Ramada Encore by Wyndham Belconnen Canberra

This hotel is often chosen for its spacious rooms and comfortable beds, offering a practical and value-oriented stay. Its signature feature is its highly convenient location, placing guests within easy walking distance of a vibrant food market and a major shopping centre, making it an excellent base for exploring the local area. While many guests appreciate the quiet nights, a significant and recurring theme is the major construction happening next door, which can lead to considerable noise during the day. The hotel appeals to budget-conscious travelers seeking good value, families benefiting from the large room sizes and potential two-bedroom units, and event attendees due to its proximity to sporting venues. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to inquire about a room away from the construction site if daytime quiet is a priority, and be aware that the hotel's decor is frequently described as dated.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently comment on the hotel's facilities, noting both conveniences and areas for improvement. Parking is consistently praised for being ample, free, onsite, and secure, providing ease of access for those with vehicles. While some rooms offer kitchenettes that are well-equipped with utensils, others found them basic, sometimes lacking a microwave or toaster, and some reported scratched pans. The Wi-Fi connectivity is a common point of contention, with many guests experiencing unreliable service, frequent drop-outs, and slow speeds, often necessitating the use of personal data. The air conditioning units are often described as old, noisy, or ineffective, with some instances of leaking. A coffee machine in the foyer is a welcome amenity for many, though some reported it being out of order. The absence of lifts to upper floors is a notable inconvenience for guests with heavy luggage or mobility challenges.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is varied. Many guests found their rooms to be clean and tidy, with comfortable beds and a choice of firm or soft pillows contributing to a restful night's sleep. However, a significant number of reviews highlight issues such as dated decor, worn carpets, and a general need for refurbishment. Some guests reported concerns with cleanliness, including dust, mould in kettles or showers, sticky bathroom floors, and even stained towels or bedsheets. Noise levels are a major recurring issue, primarily due to the construction noise from next door starting early in the morning, and thin walls that allow sounds from neighboring rooms, plumbing, and hallway activity to be clearly heard. While some rooms are quiet at night, the inconsistent water temperature and low water pressure in showers are frequent complaints, alongside issues like leaking shower heads and worn-out in-room amenities like TV reception and coffee makers.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive mixed and often critical feedback. A major point of disappointment for many guests is the frequent or permanent closure of the advertised restaurant and bar, leading to a lack of onsite dining choices. Breakfast is generally not available, or if offered, is very limited. Room service is provided, but the menu is often described as basic, sometimes limited to only pizza, and guests are typically required to pay at the time of ordering, which some found inconvenient. The food quality of room service has also received negative comments. Despite the limited onsite options, guests frequently praise the hotel's proximity to a large food market directly across the street and the nearby Westfield shopping centre, which offer a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and food court choices, making it easy for guests to find alternative dining experiences within walking distance.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets, offering excellent accessibility to various points of interest. It is praised for being central and conveniently close to a major Westfield shopping centre, numerous cafes, a chemist, and a vibrant food market directly across the street, providing ample dining and shopping opportunities within walking distance. For those attending events, the hotel is well-situated near sporting venues like Bruce Stadium and the AIS. Parking is a significant advantage, with guests appreciating the ample, free, and secure onsite options. While the location is ideal for exploring the area, guests should be aware of the major construction site next door, which, despite the hotel's otherwise convenient setting, can impact the immediate surroundings with noise and visual disturbances during the day.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel receive varied feedback, ranging from highly positive to significantly negative. Many guests commend the friendly staff for their helpfulness, attentiveness, and professional demeanor, particularly at reception, where some individuals are singled out for their exceptional service in assisting with bookings, check-ins, and resolving issues. The check-in process is generally described as quick and easy, with convenient options for early departures. However, some guests reported encountering unhelpful or preoccupied staff, long wait times, and difficulties with communication, especially regarding after-hours assistance or obtaining invoices. Housekeeping is an area of concern for some, with reports of beds not being made, inconsistent towel changes, and even missing personal items. Despite these inconsistencies, the hotel's pet-friendly service is a notable positive, with thoughtful provisions for animal companions.

Additional Information
Several important details about the hotel, not covered elsewhere, frequently appear in guest reviews. The hotel is widely described as dated and in significant need of a makeover or refurbishment, with many guests noting its old, tired appearance and suggesting it is due for an update, with some even mentioning plans for demolition and rebuilding. A notable positive is the pet-friendly policy, which is highly appreciated by guests traveling with animals, as the hotel provides specific amenities like pet beds and bowls. While some guests experienced flexible checkout times, others reported considerable difficulty obtaining refunds for early departures or resolving issues with double charges, indicating inconsistencies in financial policies. Guests occasionally receive complimentary amenities such as fruit, water, and earplugs (due to construction), which are thoughtful touches.