Peppers Gallery Hotel

Peppers Gallery Hotel in Canberra, Australia, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a blend of historic charm and contemporary luxury, situated in the vibrant NewActon precinct.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Peppers Gallery Hotel is positive, with guests frequently commending its comfort, cleanliness, and excellent location. It boasts an overall rating of 8.4 on Agoda and a "Good" rating of 7.8 based on 626 reviews on Booking.com. Travelers often highlight the great staff, comfortable rooms, and pleasant ambiance.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently appreciate the hotel's boutique and art-themed atmosphere, set within a beautifully restored, heritage-listed 1920s building. Its prime location in the New Acton Pavilion and its unique "gallery" theme, featuring a sculpture garden and original artworks throughout, are frequently cited as key attractions. The hotel provides a sophisticated retreat with easy access to the city's attractions.

3. Room Quality

The hotel offers 85 well-appointed rooms, suites, and apartments, designed with comfort and style in mind. Rooms feature bespoke furnishings, premium bedding, pillowtop mattresses, and customizable pillow menus for "dreamy slumbers". Modern amenities include 43-inch LED televisions with premium digital channels (some with Bang & Olufsen TVs), minibars, espresso makers, and complimentary wired and wireless internet access. Bathrooms are equipped with rainfall showerheads, slippers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. While some rooms are described as "small," guests generally find them comfortable and cozy. Spacious options like 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments are also available.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel previously featured Bicicletta Restaurant, known for its award-winning authentic Italian cuisine and popular buffet breakfast. However, Bicicletta Restaurant served its final breakfast on December 15, 2025, to make way for a "fresh new concept" in Canberra's dining scene. In the interim, guests are advised to contact the hotel for alternative breakfast options. The Library Bar remains a social hub where guests can enjoy drinks. Room service is also available during limited hours.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback consistently praises the friendly, helpful, and professional nature of the staff. Many guests have reported pleasant check-in experiences, with staff being accommodating and attentive. One guest even received an unexpected room upgrade and birthday amenities. However, there was one isolated complaint regarding an unprofessional attitude from a manager concerning an Accor Explorer card.

6. Location & Accessibility

Peppers Gallery Hotel boasts a prime location in the sophisticated NewActon precinct, described as a "first true urban village". It's highly accessible, being within walking distance to numerous key attractions and facilities.

• Nearby Attractions: Lake Burley Griffin (5-minute walk / 0.5 km), Australian National University (2-minute walk / 0.2 km), National Museum of Australia (1.8 km to 2km away, 5-minute drive), Commonwealth Park (5-minute walk), Canberra Theatre Centre (9-minute walk), and Canberra Centre (12-minute walk / 1.1 km). Parliament House is also within a 5-minute drive or walking distance.
• Transport: The hotel is a quick 15-minute drive from Canberra Airport (CBR). Self-parking is available onsite, though fees apply and pre-booking is recommended.

7. Value & Pricing

Peppers Gallery Hotel Canberra is generally considered a good value for money, offering luxury in the heart of the city. Room rates vary, with prices found ranging from approximately AU$133.99 to AU$577 for a one-night stay for two adults. The typical room rate in the past month was around 136.88 AUD, compared to the city's average of 182.12 AUD.

8. Common Complaints

While overall sentiment is positive, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted:

• Gym Availability: The gymnasium facilities have been unavailable until further notice, which is a drawback for guests who wish to maintain their fitness routine.
• Dated Feel/Refurbishment Needs: Some reviews mention that the hotel, particularly the rooms and facilities, is "showing signs that it's becoming dated" and could benefit from refurbishment.
• Dining Transition: The closure of Bicicletta Restaurant for a new concept might be a temporary inconvenience for guests accustomed to its offerings, though alternative breakfast options are provided.
• Service Inconsistency: An isolated incident reported an "unprofessional" attitude from a manager, although this appears to be an exception rather than the norm given the overwhelmingly positive feedback on staff.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. booking.com
3. hotelcanberra.net
4. expedia.com.au
5. peppers.com.au
6. travelandtourworld.com
7. google.com.au
8. visitcanberra.com.au
9. peppersgallery.com.au
10. luxuryescapes.com
11. lastminute.com.au
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13. thehotelguru.com
14. hotels.com
15. easemytrip.com
16. boutiquehotels.guru
17. peppers.com.au
18. expedia.com
19. momondo.com.au
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