This venue attracts and caters for guests from all walks of life. Travelling professionals, corporate groups, couples, families … everyone is welcome to indulge in the luxury of Avenue Hotel. Photo: Marble & Grain.
Canberra weekends are all about indulgent mornings, midday strolls, and lazy afternoons with good food and wine close by.
Whether you’re visiting from interstate or indulging in a staycation that feels worlds away from the norm, there’s no better time to rediscover our capital than the warm days and cool nights of early summer. With vibrant dining, stunning outdoor landscapes and cultural institutions all within easy reach, the city shows its best side when explored at a leisurely pace.
At the centre of it all stands Avenue Hotel, an exquisite example of inner-city lodging done right.
Offering 4.5-star accommodation with 213 rooms, spa suites, and one and two-bedroom apartments in the heart of Braddon, this is a stay that feels both luxurious and effortlessly local.
It’s the perfect home base for retail therapy at the Canberra Centre, tours of the National Museum, a bike ride around Lake Burley Griffin, or a picnic among the gum trees at the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
However you choose to spend your time, Avenue makes coming home just as enjoyable as heading out, yet still feels connected to the thrum of energy that makes Canberra tick.
Kevin Thoresen is general manager at Capital Hotels, which oversees Avenue. He says there’s an immediate sense of calm as soon as one steps inside the gem on Northbourne.
“Avenue Hotel is sleek, modern, and very welcoming, with an elegant atmosphere,” he says.
“Our guests enjoy beautiful, comfortable rooms and convenient amenities such as secure underground parking, EV charging, a 24-hour gym, and an award-winning steakhouse restaurant.”
Expect thoughtful inclusions to elevate your stay, including plush robes and bedding, Nespresso coffee machines, fully equipped kitchens, and private balconies with sprawling views of the capital.
Avenue caters comfortably to the corporate crowd. The hotel’s central position and experienced conference concierge make it a convenient base for visiting professionals, supplemented by a range of meeting spaces available to suit formal conferences through to relaxed outdoor networking.
Function packages here are flexible, covering food and canapés, beverages, audiovisual support and accommodation as needed.
Whether for a short strategy session or mid-sized conference, the hotel carefully balances a traditional corporate atmosphere with the effortless ambience Canberra is known for.
Downstairs, the energy hums softly in Avenue’s signature restaurant, Marble & Grain.
Marble & Grain’s luxurious timber-leather interiors, attentive service and modern European-inspired menu make the award-winning steakhouse a destination in its own right.
From premium cuts to contemporary sides, every dish is crafted with purpose by chefs who love the paddock-to-plate experience just as much as their patrons.
“Our wonderful chef’s seasonal menu focuses heavily on premium, locally-sourced meat, produce and desserts,” Kevin says.
“Avenue’s extensive wine list caters for all tastes. The Nick O’Leary Riesling is a best-seller, alongside Pinot Noirs from Eden Road and Lerida Estate.
“If you want to really indulge, I recommend the Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier from our cellar list, paired with our Wagyu Scotch Fillet main and Baked Apricot & Vanilla Galette dessert.”
Prefer a cocktail, beer, cider, or whiskey? Marble & Grain has pages to choose from, or simply ask the bar to recommend something to suit your palate.
A short walk past Braddon’s creative laneways and eateries takes you to the Canberra Centre, where international brands and Australian labels sit side by side.
Forget hiring a taxi – take advantage of convenient public transport around the city, or jump on an electric scooter to explore with flair.
“For culture and history lovers, the National Gallery, Australian War Memorial, National Museum, and National Portrait Gallery are must-visit sites that capture Australia’s diverse landscape from all angles,” Kevin says.
“A Sunday stroll through Kingston’s Old Bus Depot Markets will introduce local artisans and uncover handmade treasures. Afterwards, you could pop down to the foreshore for lunch or coffee by the water.
“And if the outdoors are really calling, nearby, Mount Ainslie Lookout is worth adding to your itinerary for sweeping sunrise and sunset views over the city.”
By the time they’re packed and ready to get back to reality, Avenue Hotel guests are reminded that luxury doesn’t always mean far away … sometimes, it’s right in the heart of the city you call home.
Avenue Hotel is located at 80 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon. For more information or to book your stay, visit Avenue Hotel.
