Abode Hotel, one of Canberra's most recommended family-friendly stays. Photo: Abode Hotels.
Heading to the Capital can be a lot of fun, some of the country’s best architecture, food, art and green spaces all call Canberra home but when you’re bringing the family, you need to stay somewhere that suits everyone’s needs.
A family-friendly stay is some form of accommodation that goes to further lengths than most places to provide a family with a rewarding experience.
Some of these important features can be for the sake of convenience. It takes a lot of energy to take the family across town to a restaurant, so a hotel with its own eating establishment can make a big difference. Better yet, room service means that a family doesn’t even have to leave the room, which can prove to be invaluable at the end of a long day.
Family-friendly pricing often makes a real difference. Some hotels and accommodations have special pricing and deals for families looking to save and children may get special deals with meals.
What makes for a good family-friendly stay?
A good family-friendly stay should be convenient and comfortable without breaking the bank. Going on holiday is expensive enough without the litany of costs associated with bringing along the kids, so a good family-friendly stay should offer a good pricing system that takes into account the needs of a family. Here are a few things to keep in mind while researching family-friendly stays across the capital:
- The essentials. It goes without saying that a good family stay will fulfil the basic criteria of any accommodation. Checking reviews is the best metric to discover if a hotel or stay gets the basics right, such as clean rooms, an efficient check-in service, good parking, helpful staff and functioning services.
- Comfort. When you’re in a new city, trying out new things in a busy schedule of events, full of things to see and do, it is important to come back to a comfortable place so you can return to your schedule recharged. This can manifest in many different ways. For many families travelling, it’s important that kids get their own room so parents get some time to unwind but each family wants or expects different levels of comfort.
- Food. Each stay is different and many families will pick their accommodation based on the different eating options. Some establishments will have their own restaurant, bar or cafe, while options like buffets or included breakfast deals make it that much easier to start your day in a new city. When choosing a place to stay, it’s important not to neglect the little conveniences that make life easier.
- Amenities. For some parents, recharging at the end of the day means hitting the gym, taking a dip in a pool or burning off stress in a sauna. There are plenty of stays in Canberra that can accommodate this. Many of Canberra’s family-friendly stays have different amenities to help parents reduce stress, stay fit or just unwind.
- Proximity. When you’re staying in a different city, location is of the utmost importance, especially when travelling with the family. It’s hard enough to get to the sights and attractions you want to see on your own but with kids in tow, it can be even harder, which is why it’s important that a family-friendly stay is close to the action. There are plenty of family-friendly stays in Canberra that are walkable, cutting down on travel time and cost.
The best family-friendly stays in Canberra
Region Canberra's editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Region Canberra and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Abode Hotels
Abode Apartment Hotels are known for their quality across locations in Kingston, Gungahlin, Woden, Belconnen and Phillip.
While each location has different offerings, they're all united by the same exceptional quality and industry-leading service, which puts the guest first.
Larger rooms with kitchenettes are available for travellers looking for more space and some of Adobe's Hotels have pools and gyms for relaxation at the end of the day.
Adobe Apartment Hotels has a diverse range of deals to help customise your visit to Canberra, with bed and breakfast on offer, restaurant packages and dining and drinking packages.
They also offer special package deals for visitors to Canberra looking to experience the best the capital has to offer, with deals giving guests access to Floriade and special winery tours.
Having numerous locations means that no matter where a traveller wants to stay in Canberra, they can choose an Adobe to accommodate them comfortably and in style.
"Very clean. Appreciated all the amenities that come with the room. Close to lovely restaurants and a short stroll (10 mins) to the dock and even more restaurants/cafes. Very convenient and would 100% book again," Lauryn says on Google.
Pavilion on Northbourne
Pavilion on Northbourne is perfect for family accommodation in Canberra, combining the best of location, comfort and service.
Their two-bedroom apartment has space for four guests, featuring a kitchen, two separate bathrooms and a living space, giving a family the room they need for either a short visit or a longer stay.
Pavilion on Northbourne is located on one of Canberra's main thoroughfares, offering unbridled access to the best shopping and dining of the inner north, while the inner south's renowned national institutions are just a short drive away across the lake.
Visitors don't have to travel far to enjoy a great meal as the Pavilion Hotel's onsite restaurant, Atrium Restaurant & Bar offers great cuisine in a green, spacious environment.
The Atrium Restaurant has special offerings for a family looking to save or celebrate a special occasion, with daily buffet breakfast, happy hour, a monthly Sunday buffet lunch, and a popular monthly high tea in Canberra event.
And of course, if a long day of Canberra sightseeing is too much, visitors can always get room service.
The team at Pavilion on Northbourne knows how to help you enjoy a visit to Canberra, with special offers for those coming to town for big events like Floriade or exhibitions at the National Gallery.
"This hotel has a fabulous atrium full of greenery. The facilities are really good. We arrived late (8.30pm) to a very welcoming reception. We were upgraded to one of the spa suites which was a wonderful surprise. Everything was very clean and the room was very spacious," Theraset says on TripAdvisor.
Quest Canberra City Walk
Set right in the heart of Canberra, Quest City Walk offers 84 serviced apartments, with options for families.
With an onsite gym, full-sized kitchens in some rooms and a great reputation, Quest City Walk is a popular option in Canberra for family stays.
"Excellent Stay! I had an amazing experience at this hotel. The staff were warm, professional, and always ready to help," Muhammad says on Google.
Pinnacle Apartments
Pinnacle Apartments offer one to four-bedroom fully serviced apartments in the quiet, leafy suburb of Kingston. Each apartment has large living spaces and balconies and guests can take advantage of their gym, pool and barbecue space.
"Pinnacle apartments is just what we need for 2 adults and 2 kids under 5. We can prepare our own meals in the kitchen just like at home. It's a great accommodation for families with little ones," Christin says on Google.
For inspiration on other destinations, check out our article on the best day trips, best wine tours, and best tours in Canberra. Equally, the best beaches near Canberra and best hotels and resorts on the South Coast may also be of interest.
Your experience with family-friendly stays in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the family-friendly stays listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a family-friendly stay?
A family friendly stay is a form of accommodation that accounts for and caters to families. This can come in a variety of forms, often regarding pricing, room offers and location. Many family-friendly stays have restaurants and special amenities that a family may find particularly helpful or convenient.
What type of accommodation is offered on a family-friendly stay?
Family-friendly stays can cover a broad range of accommodation types, generally they are hotels with large room offerings or multi-room offers under a package deal. Larger hotels as well as smaller, more boutique hotels often have some kind of family offering.
What is the price range for family-friendly accommodation?
Family-friendly accommodation can cover a broad price range, with options available for families travelling on a stricter budget while more expensive luxury options are also available.
Where should I stay in Canberra?
Canberra is often split into two distinct areas North and South of Lake Burley Griffin. Much of Canberra's shopping and dining is North of the lake, as well as the cosmopolitan Braddon area, famous for the restaurants and cafes of Lonsdale Street. But the North is also home to the War Memorial and the National Museum. While the South is home to many of the city's national attractions such as the National Gallery and the Portrait Gallery.
