Canberra-35.31540500,
149.12813500,
30 National Circuit Forrest Act 2603(Show on Map)
7.5
Good
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1 room2 guests1 room, 2 guests
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Summary of reviewsForrest Hotel & Apartments is widely appreciated for its strategic and tranquil location, nestled in a leafy suburb near key attractions such as Parliament House, museums, galleries and Lake Burley Griffin. Guests frequently commend its proximity to vibrant neighborhoods like Manuka and Kingston with their array of cafes, restaurants and shops, as well as easy access to public transport and sites like Manuka Oval. This positioning makes it a convenient and pleasant retreat for both leisure and business travelers.
Although the breakfast options receive mixed feedback, the availability of breakfast packs and nearby dining alternatives somewhat compensate for the lack of an on-site restaurant. The dinner service, while convenient with room service and generous portions, faces criticism for limited menu options, repetitive dishes and the absence of weekend service. Some guests have noted over-cooked meals and occasional delays in room service.
Rooms at the hotel are clean and functional, equipped with essential amenities and comfortable beds. Renovations in some units have added modern touches, contributing to a comfortable experience, especially for longer stays. However, a few guests pointed out dated decor and minor maintenance issues. Despite varying room sizes and occasional noise concerns, the overall sentiment highlights good value for money.
Cleanliness is a standout aspect with most guests reporting very clean and comfortable rooms, although some noted minor issues such as stained carpets and dated decor. The housekeeping staff receive praise for their thoroughness and upkeep.
The staff at Forrest Hotel & Apartments are frequently lauded for their friendly, helpful and efficient service. Guests appreciate the welcoming and professional demeanor of the team, contributing to an inviting and pleasant stay. Occasional less favorable interactions do not overshadow the general positive consensus regarding staff performance.
WiFi service receives a mix of reviews with many guests finding it strong and reliable for streaming and general use. However, some experienced connectivity issues, indicating room for improvement in consistency and reliability.
Parking options are generally well-received with ample and free parking available both onsite and off-street. However, the limited availability of spaces, especially during peak times, can be a challenge. Guests appreciate the convenience but note that the spaces can be small and at a premium.
Beds are commonly described as comfortable with electric blankets adding warmth during colder nights. While some guests found certain mattresses and pillows less comfortable, the overall consensus is positive, highlighting clean and quiet bedrooms conducive to a restful sleep.
As a three-star establishment, Forrest Hotel & Apartments offers reasonable value, particularly appealing to budget-conscious travelers. It provides essential needs with some modern touches, maintaining a balance between simplicity and comfort. While it may not reach executive standards, it's recognized as a practical and affordable choice for visitors to Canberra, offering a pleasant and well-situated accommodation option. Show more
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Categories
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Forrest Hotel & Apartments is recognized as a green hotel. This indicates its engagement in practices aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability within its operations.
Hotel for Honeymoon
Offering both hotel rooms and apartments, this hotel provides flexibility and comfort. Its location in Forrest and well-equipped accommodations make it a convenient choice for a honeymoon.
Cheap Hotel
Mentioned as a cheap hotel offering excellent value, this property provides both hotel rooms and serviced apartments. The apartments, with kitchen facilities, can offer significant value for self-catering travelers.
Hotel with Parking
4-Star Hotel
Room Types
One-Bedroom ApartmentThis apartment features an an-suite bedroom, a separate living room and a fully equipped kitchen.
Apartment is comfortably furnished and designed to accommodate up to 2 people in existing bedding ( Queen bed). Please note sofa bed is available to accommodate the booking received for more than 2 people or upon request at an extra cost of $20 per night. Please note that housekeeping service is only offered for stays of more than 7 nights.
Two-Bedroom Premium ApartmentRoom features include 1x king bed in the master bedroom and 2x single beds in the second bedroom. full kitchen & bathroom facilities, lounge room, and washing machine. Two Bedroom Apartment is comfortably furnished and designed to accommodate up to 4 people in existing bedding. Please note that sofa bed is available to accommodate the booking received for 5 people or upon request at an extra cost of $20 per night. Apartments are serviced weekly.
Twin RoomIncludes en suite bathroom, tea/coffee making facilities and ironing facilities.
Please note that there is no capacity for additional guests.
Executive One-Bedroom ApartmentThis apartment features a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, separate lounge area and full kitchen facilities. Apartment is comfortably furnished and designed to accommodate up to 2 people in existing bedding ( Queen bed). Please note sofa bed is available to accommodate the booking received for more than 2 people or upon request at an extra cost of $20 per night. Apartments are serviced weekly.
Executive Two-Bedroom ApartmentRoom features include 1x king bed in the master bedroom and 2x single beds in the second bedroom. full kitchen & bathroom facilities, lounge room, and washing machine. Two Bedroom Apartment is comfortably furnished and designed to accommodate up to 4 people in existing bedding. Please note that a rollaway bed is available to accommodate the booking received for 5 people or upon request at an extra cost of $20 per night. Apartments are serviced weekly.
Queen RoomThis room offers tea and coffee making facilities, an iron with ironing board and en suite bathroom. Bedding is 1 queen-size bed.
Please note that there is no capacity for additional guests.
Executive 2 Bedroom Albany Apartment (Compact)This apartment has a kitchen, microwave and washing machine.
Please note that housekeeping service is only offered for stays of more than 7 nights.
Guest Reviews
7.5
Good
Location
Forrest Hotel & Apartments boasts an impressive location that guests consistently praise in their reviews. The hotel is conveniently situated close to Parliament House and other major attractions such as museums, galleries and Lake Burley Griffin. Its central position allows for easy access to the city center, as well as to the charming neighborhoods of Manuka and Kingston, which are dotted with vibrant cafes, restaurants and shops.
Despite being centrally located, the hotel offers a tranquil environment in a leafy suburb, providing a quiet retreat for visitors. The proximity to public transport, including bus stops, further enhances its accessibility. Guests appreciate the hotel's walking distance to Manuka Oval, various eateries and supermarkets, making it ideal for both leisure and business travelers. The green surroundings add to the pleasant ambiance, making it a favorite for those attending functions or visiting local attractions. With such a strategic location, Forrest Hotel & Apartments stands out as a comfortable, convenient and well-situated accommodation option in Canberra.
Breakfast
The breakfast situation at Forrest Hotel & Apartments has left a mixed impression on guests. There are mentions of breakfast packs available at reception, though some guests expressed a desire for a more diverse and enticing selection. The notable absence of a sit-down restaurant option for breakfast has been a point of disappointment for many.
While the hotel does offer facilities like a toaster, jug and bowls for those looking to prepare their own meals, this isn’t sufficient for everyone, especially without a microwave. Instead, guests often preferred heading to nearby Manuka shops for a great breakfast and coffee experience.
Room service for breakfast and dinner is available from Monday to Friday, but this doesn’t fully compensate for the lack of an on-site restaurant, a closure attributed to ongoing COVID-19 disruptions. Many guests have called for the return of the restaurant breakfast service, indicating that it once was a key feature.
In essence, while self-catering is an option, those looking for a traditional hotel breakfast experience may find the current offerings at Forrest Hotel & Apartments lacking.
Dinner
The dinner experience at Forrest Hotel & Apartments offers both convenience and mixed impressions. Guests appreciate the availability of an on-site restaurant, which provides room service and takeaway options primarily from Monday to Friday. The generous portions and tasty dishes from the restaurant are noted with some describing it as the best meals of their trip. Good value options such as pizzas and a variety of meals garnished with positive remarks regarding their flavor and portion sizes.
However, several reviews highlight limited menu choices and the repetitiveness of the offerings. The absence of an eat-in dining option and the restaurant's closure on weekends are drawbacks for some guests. Negative comments focus on the quality and presentation of the food with some meals appearing over-cooked and served in plastic containers. Issues with room service logistics include delays and restrictions on ordering after certain hours.
Overall, while the restaurant's convenience and certain meal options are commendable, consistency in food quality and availability seem to be areas needing improvement.
Rooms
The rooms at Forrest Hotel & Apartments offer a mixed bag of experiences for guests, but there is a consistent theme of cleanliness and basic functionality. Many guests found their rooms to be clean, tidy and equipped with necessary amenities such as kitchen facilities, comfortable beds and good heating. Some rooms have been recently renovated and sport modern touches, like new carpets and updated bathrooms, which added to the comfort of the stay. The apartments were often praised for their spaciousness, making them suitable for families or longer stays and the neighborhood itself was quiet and relaxing.
However, some reviews pointed out the dated decor and occasional maintenance issues, such as cracked bathroom sinks and worn-out carpets. Room sizes varied significantly with some guests finding them small and cramped, particularly the bathrooms. Noise was another concern with some rooms not being very soundproof and ventilation issues were also noted.
Despite these drawbacks, the overall sentiment emphasized good value for money, especially considering the location near Manuka shops and Parliament House. The hotel provides a decent and practical experience for short stays, business trips or family vacations with the rooms featuring enough to meet basic needs.
Beds
The beds at Forrest Hotel & Apartments have garnered a mix of feedback from guests with a noticeable inclination toward positive experiences. Many guests found the beds to be exceptionally comfortable, citing phrases like "comfortable bed," "very comfortable bed," and "super comfortable beds." The availability of amenities such as electric blankets, which were praised for their warmth, added to the cozy experience, especially suitable for chilly nights in Canberra.
However, some reviews highlighted areas for improvement. A few guests mentioned that certain beds were too firm or too soft, contributing to discomfort. There were also comments about bed conditions with some guests noting that mattresses felt old or dipped in the middle. Another recurring critique was about the lack of sufficiently firm pillows, suggesting that personal preferences varied widely among the guests.
Despite these occasional drawbacks, the overall sentiment was favorable. Cleanliness and tidiness were common points of praise and many guests appreciated the quiet and dark bedrooms, which created an ideal environment for a restful night's sleep. It’s also worth noting that the rooms offered good utility with amenities like semi-private accesses and spacious facilities, enhancing the overall comfort of the stay.
In summary, while there were a few mixed reviews regarding mattress firmness and pillow softness, Forrest Hotel & Apartments generally provided a comfortable and cozy bed experience for most of its guests.
Cleanliness
Guest reviews for Forrest Hotel & Apartments generally highlight a strong emphasis on cleanliness with many guests noting that their rooms were very clean, tidy and comfortable. Frequent mentions of clean beds, spotless bathrooms and well-maintained amenities suggest that the hotel prioritizes hygiene and upkeep. Several reviews also observed that the property, although appearing somewhat dated from the outside, was clean and freshly refurbished on the inside.
Though the feedback was overwhelmingly positive regarding the standard of cleanliness, a few reviewers mentioned areas in need of improvement. Some cited the presence of mould, stained carpets and dated decor as minor drawbacks. However, these issues did not seem to overshadow the overall clean and comfortable experience that most guests reported.
Housekeeping seems to be consistent and thorough with daily servicing noted and staff receiving commendations for their attentiveness to cleanliness. The apartments and rooms, described as spacious, well-equipped and often modernized, contribute to a comfortable stay for guests. Despite a few isolated comments regarding maintenance needs and occasional unpleasant odors, the common consensus is that Forrest Hotel & Apartments offers a clean, well-presented environment that meets guests' expectations for a hygienic and comfortable stay.
Staff
The staff at Forrest Hotel & Apartments receive high praise in guest reviews, often described as friendly, helpful and efficient. Many guests note the exceptional service provided with staff members frequently going out of their way to ensure comfort and accommodation needs are met. At check-in and check-out, the efficiency and courteous nature of the team are highlighted, making these processes seamless and welcoming. Particular commendations mention the friendly and professional demeanor of staff, including front desk personnel and cleaning staff. While there are occasional mentions of less favorable interactions, the general consensus underscores the staff's warm, accommodating and diligent service. The night management and reception staff receive special acknowledgments for their politeness, friendliness and proactive customer care. Overall, guests feel well-supported and valued, contributing to an inviting and pleasant stay at the hotel.
Wi-Fi
Forrest Hotel & Apartments offers WiFi and many guests have noted a good experience with it. Reports indicate that the WiFi signal is generally strong and fast, capable of supporting activities like streaming Netflix and maintaining a stable connection throughout their stay. Some guests mentioned that the hotel provides a free WiFi service, which adds value to their visit.
However, not all reviews were glowing; a number of guests encountered issues ranging from weak signals to complete lack of connection. Specific problems included the WiFi not connecting properly, being temperamental and even being entirely non-existent at times. A few reviewers pointed out that the Internet could benefit from a boost in reliability and some expected WiFi as promised but didn't receive it.
Despite the mixed experiences, the consensus among positive reviews is that the WiFi at Forrest Hotel & Apartments can be dependable and fast, contributing positively to the overall stay when it works well.
Parking
Forrest Hotel & Apartments offers a variety of parking options that cater to different needs with a generally positive reception from guests, though with some constraints. Many reviewers highlighted the ample and free parking available, both onsite and off-street. Guests appreciated the convenience of parking right opposite their apartments, making it easy to unload luggage. Safe and undercover parking options were also praised.
However, parking availability and space size were points of contention. While plentiful parking was noted, the bays were often described as small and at a premium. The limited number of spaces meant that parking could be challenging, especially at night and on weekends when the lot was frequently full. This sometimes forced guests to seek alternatives on surrounding streets.
In summary, Forrest Hotel & Apartments provides convenient and free parking, though guests should be prepared for potential difficulties in finding a spot during peak times. The parking situation ranks as satisfactory overall with some improvements needed to accommodate the volume of guests and their cars more comfortably.
3 Star
Forrest Hotel & Apartments, a three-star establishment, offers reasonable value and is particularly well-suited for budget-conscious travelers. The price point is appealing, especially for an overnight stay or for those visiting Canberra on a budget. Guests consistently praised the hotel for being good value for money, noting that it is affordable yet meets essential needs.
The hotel has undergone some refurbishments, maintaining cleanliness and providing a sense of quality for its category. Families looking for budget accommodation will find it suitable and practical. The location is a standout feature, described as great, in a lovely, quiet area surrounded by trees and close to Canberra's heart.
While the rooms may be a bit small and the amenities less luxurious, the hotel is recognized for its simplicity and tranquility. It is not the fanciest place, but it has everything needed for a pleasant stay. For a budget hotel, it strikes an exceptional balance, offering spacious accommodations and overall good value.
Although it doesn't reach executive standards, Forrest Hotel & Apartments remains a fair choice for a budget stay, providing a three-star experience that aligns well with its cost.
No, Forrest Hotel & Apartments doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Forrest Hotel & Apartments.
No, Forrest Hotel & Apartments doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Forrest Hotel & Apartments.
No, Forrest Hotel & Apartments doesn't have a gym.