Unique Sleeps: Hotel Hotel, Canberra

Canberra. The place you visited on a school excursion, with your own kids in their school holidays and maybe once or twice for an art exhibition.

Over the past few years there’s been a few new reasons to head to Australia’s capital – new bars, restaurants, galleries, and now, a brand new hotel. Hotel Hotel opened last year and has been drawing the crowds ever since. It’s so cool they named it twice. Maybe not, but this hotel does has some serious design cred. Created by the Molonglo Group, this hotel has art in every room. Every room is art. From clay-rendered walls and vintage furniture to an art house cinema on site, Hotel Hotel is about more than a place to sleep.

Expedia’s NSW and ACT Associate Market Manager Alex gives us the inside scoop on Hotel Hotel.

The arrival of Hotel Hotel is exciting news for Canberra and staying at this design hotel is an experience in itself.

You don’t even need to go past check in before getting a culture fix. The arts and crafts market in the reception area showcases local products. The pile of old suitcases is part of The Molonglo group’s personal collection.

You’ll find more of their collection scattered throughout the hotel. No two rooms have the same artwork, or even the same design.

Attention to detail is a big deal here – forget mini shampoos, the amenities are full-size Aesop bottles. And in the mini bar, the glasses are recycled from recycled bottles.

Downstairs, underneath the reception area, is where you’ll find the Palace Electric Cinema. Open to the public, these eight cinemas play everything from international film festivals to the latest art-house movies.

If you’re feeling more active, stop by reception and pick up a speed bike.

Hotel Hotel is a great place to base yourself for a few cultural Canberra days.