Wow, we weren’t expecting to write such a glowing review of East Hotel Canberra.
It is amazingly well situated, a 5 minute walk to the shops, cafes and restaurants of Manuka. 10 minutes walk to Manuka Oval. 15 minute walk to the Old Bus Depot Markets and Lake Burley Griffith. Further afield, a 30 minute walk is Julie’s favourite Calthorpes’ House.
But that’s not what I like most about it.
In this post:
East Hotel Canberra Review
The rooms are large and comfortable with lovely amenity from Appelles Apothecary and Labs. (although no toothbrushes, shaver etc). You can also buy their full array from reception.
We were able to book a studio that included a cooktop, microwave and enough pots and pans to cook whatever you want. But why bother with all the restaurants at the base of the building and nearby.
You can buy Appellles from the East Hotel Foyer
Free Lollies – enough said
Good Sized Rooms in the East Hotel
Well Stocked Kitchen
The Gym is on level 3 at the East Hotel
East Hotel Canberra or IHG Crowne Plaza?
The hotel was chosen by my friend Trent as we were attending the Fitz’s Challenge cycle event. I did the smallest possible ride I could get away with based on my zero training program. I was looking at the boring, dated and more expensive Crowne Plaza, but the East was a better price and superior on most metrics.
While I could have easily brought a single bike to the room, we had free underground parking which meant I could leave the bike in the car. Having previously stayed at the IHG Crowne Plaza Canberra which only has paid parking, this is a real plus. Note: make sure you ask the at the desk… or book direct but we recommend never to prepay.
Normally I would have booked the Crowne Plaza for the points, without too much thinking. That would have been a big mistake.
When you arrive the staff are warm and friendly. What I liked most was the sweet treats that you could help yourself too. Some of my all time favourites: jaffas, freckles and raspberry creams. I sadly noticed they had disappeared at the end of the day (I was planning to do a midnight lolly run!)
There is a small Gym which appeared to be only lightly used. It remained unused by me and Julie.
Muse, Agostinis and Joes Bar – great food choices
Downstairs were three food outlets. Over the course of 2 days we tried them all: end of day cocktails at Joes Bar, breakfast at Muse Food, Wine & Books cafe (a faux bookshop), dinner at Agostinis. All three seemed to be full of locals more so than hotel guests. A positive sign. The reviews on Google also supported our choice.
We started with after dinner drinks at Joes Bar
Joes Bar at the East Hotel
Breakfast at Muse
Agostinis at the East Hotel
If you really need it, there is also a pub/bottle shop across the road and Coles around the corner,
The rooms were also very reasonable. Use our link for a special price from Bookings.com
I was intrigued by the hotel and did a quick Google search. It is a family owned hotel, a real local success story. I think that’s why it has a more genuine “feel” than a big brand.
East Hotel Canberra Review Summary:
Try something different and check in to the East Hotel. Its a refreshing hotel in one of my favourite small cities (yes I love Canberra!).
