Mantra MacArthur Canberra

This hotel is frequently praised for its spacious rooms and convenient access to public transport, making it an excellent choice for sightseers and business travelers looking to explore the city with ease. Its proximity to the light rail station is a signature feature, allowing guests to reach the city center quickly. The hotel generally offers a comfortable stay, with many guests highlighting the friendly and helpful staff. For families, the availability of two-bedroom suites and the quiet environment are particularly appealing. To enhance your experience, it is advisable to clarify parking arrangements upon booking and to be aware that some in-room amenities may vary, so it's wise to check upon arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, though some aspects receive mixed feedback. Most rooms are equipped with a microwave, kettle, and refrigerator, providing convenience for guests. While a fitness center is available, some guests noted issues with equipment or water coolers. Wi-Fi connectivity receives mixed reviews, with some finding it slow or requiring personal details for access. The air conditioning system is a point of contention, with some guests reporting it to be noisy, ineffective, or centrally controlled, while others found it quiet and efficient. The TV system is sometimes described as outdated or having limited working channels, and some guests wished for better streaming capabilities.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Room comfort and cleanliness present a varied picture. Many guests appreciate the spacious rooms and find the beds comfortable, though a significant number report issues with beds being two singles pushed together, leading to discomfort. The bathrooms are often described as modern with good shower pressure, but numerous reviews mention cleanliness issues such as mould, soap scum, hair in drains, and dirty grout. General room cleanliness is also inconsistent, with recurring complaints about dust, stained carpets, and dirty surfaces. Noise levels from traffic, construction, and hallways are frequently mentioned, impacting sleep quality for some, while others found their rooms quiet. Some guests also noted a lack of hanging space or functional coat hangers.

Dining & Food Quality
Dining options at the hotel receive mixed feedback, with a notable point being the restaurant often being closed or offering a limited menu, particularly for dinner. The breakfast buffet is frequently mentioned; while some guests find it to be of good value with a decent variety, including fresh fruit and good coffee, others describe it as basic, overpriced, or having limited hot food options like dry scrambled eggs and greasy bacon. The bar area is generally seen as a pleasant spot for meeting companions, though some guests noted a limited selection of spirits. Room service is occasionally mentioned as being unavailable or having missing menus.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, being very convenient for both short and long stays. It is situated within easy walking distance to the light rail station, providing quick access to the CBD and other attractions. Guests appreciate its proximity to popular tourist spots and various shopping and dining options. However, the hotel's immediate surroundings are impacted by ongoing construction next door, which can affect pedestrian access and views. Parking is a frequently discussed topic; while available, it is often off-site, shared with the public, and incurs an additional daily cost, which some guests find expensive or inconvenient due to access issues and height restrictions.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently commend the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to accommodate requests, such as providing extra pillows or assisting with taxi bookings. However, feedback on housekeeping is inconsistent; while some guests report daily service, many others note that rooms are not serviced daily, especially for longer stays, and sometimes require guests to request fresh towels or supplies from reception. There are also isolated reports of rushed check-ins or initial issues with booking recognition, though staff generally resolve these concerns.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several important details not covered elsewhere. A holding fee or deposit is typically required upon check-in, which some guests found unexpected or experienced delays in receiving a refund. The hotel's policy regarding room cleaning is often not daily, which can be a surprise for guests expecting regular service. There are recurring comments about a lack of basic in-room amenities such as bottled water, biscuits, or a full range of toiletries. The ongoing construction next door is a significant factor, causing noise during the day and impacting the immediate environment. Some guests also noted issues with TV connectivity for streaming devices or a limited number of working channels.