Who knew family friendly could be so cool? The East Hotel is home to one of Canberra’s newest restaurants, one of its favourite cafe/bookshops (and believe us – Muse has some stiff competition) and a cosy little Italian bar, where you can order up aperitivo and half a dozen kinds of grappa. It also has specialised kids’ studio rooms, equipped with play tables and Xbox 360s. Even the adult rooms have a playful vibe – decorated with jeweltone couches, velvet cushions and cheery art. In East’s apartments, you’ll find enough closet space to satisfy a RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant, as well as a fully equipped kitchen, large fridge and coffee machine. Room service is courtesy of downstairs restaurant Agostinis – which means staying in with a pizza or handmade lasagna.
Now, about that bar – Joe’s: you’ll probably want to order the antipasto plate, it comes piled high with prosciutto and grape pecorino and goes very well with an Aperol Spritz. Or, if you’re feeling indulgent go the house affogato – which is basically an Espresso Martini with ice cream.
East Hotel sits between the small but upscale shopping districts of Kingston and Manuka. It’s around 15 minutes walk from the Kingston Foreshore and a five minute drive from the Parliamentary Triangle.