Nestled in the heart of Australia’s capital, Novotel Canberra presents a functional yet pleasant accommodation experience that balances location, practicality, and some welcome creature comforts. Recently, I had the opportunity to stay at the hotel as an Accor Platinum member, and with that status came a complimentary upgrade to a one-bedroom apartment suite. While Novotel Canberra does not attempt to compete with ultra-modern or luxurious offerings, it nonetheless manages to deliver a solid and reliable stay, particularly for business travelers, families, and anyone looking for convenience and comfort in a prime location.
The hotel itself is clearly not new—the building shows its age in the architecture and certain fixtures—but it is admirably well maintained. There’s an air of professionalism in how it’s managed; the wear and tear you might expect from an older establishment is present but never glaring. Instead, you find a sense of pride in upkeep, which is refreshing in a city-center hotel that must see a high volume of traffic. The public spaces are kept clean, signage is clear, and everything seems to work as it should. That functional reliability becomes one of the property’s key strengths.
The upgraded one-bedroom apartment suite was a generous offering and much appreciated. Spacious and practical, the suite included a separate lounge area, kitchenette, and a bedroom that was cozy, if not exactly plush. The furniture leaned toward utilitarian rather than stylish, but comfort hadn’t been sacrificed. The bed was firm and supportive, pillows were plentiful, and there was ample storage. The living area came with a decent work desk and good lighting, making it quite suitable for anyone needing to spend time working in-room. The kitchenette—though basic—was a handy touch for longer stays or families traveling with children. Views were unremarkable, but natural light filled the room during the day. Overall, the suite delivered a peaceful and comfortable environment, free from noise and well-insulated from the bustle outside.
The hotel’s central location is without question one of its major selling points. Situated conveniently on Northbourne Avenue, it’s within walking distance of Canberra Centre, countless restaurants, cafes, and several government offices. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, the ease of stepping out the door and being in the middle of the city’s activity cannot be overstated. Public transport is easily accessible, and for those driving, the hotel offers on-site parking. However, this is one area where Novotel Canberra struggles. Parking is frequently criticized in online reviews, and with good reason. The car park is both limited in capacity and tight in layout, meaning that during peak periods, it can become something of a nightmare to find a spot. It’s clear that the demand exceeds supply, and on more than one occasion guests are left with no option but to find off-site parking. This is not ideal, especially given the cold Canberra winters.
Upon entering the hotel, you’re greeted by a small but efficient lobby. It’s usually a hive of activity, particularly during check-in and check-out hours. There’s no grand sense of arrival here—no sweeping staircases or statement art installations—but what it lacks in scale, it compensates for with speed. Staff move quickly and are generally friendly and professional, even during busier periods. The lobby flows into a small lounge area and provides access to the elevators, gym, and restaurant, which is located on the first floor.
The restaurant deserves a special mention. Though unassuming in decor, it consistently serves well-executed, flavorful meals. Dinner service was a standout during the stay, and the lamb and pork dishes, in particular, were excellent. Tender, well-seasoned, and plated with thought and care, they far exceeded expectations for a mid-range hotel restaurant. The service at dinner was also notably attentive, with staff checking in regularly and providing good wine recommendations without being overbearing. It was a pleasure to dine in, and guests who choose to eat at the hotel rather than venture out will not be disappointed.
Breakfast, on the other hand, told a very different story. Mornings at Novotel Canberra can best be described as chaotic. The breakfast area was simply not equipped to handle the volume of guests present during my stay. Tables were slow to be cleared, queues for the buffet were long and disorganized, and staff appeared overwhelmed despite their best efforts. Food quality was decent—the usual range of hot and cold items, cereals, pastries, and fruits—but presentation suffered under the pressure of the crowd. Coffee was self-service and predictably average, and the overall environment felt more like a busy cafeteria than a relaxed start to the day. For those looking for a more peaceful breakfast, it might be advisable to skip the peak morning hours or explore nearby cafes, which Canberra has in abundance.
Leisure facilities at the hotel include a small gym and an indoor heated pool. The gym is functional with a modest selection of cardio and resistance equipment. It’s not large enough to accommodate more than a few people comfortably, but for a quick workout, it does the job. The indoor pool is a nice feature, particularly appealing to families with children, and its warm temperature makes it usable year-round. However, it too suffers from overcrowding.
In summary, Novotel Canberra is a hotel that focuses on delivering the essentials—and does so with competence and care. It won’t dazzle you with modern luxury or boutique flair, but it will give you a clean, comfortable, and convenient base from which to explore Canberra. The staff are generally helpful, the rooms functional and well maintained, and the location exceptional. Its restaurant shines at dinner, while breakfast leaves much to be desired. Parking and overcrowding are areas that need attention, but these are forgivable given the hotel’s broader strengths. For business travelers, families, and frequent visitors to the capital who value practicality over pampering, Novotel Canberra continues to be a dependable choice.
