see when they reply to this review, saying it has been fixed.
  
  In saying that, I had an overall great stay and would happily stay again once the vent noise is fixed.
  
  2. If you're using the second bedroom then bring a long phone extension cable. The plugs are right behind the bed and although they have helpfully moved the bed away from the wall, it's still not the easiest to reach and unfortunately my cable didn't stretch that far anyway so I charged my phone in the kitchen instead.

• The location was very good & we generally enjoyed our time there. – Geoffrey from Australia – 5 October 2024 (7/10)

  Breakfast was not included
  
  What could be improved: There was no Free to air TV

• Very disappointing. I shoul – Julie from Australia – 8 May 2025 (4/10)

  North facing allowing sun inland to look out on autumn tints in the park next door
  
  What could be improved: The noise of the air vent you thought you we in a jet plane!
  No TV only YouTube.
  No complimentary starter pack of tea or coffee.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities