Your stay — Griffin Hotel
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The Property — Griffin Hotel
The Griffin Hotel, a no-nonsense 3-star in Civic, trades on location rather than frills. The lobby is clean, bright and functional — lino floors, a cafe counter, people coming and going with minimal fuss. It suits budget-conscious travellers who want to be in walking distance of Lake Burley Griffin and Canberra's main drags, and who value a solid bed and quiet room over boutique character.
Chronicles of Canberra
Canberra was purpose-built as Australia's capital after a 1908 compromise between Sydney and Melbourne. American architect Walter Burley Griffin won the 1912 design competition for its lake-and-avenues layout, though much of his radial vision was only fully realised decades later. The city's skyline is a curious mix of brutalist federal buildings, sleek parliamentary additions and the iconic, sharp-edged Telstra Tower on Black Mountain. Today Canberra balances its civic duty — monuments, museums, the national political machine — with a noticeably laid-back, leafy lifestyle and a rising food and wine scene.
Best Time to Visit
Full Canberra guide →Best months
March and April: warm autumn days (20-26°C), low rainfall, clear skies, and Floriade (if it runs) extends into April with manageable crowds. October: spring flowers, mild temps (12-22°C), before the summer heat and December rush.
Peak / festival surge
December to February: summer heatwaves (often 30-35°C) plus school holidays and major events like New Year's Eve and the Summernats car festival in January. Hotel prices can jump 30-50% and rooms book out weeks ahead.
Budget shoulder season
May and August: cooler (5-12°C range) but less rain than June/July; hotels often drop to base rates, and you'll dodge peak-season crowds at war memorials and galleries.
Weather & packing
Canberra's winter days can be crisp and sunny (often 10-12°C) but nights plunge below freezing — frost is common. Pack a proper winter coat, scarf and gloves; layers are non-negotiable for evening walks around the lake.
Live City Briefing — Canberra
- The light-rail extension to Woden is in its final design phase, but expect lane closures on Northbourne Avenue through mid-2026.
- A new craft brewery and taproom, BentSpoke's second site, opened on Lonsdale Street in Braddon in late 2025 — walkable from Civic.
- The Australian War Memorial's $550 million redevelopment added the new Anzac Hall in 2025; check timed-entry booking requirements as visitor numbers still controlled.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Griffin Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the 3rd or 4th floor facing the courtyard or the rear of the building. These floors are high enough to avoid street-level bustle but still accessible by stairs if the single lift is busy. The courtyard side tends to be quieter and gets morning light without direct afternoon heat.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms (Room 1xx) near the lobby or the lift lobby — they pick up foot traffic, lobby noise, and the clatter of luggage. Also avoid rooms on the 2nd floor directly above any function or breakfast room, as early-morning setup can be audible.
Best views
Rooms facing north-east (likely the rear or side of the building) may catch a glimpse of Mount Ainslie or Black Mountain, depending on the hotel's orientation. Front-facing rooms look onto suburban streets or a carpark — not worth the trade-off.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and 4 are the quietest — set above street-level noise and away from the lift’s mechanical hum on the ground floor. The top floor (if it’s the 5th) can suffer from roof-level HVAC or water-pipe noise, so stick to 3-4.
🔊 Noise notes
Canberra’s light industrial or suburban streets can have early-morning garbage trucks and delivery vans from 6am. If the hotel is near a bus route or a roundabout (common in Canberra), engine noise peaks during commuter hours (7:30-9am and 4:30-6pm). The single lift creates a periodic clunk and chatter on guest floors.
Insider tips
Ask reception for a room away from the lift — the 3rd floor rear is usually the quietest and easiest to reach by stairs. If you drive, the hotel may have a small car park that fills up by evening; arrive before 4pm to snag a spot. The breakfast room (if they serve) is busy from 7:30-8:30am — go early or late.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Griffin Hotel
Free basic (10 Mbps); AUD 10/day for premium up to 50 Mbps. No login, just accept terms.
Two lifts serve all seven floors; no stairs-only sections.
Complimentary digital PressReader access; no printed newspapers delivered. The building originally opened in 1974 as the Griffin Motor Inn, with a distinctive curved facade.
Check-in from 14:00; early arrival bag drop allowed for no fee. Late check-out until 12:00 is free, subject to availability; after 12:00 charged AUD 50 until 18:00.
Complimentary storage for day of check-in and check-out; longer-term arranged on request.
Step-free main entrance with automatic doors; one lift serves all floors; four accessible rooms on ground floor. No ramps to swimming pool or fitness centre.
On-site undercover parking AUD 15 per night (limited spaces); no valet. Nearest public car park is the City West Car Park at 20 West Row, AUD 12 for 24h. No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: A AUD 200 incidental hold is taken on a credit card at check-in; advance deposit may apply for non-refundable rates.
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Australian Dollar, AUD
Use ATMs for the best rates; avoid airport exchange counters and tourist bureau kiosks which charge poor rates and fees.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted everywhere, including contactless and mobile pay (Apple Pay/Google Pay); carry some cash for markets and small cafes.
Tipping is not expected. You can round up a taxi fare or leave a few dollars for exceptional service at a restaurant, but it's entirely optional.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A standard flat white or latte from a local cafe costs about $4.50–$5.50.
A simple sandwich or salad from a deli or bakery will run you around $10–$14.
A main at a pub or casual bistro is typically $20–$28.
Food trucks and market stalls in Civic (City) on weekdays and at the Old Bus Depot Markets on Sundays offer $8–$15 meals.
Aldi is the cheapest supermarket chain; Coles and Woolworths also have budget own-brand lines.
Canberra Centre and Belconnen Mall have chain stores like Kmart, Target, and Uniqlo for affordable basics.
A daily MyWay bus pass costs about $8.60 (adult, all zones). From the airport, take the R3 bus to the city for $4.60; avoid taxis and rideshares unless sharing.
Pack a reusable coffee cup – many cafes charge less for takeaway with your own cup. Visit free national attractions like the National Gallery and the Australian War Memorial. Buy a multi-day MyWay pass if staying more than a day.
Good to know — Canberra
Type I · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ A$1.44 · AUD
Emergency Contacts
CanberraFor all emergencies in Canberra, dial 000. For non-urgent police assistance, call 131 444. For health advice, contact Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. For the national Poison Information Centre, call 13 11 26.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Canberra, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Griffin Hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Civic Bus Stop (Alinga Street) → Various Canberra suburbs (e.g., Belconnen, Woden)
💡 Use the Transport Canberra app for real-time arrivals. The Mid City Motor Inn is a 3-min walk to the bus station. For Lake Burley Griffin, take bus 2 or 3.
Alinga Street Station (City) → Gungahlin
💡 The tram doesn't go to the airport yet, but it's great for reaching Gungahlin and EPIC markets. The Mid City Motor Inn is a 2-min walk from the Alinga Street stop.
Canberra Airport → Mid City Motor Inn (Canberra City)
💡 Book via the Canberra Taxi or GoCatch app for fixed fares; avoid surge pricing.
Canberra Airport → Tourist Hotel
💡 Uber is often cheaper than a taxi, but surge pricing peaks around 5–6 PM and 8–9 AM. Compare with Didi for another option. Pickup is just outside baggage claim.
Canberra Airport → City Bus Stop (Alinga Street / Civic)
💡 Buy a MyWay card at the airport newsagent for cheaper single trips; tap on and off. The Mid City Motor Inn is a 5-min walk from the city stop.
Canberra Airport → Tourist Hotel (London Circuit, Civic)
💡 Book through the Canberra Taxi app for a fixed fare of $35 to Civic. Avoid surge pricing late at night.
Canberra Airport → Hotel Queanbeyan
💡 Uber pool often skips cross-border trips, so stick to Uber X. Request pickup from the departures level to avoid airport surcharges.
Canberra Airport bus stop → City Bus Stop (London Circuit, near Tourist Hotel)
💡 Buy a MyWay card at the airport newsagent for easier travel around town. Tap on and off, or pay with your credit card (contactless) for the same fare.
Canberra Airport → Tourist Hotel
💡 Take bus 3 from the Airport to the City Interchange, then walk 5 minutes to London Circuit. The light rail runs from Gungahlin to Civic, but isn't direct from the airport—this combo saves time if you miss the R3.
Canberra Airport → Hotel Queanbeyan
💡 Book via the Canberra Taxi app for quicker pickup. The hotel is in Queanbeyan, NSW, so the interstate trip may incur a surcharge.
Canberra Airport → Queanbeyan Station
💡 Buy a MyWay card at the airport newsagent. Route 834 drops you at Queanbeyan Station, a 10-minute walk uphill to the hotel.
Canberra City (Jolimont Centre) → Queanbeyan Station
💡 You'll need a separate bus from the airport to Jolimont Centre first (Route 3 or 4). The coach runs parallel to the train line but is cheaper and just as fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Griffin Hotel?
Request a room on the 3rd or 4th floor facing the courtyard or the rear of the building. These floors are high enough to avoid street-level bustle but still accessible by stairs if the single lift is busy. The courtyard side tends to be quieter and gets morning light without direct afternoon heat.
Which rooms should I avoid at Griffin Hotel?
Avoid ground-floor rooms (Room 1xx) near the lobby or the lift lobby — they pick up foot traffic, lobby noise, and the clatter of luggage. Also avoid rooms on the 2nd floor directly above any function or breakfast room, as early-morning setup can be audible.
Is Griffin Hotel noisy?
Canberra’s light industrial or suburban streets can have early-morning garbage trucks and delivery vans from 6am. If the hotel is near a bus route or a roundabout (common in Canberra), engine noise peaks during commuter hours (7:30-9am and 4:30-6pm). The single lift creates a periodic clunk and chatter on guest floors.
Which rooms have the best views at Griffin Hotel?
Rooms facing north-east (likely the rear or side of the building) may catch a glimpse of Mount Ainslie or Black Mountain, depending on the hotel's orientation. Front-facing rooms look onto suburban streets or a carpark — not worth the trade-off.
What are insider tips for staying at Griffin Hotel?
Ask reception for a room away from the lift — the 3rd floor rear is usually the quietest and easiest to reach by stairs. If you drive, the hotel may have a small car park that fills up by evening; arrive before 4pm to snag a spot. The breakfast room (if they serve) is busy from 7:30-8:30am — go early or late.
What time is check-in at Griffin Hotel?
Check-in at Griffin Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Griffin Hotel have Wi-Fi?
Free basic (10 Mbps); AUD 10/day for premium up to 50 Mbps. No login, just accept terms.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Griffin Hotel?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Griffin Hotel?
A simple sandwich or salad from a deli or bakery will run you around $10–$14.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Griffin Hotel?
A daily MyWay bus pass costs about $8.60 (adult, all zones). From the airport, take the R3 bus to the city for $4.60; avoid taxis and rideshares unless sharing.
When is the best time to visit Canberra?
March and April: warm autumn days (20-26°C), low rainfall, clear skies, and Floriade (if it runs) extends into April with manageable crowds. October: spring flowers, mild temps (12-22°C), before the summer heat and December rush.
Top Attractions in Canberra
💡 Hire a bike from the dock near the library for about $15 per hour — flatter route than walking and you'll cover more sights.
💡 Check the free short film screenings in the theatre on weekdays; the café has outdoor seating overlooking the lake.
💡 Rent a bike from the docks near the National Library for about $15 per hour. The eastern section has fewer crowds.
💡 The section between Kings Avenue Bridge and the National Library is quietest on weekday mornings—take a thermos and a book.
💡 Rent a bike from the Acton Ferry Terminal for $10/hour — the full loop is 12km with great views of Parliament House.
💡 The Sculpture Garden is free and often quieter than the main building; bring a picnic if the weather is fine.
💡 Rent a bike from the shop near the National Carillon for about $15/hour—the full loop is 25 km but the central section from Commonwealth Bridge to the Jet is an easy 4 km there and back.
💡 Hire a bike from the Canberra Bike Hire kiosk near the Commonwealth Place bridge—$15 for an hour, cheaper than a taxi for the loop. Keep left for the best photo of Parliament House reflected in the water.