2018 – Part 12 – Hotel Review Rydges Canberra

Central and Comfy

Rydges is an Australian chain of hotels.  I selected this hotel driven by its proximity to Parliament (both current and old), and several galleries.  We arrived without issue, however our initial check-in was a little rocky, but improved very quickly.

Check-in Hiccups

Upon our arrival, the check-in experience was very quick and seamless.  I did hear that we had been assigned an upgraded room for our stay, however I was focused on where to park the vehicle, and she eagerly awaited the keys to check out the room and then help unload the car.

The first hiccup I had was attempting to enter the parking garage.  After several attempts the gate just didn’t open.  Fortunately, when the third vehicle joined the line, the driver was quick to check with reception and soon enough we were granted access to parking by entering through the exit.

The second hiccup occurred for her as the keys didn’t open the room.

Once I got the vehicle properly parked, we met at the lobby and got the key cards reset.  All the hiccups were forgiven the moment we opened the door to the room — we were upgraded to a SUITE!

The Room(s)!

Upon entering we were in the living room that had two couches, a coffee table, along with a tv, desk with chair.  Beside the door was a bar, complete with mini-fridge and selection of items for purchase.

The windows in the suite, both in the living room and bedroom faced the atrium that was in the centre of the hotel.

The atrium had a good outdoor feel given the high ceiling and all the plants.  The downside was that the living room had no additional lighting beyond a small desk lamp.  That meant by late afternoon, where all the furniture was located, was very dark — just like this picture:  A few lights would have literally brighten up the room. 

Now back to the tour — from the living room was the bedroom that was almost as big as the living room.

The bedroom also had a TV, however we didn’t even use this one during our stay.  (Really who wants to watch TV when there are some many things to see outside?)

At the end of the bedroom, to the right was a walk-through closet and make-up table, complete with mirror.  Before even getting to the bathroom, both of us joked that we were in a hotel room that was almost the same size of our apartment back home.

Also awaiting us were bathrobes hanging in the closet space.  But one of her two biggest things that impressed her in this hotel room, was the tub.  The soaker tub.

After dinner she did try out the tub and quite enjoyed it.

The final parts of the bathroom included a separate shower, and dual sinks.  Our adoration of the room continued as the bed was heavenly.  We found it to be the right combination of firmness as it was not as hard as a concrete floor, but also not as soft as a pile of down duvets.  We were sad to leave it after two nights.

Amenities

Breakfast

From our room we could look down and see the buffet section used for breakfast.  As we were continuing the transition to our new time zone, we woke up at 6am.  On holidays.  With no plans that required us to wake up early, and with no alarm clock going off.  We decided to get up as both of us felt rest and we ended up being one of the first guests once it opened at 6:30am.  Selection was decent, and given how quickly the buffet filled up, I chickened out and didn’t take any pictures of the items available, nor their presentation.

One item that is very common in Australia is espresso based coffee.  It’s everywhere.  I don’t think we found any restaurant that offered roast & ground (drip style) coffee.  As a result, ordering coffee and receiving it can take time.  At this hotel for tea & hot chocolate folks, it was self serve as both tea bags and the hot water was at the end of buffet along with cold beverages.

Overall the breakfast was good.  The selection is fine and most people can easily find enough options to fill their plate.

Final Impressions

Check-out was easy and straight forward given I had prepaid.  The hotels had several trolleys to help transport luggage.  This made our trip to the car in one trip, nice and easy. We enjoyed staying at the hotel, and the extra space having a suite made the stay even more memorable and enjoyable.  Given the size of the room we didn’t hear our neighbours, or even from the atrium.  Once the initial hiccups were quickly sorted out — the parking gate worked fine for the rest of our stay — we were sad to leave after only two nights.  Both of us felt that we wouldn’t come across another hotel with a bed as comfortable as we found in this one.  Fortunately, I had already booked a stay at another Rydges hotel.