Barton Spa Hotels

Having stayed at the Hotel Realm on numerous occasions for business, my latest visit was predictably very good. My room booking was upgraded on arrival which was a nice touch, as was the complementary beverage ticket. The Hotel Realm has served Canberra well over the years but unfortunately it shows in some aspects. Torn and / or worn carpet in a few places detracts from the overall finish and some refurbishment is in order. Also, you need to be aware that it is a little distance from Canberra City proper or the Kingston / Manuka shops and restaurants. All that said, another very good stay. The staff are friendly and the ambience is what you would expect. Recommended.

Altogether it is an excellent hotel, with a few minor glitches. When I booked through the hotel I was convinced to take a superior room and was told I would get a view over the countryside, and breakfast included. I got a vied over the street and the sister hotel, with the noisy garbage collection very early one morning and leaf blowers the next. The breakfast one morning was fantastic (I even went and complimented the chef), but the next breakfast was abysmal, I think they ran out of sourdough and served the old tank loaf. The rooms have been beautifully refurbished with all modern conveniences. But you could not open the windows as the window winders were broken, also the bathroom sink had large cracks in it (which reception knew about) and the drainage in it was extremely slow, I think it was ready to block up. You may ask why I didn't ask to change rooms? After a long drive and lugging up lots o luggage, it was the last thing I felt like doing. But I would definitely stay there again the next time I go to Canberra.

The room and bathroom were quite clean! !! The counter staff is very kind! !! About 20-30 minutes from the airport, but not too far from several well-known attractions, very convenient