Novotel Canberra
Before I tell you about how much we loved the Canberra Novotel let me first rave on a bit about Canberra. Canberra is a fantastic city to visit with kids. Somehow Aussie families have been a little slow grasping Canberra’s awesomeness so I want to just knock any doubts out of your head immediately. I have written a little about some of the activities for families visiting Canberra in the past, and in my next post I will be singing Canberra’s praises further. Some of the reason Canberra rocks it for kids include top notch museums, art galleries and outdoor play spaces. We broke our drive from Sydney to Melbourne by visiting the Nation’s capital however a stand alone trip to Canberra is well worth it.
The management at Novotel Canberra apparently seamlessly cater to both families and business travelers simultaneously. Decor is minimalist chic, and the majority of clientele were business folk. Special touches for kids included kid’s activity packs and kids meals in the in house restaurant. Staff also loaded us up with activity packs and small toys for the kids to use in the car on our seven hour drive home. There is also a small play nook in the lobby with blocks and books for the kids.
Ours is a family that loves to swim and the pool ticked all the boxes for us. Indoor and heated it would be perfect in Canberra’s chilly winter. There is also a deliciously warm spa to relax in. If you have any doubt that hotel pools are an essential component of family road trips do check out my post on surviving a road trip with high energy kids. Let’s just say that we wouldn’t dream of stopping anywhere without a pool on a long road trip with our kids, and many of the other hotels in Canberra don’t have them.
The down side of a visit to Canberra is that accommodation can be pricey. The Novotel chain’s “Family and Novotel” offer of a second interconnecting room at 50% off is particularly valuable therefore in Canberra. For families that do wish to squeeze into the one room Novotel offers free accommodation and breakfast for up to 2 children under 16 years of age sharing their parents’ or grandparents’ room using existing bedding.
As for the buffet breakfast – it was excellent with some special touches including a juicer for making your own freshly squeezed juice.
You do really need a car to access Canberra’s best attractions. Car parking is available at the Canberra Novotel however it comes at a cost.
Canberra Novotel – we loved you – we will be back!
Bubs on the Move provides tips and advice for parents traveling with small children including attraction and accommodation reviews. I’d love for ya’ll to join us on our adventures by either signing up for the newsletter, joining us on Facebook, Twitter,Pinterest and Instagram to receive updates.
Nice digs! It’s the little things like crayons and fresh juice! Will be keeping it in mind if we are in that neck of the woods. Xo
I’d definitely recommend it if you are down that way Rene. Great pool!