The Sebel Canberra Campbell

We picked the Sebel because dogs were welcome without an extra fee or size limit. The room was clean, and the appliances were too. It's in an apartment precinct, with a decent-sized park opposite and a few restaurants nearby. Dog-friendly rooms are only on level 1, which makes sense since some guests may not be comfortable around dogs. Parking is limited and expensive, and the lobby is small with few seats. Even so, we'd happily return with the dogs.

The room was clean, modern, new and well maintained, and check-in and check-out were both easy. Staff were friendly, and the price felt fair for the quality. I also appreciated how relaxed and welcoming they were about dogs, with no extra charge or fuss. There was a small kitchen with an electric stove, a washing machine and dryer, and a little balcony. We parked nearby on the street, where it was free overnight and free for up to four hours during the day, Monday to Friday. Since we were usually out then, that worked fine. Secure parking is also available for $25/day. It suited one or two people well. I had a great short stay and would definitely come back.

The beds were very comfortable, the showers strong, and the in-room facilities good. It's a new, modern, dog-friendly property, and parking was easy despite the warnings that it was limited. Still, I wouldn't stay again. The place felt short on warmth and atmosphere, and the staff were professional but not especially warm or flexible. Our main problem was a sewer smell throughout level one that affected both our rooms. Staff offered an ozone machine, but seemed to know about the issue while continuing to rent those rooms. The rooms themselves are small but well equipped, though not set up for two people to eat comfortably unless you use the TV stand or bed. A mug and wine glass were missing, and some surfaces were dusty. There isn't a bar, restaurant or lounge, and reception is small and often unmanned. It's decent enough for a short stay, but I wouldn't choose it again.

We stayed in a two-bedroom apartment over Australia Day weekend. The beds were fairly comfortable, but the rest was average. The rooms had a bland serviced-apartment feel, with basic living room furniture and a hard sofa. The washing machine was welcome, though there was no dishwasher. The aircon wasn't working in the main bedroom, and the TV in the second room didn't work. The bathroom was tiny and its extractor fan wasn't working either. Three stars from me.