Capital chic: the best upmarket hotels in Canberra

Canberra has changed dramatically in the last 20 years. No longer a ghost town after 4pm, it’s now vibrant and full of character, from its museums and galleries to an intoxicating array of restaurants and bars.

Add to this a cool-climate wine region of some 140 vineyards within 40 minutes drive (Shaw Wines and Clonakilla are two standouts), a heady events calendar and some beautiful hiking and biking trails, and you had a destination worth giving another look. 

When you do so, you’ll need somewhere to stay, and a big part of Canberra’s renaissance is thankfully tied to its hotel scene, of which there are some fantastic recent additions, alongside the classics.

Warm up by the fireplace at Ovolo Nishi.

In no particular order, and by no means a complete list, here are the best hotels in Canberra.

Hotel Hyatt Canberra

The story of Hyatt Hotel Canberra is woven into the fabric of the city, with strands reaching back to the 1920s. It was first built as a hotel for sitting politicians, after the country’s federal parliament relocation from Melbourne to Canberra in 1927.

The grand lobby at Hyatt Hotel Canberra.

These days, a passion for politics is no longer a requirement of entry. Instead, the 252 rooms and suites are open to all travellers arriving for work or play, while the now-Hyatt’s restaurants, bars and beautiful gardens are all worth spending time in.

You'll feel like a visiting head of state in the Diplomatic Suite.

For those wanting to get active, they can make use of The Clubhouse: a fully equipped gym on the grounds, complete with a 15-metre heated indoor pool, spa and sauna.

A by Adina Canberra

Marrying hotel life with at-home convenience, A by Adina Canberra is not a typical apartment hotel. For starters, it was designed by the award-winning firm Bates Smart (known for its work in five star hotels and airport lounges). Then, there are the inclusions.

Beautiful styling at A by Adina Canberra.

Complementing perks like a kitchenette and laundry, you can take advantage of in-room dining and a solid gym, while guests in ‘Destination A’ rooms also enjoy á carte breakfast, a nightly grazing box and drinks credit, turn-down service and more.

'Destination A One Bedroom King' at A by Adina.

Much like its sibling in Sydney (and soon making its way to Vienna), the A by Adina has a sleek, upmarket feel, thanks to its neutral palette of cream and timber tones, plus all the gadgets you could need and more.

Ovolo Nishi

Some of the best design comes from experimentation, from breaking down convention and redefining what’s possible. That’s especially true at Ovolo Nishi, where the only thing ‘cookie-cutter’ is likely in its restaurant kitchen.

The library at Ovolo Nishi.

Part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World family, which unlocks the use of Hilton Honors status, the 68-room hotel is delightfully eccentric – adorned in exposed concrete and recycled timbers, contrasted by supple soft furnishings and a bold art collection.

Check into a Meandering Room at Ovolo Nishi.

Rooms dubbed Cosy, Snug, Original, Creative and Meandering feature salvaged-oak bed heads, soft lighting and clay-rendered walls, with that same vibe extending to the library, gym and Monster Kitchen & Bar.

Midnight Hotel, Autograph Collection

Part of Marriott Bonvoy, the features at Midnight Hotel read like a hit list of all the essentials you’d want from a great hotel: a lap pool, gym, sauna, restaurant, bar, hot air balloon… actually, that last one is a little left field, but flights are indeed available.

A Midnight Suite.

Weather permitting, travellers can book an early morning flight on the hotel’s big, black and beautiful hot air balloon, taking in the diversity of Canberra from a very different perspective.

Braddon restaurant at Midnight Hotel.

On solid ground, the hotel’s mix of rooms and suites deliver ample space to stretch out and relax, while Braddon Merchant restaurant and Midnight Bar add to the variety, either at breakfast, lunch, dinner or an evening night cap.

Hotel Realm

When only five stars will do, Hotel Realm is the destination for you. You’ll find it on National Circuit, in walking distance of the National Gallery and Library, not to mention Parliament House. And after exploring, there’s plenty to hold your attention onsite.

Simple elegance in the Upper Penthouse.

Five restaurants spanning Chinese, Mediterranean and modern Australian fare; access to not one but two day spas – Hale and Mudd The Spa; an extensive health club and hair salon… it’s a complete destination.

Louis is just one of the fantastic dining options.

Rooms are simple though tastefully done (free Wifi and Nespresso coffee machines are also standard), while suites are perfect for longer stays, with the addition of a kitchenette and laundry.

Looking for other getaways beyond Australia’s big cities? Here are some of the top regional hotels to check into.