One of the many advantages of staying in an apartment hotel with kitchenette is the extra space compared to an ordinary hotel room. Another great advantage is that many apartment hotels have separate living and bedroom areas as well as laundry facilities.
For business travellers or families with kids, this is a big plus. Even former US President Barack Obama stayed at apartment hotel Mantra Pandanas when he visited Darwin 10 years ago. The president and his entourage took over the entire 336-room hotel.
It is the home creature comforts with all the conveniences of apartment living that have proven to be a major drawcard for Aussies, now free to travel again after many interstate borders recently reopened.
Another bonus is apartment hotels are often located in prime CBD positions or around airports.
Some apartment hotel groups, such as Quest, even offer a “pantry shopping” service where staff will stock your fridge with your favourite juice, oat milk or granola awaiting your arrival.
This is a particularly useful service for business travellers on a working trip for several days. They can enjoy breakfast with their favourite brand of coffee and cereal – just like what they usually do at home – instead of sitting in a hotel restaurant sipping mediocre cappuccinos and tucking into a lukewarm, over-fired omelette.
We recently stayed at one of Canberra’s newest apartment hotels, A by Adina in the heart of the city centre. At 37 square metres, the one-bedroom king apartment is comfortable with more than a touch of luxury. There’s a pillow menu, a fully equipped kitchen with microwave, fridge and utensils, a coffee machine with pods and tea selection, a walk-in wardrobe, a separate lounge/dining area, a work desk, washing machine and dryer, and an in-room safe. Bathroom amenities are by Hunter Lab, there’s complimentary wi-fi and several USB charging points. You couldn’t ask for more.
A by Adina usually caters for travellers wanting their home comforts and its 132 spacious rooms combine apartment living with hotel services and facilities. Perched on the doorstep of the famed Parliamentary Triangle, Lake Burley Griffin and Constitution Place, the five-star brand adjoins a retail and hotel laneway precinct which is close to the Canberra’s largest shopping centre and dining strip. There are coffee bars, cafes and delightful shops to explore, and you are only a five-minute drive away from Parliament House or Canberra’s landmark galleries and museums.
Another hotel group, Mantra, offers superbly located apartments which also have extra amenities such as pools, gyms and parking. From Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide to Brisbane, you will be spoilt for choice.
Watch out hotel rooms – apartment hotels have you in their sight.