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Summary of reviewsMercure Canberra is widely praised for its advantageous central location, offering convenient access to notable Canberra attractions such as the Australian War Memorial and Lake Burley Griffin. It seamlessly blends tranquility with convenience, providing guests with a delightful retreat featuring old-world charm, spacious rooms and lush greenery. Guests also value amenities like secure parking and the Ainslie Pub.
The hotel’s breakfast service garners positive reviews for its varied, plentiful buffet offerings and clean, pleasant dining area. Guests enjoy the high standards of preparation and presentation with particular favorites being the scrambled eggs and gluten-free options. Despite occasional mentions of repetitive choices, the breakfast experience is generally seen as a highlight.
Dining at Mercure Canberra’s bistro is often commended for its delicious, affordable meals and outstanding service. Popular dishes include schnitzels and fish and chips. While some discrepancies in food quality and ambiance were noted, overall the dining options are appreciated for their efficiency and variety, bolstered by a range of local wines.
Guests frequently mention the spaciousness and comfort of the rooms, which pair modern amenities with historical charm. Many rooms offer balconies and courtyard views and are celebrated for their cleanliness. Some minor maintenance issues and the age of the furniture were noted, though these do not significantly detract from the overall positive experience.
Cleanliness across the hotel is generally praised with many guests finding both the rooms and common areas to be well-maintained. However, some reviews point out occasional lapses in housekeeping and suggest that certain areas could benefit from more thorough cleaning and maintenance.
A standout feature according to guests is the staff at Mercure Canberra, who are consistently described as friendly, helpful and professional. The reception team, in particular, is noted for their efficiency and willingness to assist, significantly enhancing the guest experience.
The hotel's free Wi-Fi service receives criticism for being slow and unreliable, often affecting guests' ability to stream or use the internet effectively. Despite some exceptions of decent connectivity in certain areas, the general consensus highlights it as a significant area for improvement.
Parking at the hotel is well-regarded for its convenience and security, though the additional cost for parking sometimes disappoints guests. The family-friendly atmosphere with spacious family rooms and beautiful gardens, further enhances its appeal for those traveling with children.
Comfortable, large beds contribute to a restful stay with most guests finding them pleasant and conducive to relaxation. Despite a few critiques about firmness and sofa bed discomfort, the overall feedback is positive.
Mercure Canberra generally aligns with four-star expectations, offering a quality experience through its location and service. The hotel proves to be a practical choice for business travelers, featuring necessary amenities and a convenient location.
Overall, Mercure Canberra offers a well-rounded, comfortable stay with notable strengths in its prime location, exceptional staff and commendable dining and breakfast options, making it a recommended choice for both leisurely vacations and business trips in Canberra. Show more
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Hotel near Golf Courses
This hotel offers convenient access to golf, located approximately an 8-minute drive (4 km) from Yowani Country Club.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Mercure Canberra has implemented strategies for sustainable tourism, including rainwater harvesting and an on-site water bore for garden and laundry use. The hotel employs various water-saving initiatives such as Arctic Green Chemicals in urinals, 4-minute water timers, water-saving shower heads, and flow restrictors on taps. Energy-saving lighting and energy-efficient air conditioning are used throughout the hotel.
Hotel with Parking
This hotel offers ample onsite above-ground secure parking with no stated maximum height restriction, making it convenient for various vehicle sizes. It also provides electric vehicle charging points.
EV charging stations
Hotel with Gym
Mercure Canberra has a gym on-site that is free of charge for all hotel guests. The hotel also offers a golf course and is conveniently located.
Hotel with EV Charging Stations
This hotel features three Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, including two dedicated Exploren Charging Stations and one Type 2 16A single phase charger (7kW). 10A and 20A 5-pin 3-phase sockets are also available on request, with charging cables provided by reception.
4-Star Hotel
This hotel combines old-world charm with modern comforts and is located moments from the city centre. It features 129 rooms, a bistro, a sports bar, meeting rooms, and private parking.
Family Friendly Hotel
Business Hotel
Cheap Hotel
Accessible Hotel
Room Types
Superior Twin RoomIncludes 42-inch LCD TV, en suite bathroom, tea/coffee making facilities and a minibar.
Standard Queen RoomThis air-conditioned room features a TV, a refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities.
Superior King RoomIncludes 42-inch LCD TV, en suite bathroom, tea/coffee making facilities and a minibar.
Deluxe King Loft with Sofa BedLarge room with a kitchenette, lounge area, bathroom and a 42-inch LCD TV in the bedroom.
Bathroom is located upstairs in this room.
Executive King RoomThe spacious double room provides air conditioning, a minibar, a balcony with garden views as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower. The unit offers 1 bed.
Deluxe King Loft with Sofa Bed Courtyard ViewThis double room features a balcony, electric kettle and flat-screen TV.
Bathroom is located upstairs in this room.
King Room - Pet FriendlyThe spacious double room provides air conditioning, a minibar, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower and a hairdryer. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
7.6
Good
Location
The Mercure Canberra boasts a prime location that consistently garners positive remarks from its guests. Situated centrally, it offers easy access to a myriad of local attractions, including the Australian War Memorial, Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra Centre and Mt Ainslie. Guests appreciate the hotel's quiet surroundings and the convenience of being within walking distance to the Civic shopping precinct and a variety of dining options. The heritage property is well-regarded for its old-world charm, spacious rooms and ample greenery. The on-site amenities such as secure parking and the Ainslie Pub add to its appeal. Whether visiting for leisure or work, the Mercure Canberra’s central, yet tranquil location facilitates easy exploration of Canberra’s key sights and provides a comfortable, well-located retreat.
Breakfast
Mercure Canberra offers a commendable breakfast experience that guests frequently describe as good to great with many taking note of the varied and plentiful buffet options available. The buffet breakfast often garners praise for its high standards of preparation and presentation. Favorites amongst guests include the scrambled eggs and the extensive range of gluten-free choices, such as chia pudding musili and gluten-free bread.
The breakfast area itself is noted to be clean and pleasant, contributing to a relaxing and enjoyable meal. Some guests, especially families, appreciate the convenience of having breakfast included in the tariff, finding it a big plus while traveling.
While most reviews highlight the breakfast as delicious, substantial and satisfying, a few guests have mentioned that the options, albeit plentiful, can become repetitive if staying for multiple days. Others have pointed out issues with the bacon and a preference for fresher fruit options rather than tinned fruit salad.
Despite occasional critiques about the buffet being too busy, overpriced or lacking in certain amenities like freshly made eggs and bacon, the consensus appears to be that the breakfast at Mercure Canberra is a strong point for the hotel, offering a good start to the day.
Dinner
Dining at the Mercure Canberra offers a mix of experiences, predominantly highlighted by the remarkable service and welcoming atmosphere. Guests frequently praise the restaurant and bar staff for their outstanding hospitality and many enjoyed the pub-style restaurant, finding meals to be both delicious and affordable. Popular dishes like schnitzels and fish and chips were especially well-received.
The bistro is noted for its quick, tasty meals served in a lively pub setting. Several guests found the bistro to be an excellent choice for lunch and dinner, appreciating the range of local wines available. Moreover, many guests were impressed with the dining deals and the food overall, often describing it as good or even top standard.
However, there were mixed reviews regarding the consistency of food quality and service. Some guests faced issues with overcooked or cold meals and there were occasional complaints about the food being overpriced or lacking in flavor. The ambiance of the bar and bistro also received some criticism with a few mentioning that it could benefit from improvements to its appearance and atmosphere.
In summary, while the experience can vary, the Mercure Canberra's dining options generally provide satisfying meals and exceptional service, making it a solid choice for guests staying at the hotel.
Rooms
Mercure Canberra offers a blend of modern comfort and historical charm in its accommodations. Guests frequently appreciate the spaciousness of the rooms, which are often described as large, comfortable and well-appointed. Many rooms feature balconies and courtyard views, adding to the overall pleasant experience. Pet owners will be pleased to find dedicated pet-specific rooms that maintain a high standard of cleanliness.
While the heritage of the building is celebrated through hints of old-world furniture, some parts of the interior, such as the dated furniture and decor, reflect the property's age. Despite this, the rooms are generally clean, roomy and quiet. Several guests commend the excellent water pressure in the showers and the thoughtful room layouts, which contribute to a comfortable stay.
However, a few drawbacks have been noted, including smaller rooms with limited amenities and occasional maintenance issues like inconsistent shower temperatures or leaking vanities. The air conditioning quality varies with some rooms being less effective. Additionally, the lack of elevators and the maze-like corridors might pose a challenge for some guests.
Overall, Mercure Canberra's rooms excel in providing spacious, clean and comfortable accommodation, albeit with some areas showing their age.
Beds
The beds at Mercure Canberra have received mixed feedback from guests, though the general consensus leans towards positive experiences. Many guests found the beds to be comfortable with terms like comfy, very comfortable and super comfortable frequently appearing. Some guests also appreciated the large size of the beds, noting that the king bed in particular was very comfortable. Additionally, the room cleanliness and the quality of the bedding have been highlighted positively, contributing to the overall comfort.
However, not all feedback was glowing. Some guests mentioned that the beds were too hard or too firm for their liking and a few described issues with the pillows being too thin or the mattresses being lumpy. The sofa beds received notably negative reviews, often described as uncomfortable or even terrible. A few guests also noted issues with the main bed being in a loft or with smaller bed sizes in twin rooms.
Despite these few drawbacks, it's clear that many visitors found the sleeping arrangements at Mercure Canberra to be pleasant and restful. The emphasis on comfort and the quality of the main beds stand out as strong positives for future guests considering a stay.
Cleanliness
Mercure Canberra receives a mix of feedback regarding its cleanliness. Guests often find the rooms to be clean, tidy and well-appointed with many praising the high standard of cleanliness and comfortable accommodations. The common areas and rooms generally make a good impression, being described as clean, welcoming and pleasant.
However, there are recurring concerns about certain aspects of housekeeping. Some reviews note issues such as dusty rooms, musty smells from carpets and the occasional need for more thorough cleaning. Criticisms include neglected hallways, mould in bathrooms and housekeeping errors like not cleaning properly or on time. Reports mention that the hotel's overall condition could benefit from some maintenance and care, particularly with regard to carpets, paint and fixtures.
Despite some negative points, the positive feedback suggests that many visitors still find their stay enjoyable and comfortable due to the generally clean environment and friendly staff.
Staff
Visitors to Mercure Canberra have consistently highlighted the hotel's staff as an outstanding feature of their stay. The majority of reviewers have praised the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. Guests frequently mentioned receiving a warm welcome upon arrival and appreciated the courteous and polite interactions throughout their stay.
The reception staff were noted for their efficiency and willingness to assist, whether it was managing check-ins and check-outs effortlessly or promptly addressing any queries. Many reviews emphasized the exceptional service provided by the reception team, often citing their professionalism and quick response to guest needs.
The restaurant and bar staff were also highly commended for their amazing service, enhancing the dining experience with their friendly and accommodating demeanor. Guests appreciated the staff's readiness to provide useful tips on local attractions, adding value to their visit.
Despite a few minor incidents, such as one reception staff member being preoccupied with a phone call upon a guest’s arrival, the overall impression is one of a dedicated and supportive team committed to ensuring a pleasant stay. Reviewers noted that even under time pressure, staff remained pleasant and helpful.
In summary, the consistent, high-quality service from the Mercure Canberra staff has clearly made a positive impression on guests, helping to create a welcoming and accommodating environment throughout the hotel.
Wi-Fi
Guests at Mercure Canberra have consistently reported issues with the Wi-Fi, describing it as poor, slow and unreliable in various parts of the hotel. Many guests struggled to log in, citing difficulties in finding the Wi-Fi password and lack of information on how to access the internet. Streaming services like Netflix were often unusable due to the weak signal. Some reviews did mention that the Wi-Fi was decent in certain areas, offering fast and reliable service; however, these instances appear to be exceptions rather than the rule. Additionally, guests noted poor mobile phone reception in their rooms and limited TV viewing options. Overall, internet connectivity seems to be a significant challenge at this hotel, impacting the online experience for many visitors.
Parking
The parking situation at Mercure Canberra generally receives positive feedback from guests. Secure parking is a common highlight, frequently noted for its convenience and safety. Many guests appreciate the ease of parking with ample space and the ability to park close to the front door of the hotel. The secure parking option adds a layer of confidence for those worried about vehicle safety.
However, there are a few recurring concerns about the additional cost associated with parking. Some guests feel disappointed having to pay an extra fee, often around $10-$15 per night, especially when this cost is not included in the room rate. Despite this, other guests mention that the cost is not prohibitive and sometimes even waived by accommodating staff. There are also occasional mentions of inadequate signage directing guests to the parking area.
Overall, while the additional fee is a point of contention for some, the security and convenience of the parking facilities at Mercure Canberra are highly valued by most guests.
Family
Mercure Canberra proves to be a good destination for family stays, receiving favorable feedback regarding its suitability for children. The hotel offers family rooms, making it a fitting choice for families of various sizes. Guests commend the child-friendly bistro and relaxed ambiance, which fosters a welcoming environment for young guests.
The hotel's beautiful gardens provide an inviting setting for children, whether they're infants in strollers or walking toddlers. This natural space adds to the overall convenience for families and enhances the appeal of the property.
Families often return to Mercure Canberra due to the positive experiences during their stays. The staff receives praise for their excellent service, contributing to the hotel being a preferred choice for family reunions and breaks. Despite minor setbacks, such as a few children not enjoying the stay as much, the overall sentiment points to Mercure Canberra being a great place for family vacations. The proximity to various activities in Canberra is an additional benefit, making it an attractive option for those traveling with kids.
4 Star
Mercure Canberra provides an experience that aligns with the expectations of a four-star hotel, according to several guests. Many highlight the four-star service qualities, underscoring the overall hospitality and experience. However, a few aspects did not meet the four-star standard for some visitors, such as broken carpet in the bar area and the basic breakfast offerings. The overall cleanliness of the hotel was considered ordinary for its rating. Some guests felt the price of over $220 per night did not reflect the value experienced, suggesting it felt more like a two-star stay in those instances. Despite these concerns, the positive reviews emphasize a generally good experience that felt deserving of its four-star classification.
Business
Mercure Canberra offers a favorable environment for business travelers with staff that are noted for being friendly and very helpful. The hotel is well-suited for conferences and meetings and boasts a convenient, central location. It's accessible to key points like Canberra Airport, the War Memorial, Parliamentary Houses and city attractions, making it a practical choice for business purposes. The rooms are clean and feature a work desk, catering to professional needs. However, some guests mentioned that the information provided in the rooms could be more comprehensive for business stays and the room service menu extends late. Overall, it is more business-oriented compared to other hotels.
Accessible
The 'Mercure Canberra' has mixed reviews regarding its accessibility for guests with disabilities. On the positive side, there are mentions of hotel rooms being easily accessible and ramps are provided for disabled access. Specifically, the hotel is convenient for events and reunions due to its location and overall accessibility. Additionally, rooms on the bottom floor and those with attached yards add to the accessibility options.
However, there are notable drawbacks, mainly stemming from the hotel's heritage status, which affects its suitability for all guests. For example, there is no lift access and the reception area requires navigating about eight steps to enter. These aspects make it challenging for those with mobility issues or elderly guests. Overall, while some accessible features are in place, the lack of an elevator and certain structural limitations reduce its overall accessibility.
No, Mercure Canberra doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Mercure Canberra.
No, Mercure Canberra doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Mercure Canberra.