45 Dooring St, Dickson, Canberra, Australia | (251) 219-4428
Quiet location, a five-minute drive downtown
Breakfast cafe in lobby plus vending machine
Apartments with full kitchens, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs
Use of next door pool, gym and restaurant
Computer station with printing
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Free underground parking
Not much to do in the neighborhood
Some outdated tech features in rooms and apartments
Lack of many features directly on-site (must go next door)
Noise can travel within the hotel
Aria Hotel Canberra is an attractive three-pearl hotel set in a quiet neighborhood to the north of the city. The location is a bit removed from the city attractions but shopping and dining in the Dickson area is within walking distance and it's a five-minute drive downtown. Most rooms are full apartments and the hotel doesn't have many features, but guests can access amenities at its neighboring sister hotel -- including a pool, gym, and restaurant. The 128 rooms are modern, with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi, and apartments feature full kitchens. There's a lobby cafe for breakfast and room service for those who want a break from cooking. Guests looking for more atmosphere could opt for East Hotel in Kingston, closer to restaurants and bars, though rates are higher.
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Scene
Modern, stylish hotel that's best for independent travelers
The Aria Hotel is a modern property on a leafy residential road in north Canberra. The lobby soars three stories high, with stylish feather sculptures suspended from the ceiling. Crisp white and stainless steel decor creates a bright, airy feel that can seem a little sterile, particularly in the cafeteria area, with its black canteen-style tables. Colorful geometric rugs and flower displays add pops of color to a couple of comfortable seating areas. The hotel is popular with business travelers, but its stylish apartments also draw a spread of guests from young couples to family groups. Regardless, most are independent-minded guests, as the hotel has few features of its own (though those can be found at the neighboring sister property).
Location
Quiet, residential location, a five-minute drive downtown, and 10 minutes from the airport
Aria Hotel is located in the north of Canberra in a quiet, largely residential neighborhood. There's not a lot in the immediate neighborhood, but it's a 15-minute walk, or a few minutes by car, to the Dickson precinct for top shopping and dining. The boutiques and stores of trendy Braddon are a five-minute drive away. Attractions in the city center, such as the Canberra Museum and downtown shops and restaurants, are also a five-minute drive from the hotel. Buses run down Northbourne Avenue, a five-minute walk away, to downtown, with a journey time of 15 minutes. It's a 10-minute drive across the lake to parliament and the National Gallery -- plus the popular Sunday markets at The Old Bus Depot. Buses also connect to the market from the same nearby stop, taking about 30 minutes. Budget 30 minutes to reach Canberra's airport by bus, or 10 minutes by car.
Rooms
Smart, modern rooms and apartments with full kitchens plus Spa Suites with jetted tubs
Aria Hotel is essentially an apartment hotel, though there are traditional rooms available. Decor is modern -- white walls and dark furniture are complemented by pops of red in the wall art, and black floral bed runners. Rooms all feature air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with Foxtel and movies on-demand, mini-fridges, electric kettles, irons, safes, balconies, and free Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, details like the iPod docks are outdated and lack modern hookups. Studio Rooms have an open-plan layout with sitting areas and kitchens with sinks, full refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, and washer/dryers. Apartments come in one- or two-bedroom configurations with separate living rooms -- and add dishwashers in the kitchens. The sleek bathrooms have glossy brown tiles and white accents, featuring large walk-in rainfall showers, Peter Morrissey products, and hairdryers. Spa Suites have additional jetted tubs and bathrobes. While the rooms are well-soundproofed against exterior noise, some guests have noted that interior noise does travel.
Features
Breakfast cafe plus use of sister hotel's extras like simple gym, outdoor pool, and restaurant
Aria Hotel has a lobby cafe that serves breakfast and drinks every morning, and after that there's just a vending machine on-site. Room service is available all day, though, with a separate late-night menu. There are two guest laptops in the lobby with a printer, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Other on-site amenities include free parking in the underground car park. Guests are given access to the facilities at a neighboring sister hotel, which includes a basic gym, outdoor pool, and restaurant that serves food throughout the day (including a buffet breakfast).
