Palace Electric Cinema
Palace Electric Cinema
Palace Electric Cinema
4
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4.0
56 reviews
Excellent
31
Very good
10
Average
5
Poor
5
Terrible
5
sicahjes
Canberra, Australia267 contributions
Mar 2018 • Solo
This was my first visit here, so I rang the night before inquiring about parking (and told them I hadn't been there before). The girl that answered the phone didn't know how the cost of parking, other than it was half price if I parked under the cinema (so recommended I do this).
I was actually there to watch a doco for some research for uni (I had to take time off work for this, due to the random times the doco was showing). I nearly missed the film, and wasted a day off work (not to mention the money for the ticket).....
What the girl failed to tell me was that most parks under the cinema were residential, and that businesses in the area used the parking. In other words, it's near on impossible to get a park. I, and about eight other cars, were looking for a space in the world's smallest car park. I ended up leaving at the time the movie was due to start, and went to find a park elsewhere. I had the fortune of seeing someone leave, so paid a ridiculous amount of money for a park outside the cinema.
Had I known all of this, I would not have driven to the cinema. It made the day very stressful (when I needed to focus on the doco), and I only just made it in time (thank god for previews).
My expectation is that when you call a business, they can give you accurate information regarding said business, and not recommend an absurd option. It really tainted what would have otherwise been a quaint experience.
I'll go back, but I won't drive there!
I was actually there to watch a doco for some research for uni (I had to take time off work for this, due to the random times the doco was showing). I nearly missed the film, and wasted a day off work (not to mention the money for the ticket).....
What the girl failed to tell me was that most parks under the cinema were residential, and that businesses in the area used the parking. In other words, it's near on impossible to get a park. I, and about eight other cars, were looking for a space in the world's smallest car park. I ended up leaving at the time the movie was due to start, and went to find a park elsewhere. I had the fortune of seeing someone leave, so paid a ridiculous amount of money for a park outside the cinema.
Had I known all of this, I would not have driven to the cinema. It made the day very stressful (when I needed to focus on the doco), and I only just made it in time (thank god for previews).
My expectation is that when you call a business, they can give you accurate information regarding said business, and not recommend an absurd option. It really tainted what would have otherwise been a quaint experience.
I'll go back, but I won't drive there!
Written 29 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SVL
Sydney, Australia49 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
Forget huge crowds, long lines, and wide open empty spaces. This cinema is cosy, luxurious and intimately lighted.
Pros
1. Small theatre rooms fit much smaller audiences, yet the movie screens are huge so it feels like a more immersive experience than other theatre
2. Because the rooms fit much smaller audiences, it's quieter, more mature, and feels more homely (less like a supermarket)
3. Minimal crowds, short queues. Friendly service
4. Decent selection of standard movie food. A cocktail bar open to all audience members (not just premium movie audiences)
5. A cosy, warm, and therefore slightly romantic interior decor - this feels nothing like a place designed for large crowds
6. Despite the less crowded and more intimate ambience of this place, and the better service, the ticket prices seem competitive with other theatres in Canberra
Cons
1. Because the theatre isn't designed to accommodate huge volumes of crowds, there are fewer screenings and movies stop being available sooner than in other theatres
Pros
1. Small theatre rooms fit much smaller audiences, yet the movie screens are huge so it feels like a more immersive experience than other theatre
2. Because the rooms fit much smaller audiences, it's quieter, more mature, and feels more homely (less like a supermarket)
3. Minimal crowds, short queues. Friendly service
4. Decent selection of standard movie food. A cocktail bar open to all audience members (not just premium movie audiences)
5. A cosy, warm, and therefore slightly romantic interior decor - this feels nothing like a place designed for large crowds
6. Despite the less crowded and more intimate ambience of this place, and the better service, the ticket prices seem competitive with other theatres in Canberra
Cons
1. Because the theatre isn't designed to accommodate huge volumes of crowds, there are fewer screenings and movies stop being available sooner than in other theatres
Written 20 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bethie
Moss Vale, Australia243 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
We regularly go to the movies at the Palace and agree with other reviewers, nice location, lovely cinemas, great movies, etc but yesterday was the first time we decided to have coffee and a sandwich at the Palace cafe in the foyer. I was asked 3 times if I wanted it take away or eat in - each time I said eat in but it was served for take out. Twice I was asked if I wanted both sandwiches toasted...yes please both times. You get the picture! The man serving me seemed distracted and more interested in totalling up my bill rather than listening to my actual order. The sandwiches were ok but the coffee luke warm. Would love to be able to have quick lunch before a movie but really the Palace will have to lift their game before we would try this again. Will keep my eye on reviews so if you have a better experience...let me know :)
Written 12 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craig C
Melbourne, Australia5 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Average cinema with expensive prices, compared to others, where you can get recliner seats for the same price.
What got me was that, despite the cinemas becoming ng very quiet, on a Sunday evening, our had not been cleaned. Our seats and floor were covered in popcorn. Dirty glassware was piles up at the entrance.
I went back out and advised the staff who said they would send the cleaner in straight away…a no-show by the time the movie started 15 mins later.
On leaving, the same pile of dirty glasses were still inside the entrance doors.. Very poor.
What got me was that, despite the cinemas becoming ng very quiet, on a Sunday evening, our had not been cleaned. Our seats and floor were covered in popcorn. Dirty glassware was piles up at the entrance.
I went back out and advised the staff who said they would send the cleaner in straight away…a no-show by the time the movie started 15 mins later.
On leaving, the same pile of dirty glasses were still inside the entrance doors.. Very poor.
Written 25 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kevlasultanpus
Canberra, Australia169 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
I love this cinema but they never and I mean never have enough staff to cater especially at the bottom bar.
Well now it seems they do cocktails which means if you get behind someone who orders one expect a 15 min wait before you get served. Not staffs fault I know but surely management know that it’s a Sunday, there is a film festival and they will be very busy.
Well now it seems they do cocktails which means if you get behind someone who orders one expect a 15 min wait before you get served. Not staffs fault I know but surely management know that it’s a Sunday, there is a film festival and they will be very busy.
Written 25 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sara B
45 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
The Palace Electric is a great venue which shows interesting non mainstream films which are unavailable elsewhere. It definitely is a great resource for Canberra but it is unfortunately staffed by the young and hip; ironic for a venue which attracts the old and not so hip.
The hipster who served us last night got very frazzled when we accidentally asked for an icecream in the Internet ticket line!!!
He was fairly rude and still wouldn't serve us when we went in an alternative queue ( of one) !
It was quite amazing as there were 8 people in our session so really not busy. These guys could learn a lot from their 16 year old counterparts at Hoyts who manage to dispense obscene amounts of popcorn as well as tickets and other goods to chaotic school holiday audiences without missing a beat!
The hipster who served us last night got very frazzled when we accidentally asked for an icecream in the Internet ticket line!!!
He was fairly rude and still wouldn't serve us when we went in an alternative queue ( of one) !
It was quite amazing as there were 8 people in our session so really not busy. These guys could learn a lot from their 16 year old counterparts at Hoyts who manage to dispense obscene amounts of popcorn as well as tickets and other goods to chaotic school holiday audiences without missing a beat!
Written 20 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nrg2206
Canberra, Australia11 contributions
Nov 2015 • Couples
First time visitor to Palace Electric and don't think I'll be going back anytime soon. Firstly the tickets were very pricey including a booking fee which was 50% of a ticket price. We were in cinema 2, and we picked seats on the edge of a row only to discover that there is no access out from seats on the end of the row, as they are right up against the wall. Finally the cinema was so disgustingly hot that we were sweating before our movie and I sent my husband out to complain and after another 10 minutes or so the air con started in the cinema, but they clearly were not going to put it on unless someone asked about it. Palace Electric will have to pick up their game if they are to compete with refurbished cinemas in Woden and Belconnen with reclining seats.
Written 23 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tassielad
Canberra, Australia118 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
We’ve never had any complaints before, but we went to Palace Electric to see a movie and it seems someone forgot to put the air conditioning on, it was so hot and stuffy, and the cinema was not particularly full. It seemed to be just where our movie was playing because there was nice cool air when we walked out that first door. Another problem with Nishi is the changes to the parking. The underground parking has been changed to a pay when you park system, so you have to know how long you’ll be there. Previously you paid when you leave and so you could decide after the movie to perhaps have a drink or bite to eat elsewhere in the Nishi complex or take a stroll, but now you have to decide from the outset how long to pay for. I find it not quite as user friendly, I’m not sure why the change, it seems the focus has shifted away from a client-centred one now?
Written 1 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Evan L
Melbourne, Australia650 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
I came here to watch the latest Star wars movie and fell in love with this place. The atmosphere was fantastic. The staff incredibly helpful. And even the snack bar had all my old favourites. Definitely coming back when I'm next in Canberra.
Written 27 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simon-in-Civic
Caloundra, Australia258 contributions
Oct 2017 • Family
The Palace Electric is a true modern classic, wonderful movies, creative food options, half price parking, it’s a perfect alternative to mainstream theatres
Try the pink salmon : perfect!
Try the pink salmon : perfect!
Written 8 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I’m just curious how much it would roughly cost for two tickets to the premium cinema plus some money for a few drinks.
Written 7 February 2021
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