Canberra - Australia 2004 - page 597

years the Hyatt was an important part of Canberra's social and political life, with
key decisions affecting all Australians being consistently made over drinks in the
bar. All staff members wear 1920s costumes to add to the atmosphere.
Some 39 rooms are in the original two-story section. The rooms have more
historic appeal, but they are darker than their modern counterparts, which were
added in the 1980s. Standard rooms have a king-size bed and marble bathrooms.
They all come with all the little luxuries you'd expect from a hotel of this class.
Commonwealth Ave., Yarralumla, ACT 2600. & 13 12 34 in Australia, or 02/6270 1234, 800/233-1234 in
the U.S. and Canada, 0181/335 1220 in London or 0845/758 1666 elsewhere in the U.K., 0800/441 234 in
New Zealand, or 02/6270 1234. Fax [phone]. www.hyatt.com.au. 249 units. A$380 (US$247) standard
double; A$605 (US$436) executive suite; A$1,200 (US$780) diplomatic suite. Extra person A$28 (US$18).
Children under 18 stay free in parent's room. Ask about weekend packages and special rates. AE, DC, MC, V.
Free parking. Amenities: Restaurant; cafe; indoor pool; lighted tennis court; extensive health club and spa;
bike rental; concierge; business center; 24-hr. room service; laundry service. In room:A/C, TV w/pay movies,
minibar, hair dryer, iron, safe.
EXPENSIVE
Crowne Plaza Canberra This centrally located hotel, formerly the
Parkroyal Canberra (it changed owners in mid-2001), is next door to the National
Convention Centre and Casino Canberra. Its car-orientated approach makes it
a little inconvenient for pedestrians, but the gardens (Glebe Park) at the back are
good for early morning strolls. Rooms face onto internal balconies that look
down to the restaurants below. Standard rooms are user-friendly and comfort-
able; most come with one queen-size bed or two doubles. Park-view doubles
look over the gardens. Weekend rates drop dramatically here. For example the
standard rooms drop from A$300 (US$195) to A$190 (US$124), with break-
fast thrown in, too.
1 Binara St., Canberra, ACT 2601. & 1300/363 300 in Australia. Fax [phone]. www.crowneplaza.com.
295 units. A$300 (US$195) standard double; A$315 (US$205) park-view double; A$425-A$500 (US$276-
US$325) suite. Extra person A$35 (US$23). Lower weekend rates. Children under 15 stay free in parent's
room. AE, DC, MC, V. Free parking. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; medium-size indoor pool; health club;
concierge; business center; 24-hr. room service; laundry service. In room: A/C, TV, minibar, hair dryer, iron, safe.
MODERATE
The Brassey of Canberra Rooms in this 1927 heritage-listed building, for-
merly a boardinghouse for visiting government officials, are large, quiet, and
somewhat plush. The garden bar and piano lounge are popular. Other good points
include its proximity to Parliament House and other major attractions, and the
hearty breakfasts. The hotel underwent extensive renovations in early 2000, which
included the remodeling of many of the doubles into larger heritage rooms.
Belmore Gardens, Barton, ACT 2600. & 1800/659 191 in Australia, or 02/6273 3766. Fax [phone].
www.brassey.net.au. 81 units. A$132 (US$86) double; A$165 (US$107) double family room; A$141 (US$92)
heritage double; A$187 (US$122) heritage family room. Rates include full breakfast. Check for specials.
AE, DC, MC, V. Free parking. Bus: 36 (get off outside the National Press Club). Amenities: Restaurant; bar;
coin-op laundry; dry cleaning. In room:A/C, TV, dataport, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
Forrest Inn and Apartments The Forrest Inn is far from fancy, but it's close
to the Manuka shops and restaurants and Parliament House. The outside of this
1960s property looks tacky, but the interior has been recently refurbished. The
motel-style rooms are small and colorless, but clean; the apartments are nicer
and have full-size kitchens, so for the same price I'd go for one of these. Two-
bedroom apartments are perfect for families, and even the one-bedroom apart-
ments have a single bed in the living room.