Novotel Canberra 4.5 stars

I stayed at the Novotel Brisbane 5 days ago, and the Novotel Canberra this week, these two properties are polar opposites when it comes to experience/inclusions/value for money, with the Novotel Canberra a 3 star motel compared to the 4.5 star Novotel Brisbane - I was shocked at how the experience could vary so much within the same brand. Comparison between the two: Novotel Canberra - (NC) Novotel Brisbane - (NB) 1. Room service: NB: Full room service was available NC: It states its available from 4pm. I requested food at 5pm, "sorry sir, the kitchen doesn't open til 5.30pm". Ugh 2. Minibar NB: Fully stocked minibar replenished daily. NC: No minibar on offer whatsoever, nothing... 3. Coffee NB: Barista coffee is served standard with breakfast each morning. NC: Barista coffee only available at an additional charge, even when breakfast is included. 4. Breakfast NB: Eggs anyway you like, omelette, poached, sunny side up, whatever - just ask. NC: I requested an omelette, "that'll be an additional cost on top of what you've already paid for breakfast". Are you serious!? What's the point of paying for breakfast?? 5. Drinks Asked front desk at 11pm for a can of soft drink and charge it to my room. "We have no drinks as the bar is closed". They could not even get a can that could be fetched from the fridge and charge it to the room. So with no minibar, and nothing available for purchase - uber delivery came in handy. 6. Pre-ordering NB: Inroom card to pre-order breakfast for delivery, just fill in and leave it outside at night. NC: No such thing exists Gerneral stuff: Im 5ft 8 and the shower head was 1cm off the top of my head, hate to have been any taller. Shower over bath too so avoid if you have mobility issues. Stained curtains, chipped cupboards, room carpet filthy and in desperate need of replacing. The only saving grace here is location (however there are plenty of other properties in the same location so you have choice), and all staff were friendly. Avoid if you want 3 star or above. Stay if you're ok with motel style, lack of services, lack of amenities and wanting to pay for extras that should already be included. Hot tip: Canberra accom can book out well in advance, especially if parliament is sitting. Make sure to book as far in advance as you can to avoid disappointment.

The hotel is outdated, lacks maintenance and cleanliness.

This is a quiet hotel with good service, food and in a central location with both taxis and tram stop just outside the door. It is a short walk from Canberra Central with good shopping and many restaurants within easy walking distance.

It was a great experience. Was a bit surprised that I needed to fork out another $30 for breakfast but I guess this is the current market condition

Hotel was fairly basic and lobby and room smelled like…toilet smells as soon as we got to floor 4. Really strong smell, but stay otherwise ok