The best hotels in Canberra in 2026 are Hotel Realm for five-star comfort near Parliament, the historic Hotel Kurrajong in Barton, Little National for smart, good-value rooms, East Hotel in Kingston for families, QT Canberra in the city, Hyatt Hotel Canberra for heritage, and Jamala Wildlife Lodge for a night with the animals.
Canberra's hotels are split between the city centre (Civic), which has the bars and restaurants, and Barton, Kingston and Yarralumla on the south side of the lake, close to Parliament House and the national galleries. Weekday rates are high when Parliament sits; weekends are often cheaper. For what to see, read our best attractions in Canberra.
Canberra's five-star hotel a short walk from Parliament House.
Hotel Realm in Barton is a five-star hotel close to Parliament House and the national galleries, with a spa, restaurants and bars in its precinct.
It's the classic choice for business visitors during sitting weeks.
Good to know: Walk to Parliament House for Question Time on sitting days.
18 National Cct, Barton ACT 2600
A historic 1926 hotel where Prime Minister Ben Chifley lived.
Hotel Kurrajong is a heritage-listed hotel built in 1926 to house politicians, and Prime Minister Ben Chifley lived there while in office. It has elegant rooms and a restaurant, a short walk from Parliament.
It suits travellers who enjoy history and a quieter setting.
Good to know: Ask about the hotel's history; staff are happy to share it.
8 National Cct, Barton ACT 2600
Smart, compact rooms and a rooftop library at a fair price.
Little National Hotel is a design-led hotel with compact, well-designed rooms and a rooftop library and lounge, in Barton near Parliament House.
It's good value for solo and business travellers.
Good to know: Use the rooftop library for a drink and the view.
21 National Cct, Barton ACT 2600
Apartment-style rooms with kitchens, near the Kingston shops.
East Hotel in Kingston has spacious rooms and apartments with kitchenettes, an ideal set-up for families and longer stays, with its own bar and restaurant.
It's close to Kingston's restaurants and the Old Bus Depot Markets on Sundays.
Good to know: Visit the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston on a Sunday.
69 Canberra Ave, Kingston ACT 2604
A playful, political-themed hotel in the city centre.
QT Canberra is a design hotel in the city centre with quirky, politics-inspired décor, comfortable rooms and a popular bar and restaurant.
It's close to Lake Burley Griffin and the restaurants of Civic and New Acton.
Good to know: Ask for a lake-view room on a high floor.
1 London Cct, Canberra ACT 2601
A grand 1920s heritage hotel with art deco style.
Hyatt Hotel Canberra, a Park Hyatt hotel, occupies a heritage-listed 1920s building set in gardens near the lake, with art deco interiors and a famous afternoon tea.
It's a short drive or walk to the national institutions.
Good to know: Book afternoon tea in the Tea Lounge.
120 Commonwealth Ave, Yarralumla ACT 2600
Sleep next to lions, bears and giraffes at the zoo.
Jamala Wildlife Lodge is part of the National Zoo & Aquarium, with rooms where animals such as lions, bears and sharks are on the other side of the glass. Stays include guided tours and dinner.
It's expensive but unforgettable for animal lovers.
Good to know: Book months ahead; there are only a few rooms.
999 Lady Denman Dr, Weston Creek ACT 2611
Barton and Kingston, south of the lake, put you near Parliament House and the national institutions. Civic, north of the lake, is best for restaurants, bars and shopping.
Hotel Realm in Barton and the heritage Hyatt Hotel Canberra in Yarralumla are the two classic five-star choices.
During parliamentary sitting weeks, when politicians, staff and lobbyists fill the city, and during big events such as Floriade in spring.
Jamala Wildlife Lodge at the National Zoo & Aquarium has rooms looking into animal enclosures, with guided tours included.
It helps. The city is spread out, though buses and the light rail link Civic with the northern suburbs.