I think the pictures of the hotel on the website should ensure that there aren't too many suprises, you aren't booking a four seasons hotel.. the hotel is basically an old motel which has been refurbished over the past 5 or so years however I had no qualms as it was clean, the breakfast was nice (buffet..) and the service at reception was good. The location is good being only a 10 or so minute walk to Parliament house and Manuka shops. We purchased our rooms via wotif.com with breakfast included. I don't go to Canberra often and the only reason i wouldn't stay here again is to be closer to the CBD (which isn't far from the hotel anyway). Canberra is small, accomodation is expensive and you aren't far away from anything so I would have no hesitation recommending this hotel.

I have stayed in many places in Australia and around the world, ranging from five-star hotels to hostels, and this is without doubt the worst place I have ever stayed.

First of all, it’s not a hotel or inn, it’s a motel, and a poor one at that.

The room was small and shabby, while the bathroom was filthy and falling apart.

The worst part was the bed – I don’t know what they wash their sheets with, but the bedding made me come out in hives all over my body and I was forced to spend the night on the floor.

I also had a meal at the restaurant and it was disgusting.

Normally I try and write balanced reviews, with both good and bad features, but I can think of nothing positive to say about this ‘hotel’.

I stayed here on a work trip to save some money but I wish I had stayed somewhere else instead. This would be expensive at half the price.

I had been to this property previously as kid growing up due to it's location and cultural reasons, although this time round I didn't realise what I was getting myself into.

I arrived into Canberra by plane and picked up a car from the airport to go to the property. Upon arrival I noticed that from the outside it looked quite tired and very "70's motel" that needed a revamp on it's appearance.

Keys are not electronic but standard keys which are just larger in shape and have 3 grooved rows - supposedly it's more secure?!

The website shows the bed head, lamp, and wall behind the bed which is quite modern and updated in appearance, although this is quite misleading. The rest of the room is actually about 15 years old in appearance and furniture looks like something you would have found at fantastic furniture around the same time as well.

The only thing was that the bathroom seemed to be have been updated recently although it was a little disappointing considering that my gym's showers are much better still as well.

I work in the travel industry and had discounted rate for the Novotel Canberra which ended up being the same as the Forrest Inn, although Forrest Inn was next door to where I needed to be.

Had I known how disappointed I would be I would have stayed at the Novotel and "suffered" the 10 minute drive out the following morning.

When I arrived I was surprised and disappointed by my first impression as it wasn't what I was expecting from the pictures on their website. It was definitely an old style motel.

We stayed 2 nights in a double motel room and it was very pleasant as it turned out - great location, great service and adequate accommodation. Just a pity that I'd been expecting more.

The restaurant for breakfast was terrific but amazingly busy, we had to wait to be seated each morning. However, the service was friendly and efficient and the food good.

The Italian Club nearby is a great experience for dinner too! Friendly community atmosphere and very cheap meals and wine. Worth a visit!