Marriott comes to Canberra.

[bernardblack]

Just stayed here for three nights on that heavily-discounted promo sale from Marriott that was posted on here a couple of months ago. I wanted a connecting room for my kids so I got 2x the base room (my parents met us there) and 1x the next class up, since the connecting are in different classes.

I ended up paying something like $125/n for one room class and $140/n for the other. Given the location, the comfort and quality, and the ability to earn Bonvoy, this was a fantastic deal. Staff were wonderful and welcoming. My kids loved going to the pool with their grandparents. (Although, given how unseasonably hot Canberra was this week, the pool area was like a sauna.) We took liberal (but not maximal) advantage of the minibars.

Also, I wasn't specifically targeted for the promo but they didn't ask for evidence, and they couldn't figure out how to add the parking charge on checkout so we parked two cars for three days for free.

With two stacked Bonvoy offers (double points and status nights, plus a free award night certificate for each separate stay targeted to me specifically) and with the total folio ~$1200 split across four Amex cards for the $75 cashback on each, this generally was a great stay.

 

[pyusha]

Any recent reviews?

 

[Stevo.1702]

I stayed late last year. Had a fantastic stay. Rooms are small but considering it's location you'll hardly be there.

Breakfast (if included) was very good. Welcome gift was a nice bottle of wine (plus the mini bar).

Staff were great. Do plan to stay again

 

[aus_flyer]

I haven't stayed there but I'm a big fan of the restaurant

 

[marks]

I've stayed there a few times recently. I like the spot, the property and it very handy to the civic offices. It is the current preference for my CBR stays
I'd recommended the restaurant for breakfast and meals, which is a surprise for me. I normally feel some hotel food options are overpriced and average quality. But not here. I think being in walking distance of some awesome food options means the competition is keeping everyone honest.
The mini bar is stocked with local beer & wine selections, which I think are high quality. The restaurant has some great pre-made coughtails which I've been known to partake in.
Chromecast TV & the lounge in the room is great.

Bonvoy amenities of a bottle of wine, points, salumi or cheese platter are great. I think there is an option for breakfast or points for platinum.

Downsides - it is half hotel and half residential which I find bothersome at times. They need more staff (but this seems to be everywhere these days) and the smaller rooms don't have a desk. Just a small table & chair. (has a lounge in the room though)

Recommended.

 

[NinnyPoo]

I have stayed 10 or so times since 2020 at the hotel. Definitely my #1 Canberra option. As a platinum you get a very good breakfast in the restaurant.
The mini bar is exceptional - $30 worth of drinks at normal, not mini bar prices.
Only downside is the lack of natural light. All rooms face into the courtyard and have minimal light.

 

[Assassin]

Just back from what feels like my 20th stay at this Hotel. It is quite dark, monochromatic and dreary but have been consistently upgraded as a Marriott Gold from Classic to Lounge room. There is minimal difference between the two. This time was upgraded to a suite. Larger space, just as dreary and with a decent bath as well as a shower. Furniture is basically identical to that in the smaller rooms...

 

[marks]

Just did a quick review in the Bonvoy thread. Hot breakfast & barista coffee option is gone for Platinum members.

How does Marriott treat you as an elite?

Only 1 stay at the Sheraton Pretoria but it was a good one. Despite it being the dress rehearsal to celebrate Mandela's last birthday and the place having many African leaders staying there an excellent upgrade plus lounge access. On the second day there I just crossed the road and mingled with...

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