The Best Cheap Hotels to Book in Canberra

Golf fans should tee up a stay at this modern apartment hotel – found on the edge of Capital Public Golf Course. Even if you’re not one for golf, it’s still a great venue thanks to well-equipped rooms, which all come with a kitchenette and washer/dryer, plus STAYCAST streaming – so you can stream straight from your phone or laptop to the TV in your room. Being outside of the city centre means there’s plenty of nature around you – nearby Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve houses over 170 bird species – but it’s only a 10-minute drive if you do want the hustle and bustle.

Working travellers will feel at home in this casual apartment hotel, thanks to its location close to Canberra’s central business district – as well as an on-site business centre and meeting rooms. But fear not if your only business is to relax and sightsee, as there’s a whole lot to tempt holidaymakers – such as spacious rooms that all come with a kitchenette and washing machine. If you don’t fancy cooking, the hotel restaurant and bar won’t disappoint – especially with the daily Happy Hour and a Half from 4.30pm-6pm, giving you more time for discounted drinks. Nearby amenities will also keep you busy, including a gym, escape room and great views over Canberra from Red Hill Nature Reserve lookout point.

This boutique venue is as chic as they come, but cosy as well. The arty rooms boast either lots of natural light or views of the internal atrium filled with Tasmanian tree ferns – and all rooms offer thoughtful ecofriendly features, such as restored furniture and sustainable building materials like cork and clay. Tons of other perks make Ovolo Nishi an even more appealing stay, like a 24-hour gym, laundry, free breakfast and in-room treats – and a Wine and Pintxos Hour for snacking and socialising. The Canberra Central location is also a big plus thanks to the National Museum of Australia and sweeping riverside views, alongside multiple art galleries a short hop south of the river.

Slick and stylish, Avenue is a plush hotel in a suitably cool neighbourhood overflowing with coffee shops, hip bars and creative restaurants. Choose from huge rooms with balconies, apartments – if you want even more space – or spa suites for a real treat. Get a cultural fix at the Canberra Theatre and Canberra Museum and Gallery, catch up on retail therapy at the Canberra Centre – all just a 10-minute walk away – or simply lounge around in your plush room, making the most of the luxe amenities including a rainfall shower, bathrobes and even a pillow menu.

Take relaxation to a new level with a steam room or sauna built into your own private suite. With such attention to detail, it’s no wonder this acclaimed hotel has hosted famous names over the years, including former US President Lyndon B Johnson. But the Canberra Rex isn’t one to dwell on the past, as demonstrated by its high-end features – including a heated indoor pool and classy cocktail lounge – and its surrounding hip neighbourhood, Braddon. A short stroll from the hotel is Lonsdale Street, full of cool cafes and eateries – while essential attractions like the National Gallery of Australia and National Arboretum are just 10 minutes away.

Sick of airport transfer times? This eye-catching pick – thanks to its distinctive glass-wrapped exterior – is just 50m (164ft) from the terminal of Canberra Airport. As such, it’ll appeal to business travellers, as will the conference facilities, free high-speed wifi and express checkin/out. There’s also a 24-hour gym, work desks in every room and an on-site cafe-restaurant – so you can cut down on excess hanging around at airport cafes. The in-house bar is the place to unwind, or there’s a nearby golf course and nature reserve if you prefer relaxing al fresco.

Style is high on the priority list at this venue, as you’ll find out in any of the cool and kooky rooms – especially in the grand State Suite, which houses a full kitchen, laundry and your own personal bar. Even if you’re not splashing out, all rooms have elegant touches and there’s a speakeasy bar in which to sip a sazerac. You’re also in a prime location for sightseeing – with Commonwealth Park, Old Parliament House and the National Portrait Gallery all nearby.

Set in the town of Belconnen, this Mercure is perfectly located for anyone visiting the University of Canberra, the Australian Institute of Sport and the GIO Stadium – home to the Canberra Raiders rugby team. Inside and out, there’s a smart, modern feel to the hotel, which offers spacious, clean rooms, family suites if you’re travelling with children and a fully equipped apartment if you want something special. Canberra’s central business district – and its many restaurants and bars – is only a 10-minute drive away, and is also easy to reach on public transport.

Whether you’re in Canberra for business or pleasure, basing yourself in the heart of the central business district in this stylish apartment hotel has lots of pros. For starters, you’re surrounded by great restaurants, cafes and bars – and there’s first-rate shopping to be had at the boutiques and stores in Canberra Centre. Top city sights and attractions are also within easy reach, such as the National Gallery of Australia and Parliament House. As you’d expect from apartment-style accommodation, all rooms have plenty of space and come with a kitchenette or full kitchen – and you can even get supplies delivered straight to your door through a grocery service.

This sleek, ultra-contemporary pick is a classy choice, full of bold design and elegant touches, such as the free in-room minibar and the dimly lit, industrial-style cocktail bar. The hip credentials are further boosted by its location in Braddon – an arty neighbourhood crammed with vibey cafes and microbreweries. You could easily spend your whole trip eating, drinking and shopping your way through Braddon, but if you want to venture further out, nearby Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve has walking trails with great views. Other city highlights like Canberra Theatre and the National Portrait Gallery are also within easy reach.