Special Archives | Abode Hotels

Top Pup-Friendly Hotels to Add to Your Travel List

December 17, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

Don’t want to travel alone this summer? Bring your furry friend with you!

The nation’s capital has a lot to offer visitors and your four-legged friend is no exception. Offering pet friendly packages across a range of convenient Canberra locations, Abode Hotels have the perfect accommodation option for you and your furry friend to explore the city.

1. Abode Kingston

Situated in the heart of Canberra’s inner-south, Abode Kingston features a range of courtyard and balcony rooms giving your pet plenty of space to get comfortable. With the Kingston Foreshore just down the road, it’s the ideal spot to soak up some sun at one of the many pet friendly cafés or enjoy a stroll around the Foreshore.

(02) 6108 4760
14 Kennedy St, Kingston ACT 2604
www.abodehotels.com.au

2. Abode Narrabundah

Pet and bike friendly, Abode Narrabundah is perfectly positioned near some of Canberra’s best tourist hotspots including the National Gallery of Australia, Questacon and Lake Burley Griffin. Join the lake-loving locals and ride or walk with your pup around Canberra’s shining centrepiece during your stay.

(02) 6130 0650
61 Jerrabomberra Ave, Narrabundah ACT 2604
www.abodehotels.com.au

3. Abode Murrumbateman

Canberra’s breath-taking wine region, Murrumbateman has outdoor attractions in abundance giving you and your pooch plenty of room to run wild. With so many great cellar doors and vineyards nearby, pick up a bike from Abode Murrumbateman reception when you stay at the hotel and explore the region with your four-legged friend right by your side.

(02) 6108 4763
57 Rose St, Murrumbateman NSW 2582
www.abodehotels.com.au

4. Abode Gungahlin

Conveniently located amongst some of the greenest suburbs in Canberra, with plenty of great parks and walks to explore with your pup, Abode Gungahlin is the ideal location for a weekday or weekend getaway in the capital.

(02) 6108 4911
Anthony Rolfe Ave, Gungahlin ACT 2912
www.abodehotels.com.au

Abode Hotels pet friendly packages feature rooms with courtyard or balcony access, complimentary bottled water and unlimited Wi-Fi.

Learn more at www.abodehotels.com.au

Looking for the Ultimate Escape?

December 17, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

We’ve found a little Aussie gem.

Home to some of Australia’s award-winning wine makers, Murrumbateman is no longer Canberra’s hidden gem but instead the ultimate weekend destination for food and wine lovers.

With such a wide variety of boutique cellar doors, vineyards and rustic restaurants on offer, we’ve compiled our top picks in Canberra’s cool climate wine region.

1. Four Winds Vineyard

It may be a micro-winery but it definitely packs a punch! Attracting global kudos for the recent redesign of its wine labels and named the supreme champion at the 2017 Drinks International Wine Design Challenge. It’s no wonder Four Winds Vineyard is first on our list.

Photo courtesy of: Four Winds Vineyard

Four Winds Vineyard
9 Patemans Lane, Murrumbateman NSW 2582
www.fourwindsvineyard.com.au

2. Olleyville at Shaw Vineyard

Formerly Flint in the Vines, this re-imagined restaurant is the perfect stop for midday lunch. Known for their local produce and rustic menu, Olleyville is a must-see while in Murrumbateman. Don’t forget to also visit Shaw Vineyard’s breath-taking new cellar door after your meal.

Photo courtesy of: Olleyville, Shaw Vineyard

Olleyville at Shaw Vineyard
34 Isabel Drive, Murrumbateman NSW 2582
www.olleyville.com.au

3. Murrumbateman Winery

Your trip is not complete without visiting Tannin the Wine Dog at Murrumbateman Winery and picking up a bottle of her Wild Pinot Grrr-is. Named in her honour, this quirky Pinot Gris sales proudly supports the ACT RSPCA.

Photo courtesy of: Murrumbateman Winery

Murrumbateman Winery
131 McIntosh Circuit, Murrumbateman NSW 2582
www.murrumbatemanwinery.com.au

4. Poachers Pantry

One of the finest smokehouses in the country, Poachers Pantry is perfect for an afternoon snack. Sit in their café or cellar door and soak up the lush garden views and farmhouse while indulging in a range of their smoked meats and delicious cheese boards.

Photo courtesy of: Poachers Pantry

Poachers Pantry
431 Nanima Rd, Springrange NSW 2618
www.poacherspantry.com.au

5. Robyn Rowe Chocolates

Don’t forget to indulge your sweet tooth before the drive home. Stop by Robyn Rowe Chocolates and explore the variety of flavours on offer. With each chocolate individually hand- crafted you’ll be sure to pick-up a box to go!

Photo courtesy of: Robyn Rowe Chocolates

Robyn Rowe Chocolates
1153 Nanima Rd, Murrumbateman NSW 2582
www.robynrowechocolates.com.au

Book your stay in Canberra’s best kept secret with Abode Murrumbateman.
With a variety of packages on offer Abode Hotels will give you the break you didn’t know you needed.

Learn more at www.abodehotels.com.au

Abode Tuggeranong Touring Package

December 4, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

Explore Canberra’s south in style with the Tuggeranong Touring Package.

Keeping you hydrated and sun savvy across your stay, enjoy summer in Canberra with Abode Hotels.

Package includes two bikes for two hours*, a cycling map of the area, a picnic blanket, water bottles, late check out, and more!

Cruise around Lake Tuggeranong and enjoy the manicured leafy surrounds of parkland close to the city centre. Or, if pedalling off the pavement is more your style, pack a picnic and ride along one of the Canberra Centenary Trails, where nature is just a quick spin away.

BOOK NOW!

Terms and Conditions

Please call the hotel to book the bikes to suit your time frame.
Rates are per room / per night and room only, unless otherwise specified.
Package inclusions can’t be exchanged for cash.
Rates are non-commissionable unless otherwise specified.
Rates are valid for individual reservations of up to 9 rooms per night.
10 rooms or more booked together will be considered as a group booking. Group Bookings have separate cancelation and payment policies. Group booking Terms and conditions available on request.
Rates are for individual reservations only; single or double occupancy.
Rates are not available over special event dates or on the night that the Federal Budget is delivered.
The rates quoted include GST (the 10% Goods & Services Tax applied in Australia).
Rates may increase without notice due to changes in, or imposition of government taxes and levies.
All rates are subject to availability and yield restrictions.

Payment

Preferred payment is via credit card.
Book direct/charge back options are available after completing a credit application. Invoices must be paid within 30 days of issue.

Cancellation policy

All cancellations/amendments are to be made 2pm AEST the day prior to the arrival or will be subject to one night’s accommodation charge.
Any no-show bookings will be charged one nights’ accommodation.

Retail Therapy: Urban Explorer

December 4, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

When it comes to men’s travel essentials, it’s safe to say the bar has well and truly been raised. Functional and undoubtedly easy on the eye, leave it to these products to do the heavy lifting, so you can get back to business, be it in the boardroom, or the bar.

Carry On Cocktail Kit

Moscow Mule Kit, from $24.00

wpdesign.com

Mason Pearson

C4 styling comb, $16.50

themodernman.co.uk

Bose

QuietComfort 25 acoustic noise cancelling headphones, $399.00

Bose Canberra, Canberra Outlet Centre

Marvis

Whitening toothpaste 75ml, $39.95

manperfected.com.au

Bear

Daily essential vitamins, $90.00

mrporter.com

Memo Bottle

Water bottle, from $29.90

Top3 By Design

Level 1, Monaro Mall, Canberra Centre

Scheaffer

300 ballpoint pen, $60.00

Pen Boutique

Level 1, Monaro Mall, Canberra Centre

Hook & Albert

Leather garment weekender, $806.70

hookandalbert.com

Solid State

‘Drifter’ solid cologne, $39.95

The Beauty Precinct

Ground Floor, Monaro Mall, Canberra Centre

Top Grooming Tips for Summer

December 4, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

Truefitt & Hill has been grooming men for greatness since 1805. Fast-forward to 2018 and they have officially opened their first Australian flagship store in the heart of Canberra’s city centre. The arrival of this acclaimed luxury brand affirms what we already knew – Canberra really is a cutting-edge capital.

Photo courtesy of: Truefitt & Hill

Truefitt & Hill remain the world’s oldest barbershop. Glancing at their appointment books from the past two centuries reveals a distinguished and exclusive clientele – from the Monarchs of Great Britain (throughout nine consecutive reigns) to the likes of Sir Winston Churchill, Charles Dickens and Frank Sinatra.

Hailing from an era of innovation, fine craftsmanship and styling, this heritage brand stands for more than just vanity. The company enjoys an unrivalled reputation for superior personal service, delivering an intimate and luxurious environment for the discerning gentleman be groomed and pampered. Aside from offering sophisticated services such as haircuts and shaves by experienced barbers, skincare treatments, manicures and pedicures; Truefitt & Hill is also known for their own exclusive line of luxury grooming products that includes hair and skincare products, colognes, shaving and leather accessories.

A trip to the Canberra flagship and you’ll find that no expense has been spared here either. Enjoy a whisky with your treatment in the elegant and traditionally fitted salon, or opt for the complete VIP experience in the Glenfiddich Suite where you’ll have complete privacy. Either way, you’ll leave looking and feeling your best.

Grooming tips for summer

Opt for a clean, neutral roll-on deodorant to stay feeling fresh and odour-free throughout the day. Deodorants with natural ingredients, free of aluminium and parabens are best for your skin, clothes, and the environment.
Protect against dehydration and premature ageing with a lightweight daily moisturizer. Look for one that’s oil-free with SPF, and apply after cleansing for all-day comfort.
Avoid foods (and drinks) that are high in sugar to ensure your skin stays looking healthy and bright. This goes double during the indulgent holiday season.
Switch up your signature scent to something more appropriate for the season; woody, spicy scents for winter and lighter, citrusy notes for summer.

Truefitt & Hill Canberra, 4B/21 Genge Street, Canberra City
truefittandhill.com.au

Where the Locals Shop

November 7, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

A bustling weekend market scene might not be what you’d expect to find in Canberra, but find it you will. There are three markets that you simply can’t afford to miss, and if you come on the right weekend, you can fit them all in in one fell swoop.

Photo: Visit Canberra

Capital Region Farmers Markets

What better way to kick off a weekend in the nation’s capital than sampling the region’s freshest produce at Exhibition Park in Canberra. These well-known markets are held from 7:30-11:30am almost every Saturday of the year.

Offering an unbroken link between local food producers and customers, you’ll find yourself salivating over the impressive range of produce. From baked goods, fruit and nuts and a remarkable cheese offering to meat and seafood, delectable oils, preserves and cured meats and the freshest vegetables around, patrons truly take home a taste of the Canberra region from these markets.

Where: Exhibition Park in Canberra, Flemington Rd, Mitchell

Photo: Visit Canberra

Old Bus Depot Markets

Over the past twenty-two years in Canberra, the Kingston OBDM have been providing the finest in hand crafted wares, clothing and jewellery as well as delicious food, coffee and entertainment. Held every Sunday between 10am-4pm, the markets are such regular winners of Australian Tourism awards that they are in the esteemed Hall of Fame.

Almost each week at the OBDM is themed; think Collectible Sunday with unique antiques, Designer Sunday with high-end jewellery and fashion on offer, or Multicultural Sunday with food and handcrafted products from around the world.

Weekly, there are over 200 stalls to peruse in a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere with spectacles-a-plenty in the form of buskers, musicians and performers. At centre stage though are the regional artists and craftspeople who keep the 10,000 weekly visitors coming back for more.

Where: 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston

Photo: Handmade Markets

Handmade Markets

Held across both days (10am-4pm) on weekends in March, May, July, October and December each year, the Handmade Markets are all about bringing you the very best of Canberra’s independent, small and creative businesses.

Regularly attracting well over 20,000 visitors, the Handmade Markets offer 260 stalls in two halls at Exhibition Park in Canberra. Stalls offer homewares, gifts, fashion, accessories and food, plus there’s a gourmet food hall full of street food vans, creating a feast for the senses and an unbeatable atmosphere of creativity and excitement.

Where: Exhibition Park in Canberra, Flemington Rd, Mitchell

What the Locals Do

November 7, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

Canberra’s shining centrepiece, Lake Burley Griffin, is a beacon for visitors to the city and loyal lake-walking locals. Any given day walkers, runners, doggos big and small, can be found making the 5km ‘bridge to bridge’ pilgrimage. However, it’s what the locals do on the water that is making leisure waves.

Photo: Anthony Croke for GoBoat

Go Boat

For freedom, food and fun on the water, look no further than GoBoat Canberra. GoBoat offers locals and visitors the opportunity to captain your own boat (no previous boating experience or a boat licence required) and chart your own adventure on Lake Burley Griffin. All safety equipment is supplied, the boats are powered by eco-friendly electric motors (recharged with Green Power) and the boats themselves are made from recycled plastic bottles and sustainably farmed wood.

Choose your crew (up to eight people per boat) and gather around the picnic table on board for good food, drink and conversations, while the shores of the beautiful lake slowly drift by.

Where: Wharf 2, Trevillian Quay, Kingston
Cost: Prices start at $95 for one hour

Photo: Stand Up Paddleboarding Canberra

Stand Up Paddleboarding

One thing Canberra is often criticised for is its unfortunate lack of ocean. So one of the last things you might expect to find in the capital is an internationally accredited Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUPing) School. But that’s exactly what Matthew Scott, brings to Lake Burley Griffin.

Having established Stand Up Paddle Canberra in 2014 (previously known as The SUP’ing Caveman), Matthew says the appetite for SUPing in Canberra has been unbelievable. “We’ve had over 700 students come through our school since September 2014 and we’ve witnessed significant growth in use of the lake, involving all types of watercraft,” says Matt.

You can have a go at SUPing as a one-off experience, book a course of three sessions or even learn as a family, where the little ones will go free with a full-paying adult.

There are many benefits to learning to SUP in Canberra, as Matt notes “Lake Burley Griffin is such a wonderful and beautiful lake. There are only a handful of cities around the world that you can paddle through. Because the lake is unaffected by tides and swells, beginners have the opportunity to learn in an environment that isn’t as erratic as the ocean.”

So why should people give SUPing a go in Canberra?

“The opportunity to see such an underrated city from this perspective cannot be underestimated. Whether it be for fitness, relaxation, adventure or even to spend time with loved ones away from the day-to-day distractions of the world, there is nothing more peaceful than being out on Lake Burley Griffin, with just the sound of your board and paddle cutting through the water,” says Matt.

Where: Molonglo Reach at Lake Burley Griffin, Duntroon
Cost: Prices start at $60 per person

Summer in the Capital Package

October 25, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

Turn up the heat with the Abode Hotels Summer in the Capital Package!

Keeping you hydrated and sun savvy across your stay, enjoy summer in Canberra with Abode Hotels.

Each package includes an Abode Hotels branded water bottle and a handy travel-sized sunscreen which can be taken on your trip around the city. Discover arts, culture and history at iconic national attractions, enjoy walking, riding or boating at Lake Burley Griffin and taste your way through famed food precincts across the city.

Get in quickly – the Abode Hotels Summer in the Capital package* is on sale for a limited time only.

Package includes branded water bottles, SPF30+ sunscreen, late checkout, free unlimited Wi-Fi, free parking at select hotels and complimentary bottled water.

BOOK NOW!

Terms and Conditions

Rates are per room / per night and room only, unless otherwise specified.
Package inclusions can’t be exchanged for cash.
Rates are non-commissionable unless otherwise specified.
Rates are valid for individual reservations of up to 9 rooms per night.
10 rooms or more booked together will be considered as a group booking. Group Bookings have separate cancelation and payment policies. Group booking Terms and conditions available on request.
Rates are for individual reservations only; single or double occupancy.
Rates are not available over special event dates or on the night that the Federal Budget is delivered.
The rates quoted include GST (the 10% Goods & Services Tax applied in Australia).
Rates may increase without notice due to changes in, or imposition of government taxes and levies.
All rates are subject to availability and yield restrictions.

Payment

Preferred payment is via credit card.
Book direct/charge back options are available after completing a credit application. Invoices must be paid within 30 days of issue.

Cancellation policy

All cancellations/amendments are to be made 2pm AEST the day prior to the arrival or will be subject to one night’s accommodation charge.
Any no-show bookings will be charged one nights’ accommodation.

Fitz’s Challenge 2018

October 11, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

On the last Sunday of October each year, south Canberra’s mountain ranges team with over one thousand road cycling fanatics. Hosted by Pedal Power ACT, Fitz’s Challenge is one of the toughest road cycling competitions in the country. Five hilly race circuits ranging from 50km – 255km test riders’ ability and agility, with the longest ride featuring the legendary event’s name-sake, Fitz’s Hill.

Fitz’s Challenge Community Ambassador Jen Faerber is no stranger to a long distance hill climb. She’s also closely connected to the competition’s official charity partner, The Kids’ Cancer Project, who raise much-needed funds for children’s cancer research projects.

Fitz’s Challenge Community Ambassador Jen Faerber.

How would you describe your cycling experience? What kind of rider are you?
I’m a recreational rider. I love being out on the bike, enjoying the speed, the scenery and the weather. I used to live on Vancouver Island and use my bike for transport, which meant a lot of riding in the rain. Now I’m a fair weather rider, on a road bike and a mountain bike. I most enjoy riding alone. I find it slightly meditative to just go at your own pace, exploring and taking in the scenery.

Why are you tackling Fitz’s Challenge this year?
I do enjoy riding, and I don’t feel like I’ve been doing enough lately. Knowing this event is around the corner will encourage me to get out regularly and take on some hills. I think it’s really important that women claim some space in the sports and activities they enjoy, most of all to give other women and girls the idea that they might enjoy it, too.

Have you done anything like this before?
I had never even been on a road bike until I got myself on the 2013 team riding the Tour de Rock, a huge fundraiser on Vancouver Island for the Canadian Cancer Society. We rode 1200km in 13 days, stopping in at lots of schools and fundraising events along the way. For that ride we trained three times a week for about six months – around 40km of hills on Tuesdays, 40km of speed/intervals on Thursdays and a long ride of up to 140km on weekends.

Cotter Road Climb. Photo: Epsom Road Studios, supplied by Pedal Power.

Fitz’s Challenge has five ride lengths ranging from 50-255km – which ride are you doing?
I’ve chosen to do the 50km ride. I generally enjoy hills, but it’s been so long since I’ve done any regular training that I think it might be a rude shock when I try the route. I have no desire to ride 100km in one go ever again, so I hope this will be a nice day out! I’m also not competitive at all and I know a big focus of Fitz’s Challenge is individual achievement – not racing the other participants.

What does The Kid’s Cancer Project mean to you?
Cancer has been a big part of my life. I had non-Hodgkins lymphoma when I was 11 years old, but was considered totally cured after about 10 months of chemo and two years of check-ups.
I have a few ‘late effects’ as they’re known (holey teeth, low fertility) but the most significant lasting effect has been how close my family is and how we appreciate the most basic things, like having a meal together. The Kid’s Cancer Project funds research into childhood cancer that has already totally transformed the experience of a child undergoing treatment. My treatment was primitive and blunt compared to how targeted they can be now. I’m so grateful that people like my oncologist Dr Luce Dalla- Pozza are still working, 22 years later, to make even more improvements and that they’re receiving funding from the Kid’s Cancer Project to do it.

Fitz’s Challenge takes place on Sunday 28 October 2018 at various locations across the Brindabella Ranges, ACT.
Abode Hotels is proud to be the preferred accommodation partner for Fitz’s Challenge 2018.

DESIGN Canberra 2018

October 11, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

A city renowned for innovation, Canberra has a rich history in remarkable design. From the cutting-edge ‘garden city’ vision of city designers Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, to the modernist and brutalist city architecture, the evolution of Canberra since the early 1900s is played out through its ever-changing design landscape.

The DESIGN Canberra festival is a city-wide celebration that brings the capital’s creative community to the fore. A collection of events, exhibitions, talks, tours, activations, markets, collaborations, artist studios and open homes transform Canberra in to a hub of all things design.

We Dance Together artist installation by Jodie Cunningham. Photo: 5 Foot Photography, supplied by CraftACT.

We speak with this year’s designer in residence Chelsea Lemon about her involvement.

For the past two years, DESIGN Canberra has selected a local designer to create the look and feel of the festival, including a feature piece that will align the festival’s aesthetic with this year’s theme of ‘geometry’.

2018’s designer in residence, Chelsea Lemon, is an esteemed Canberra creator. Lemon’s medium of choice is timber — and her fresh take on traditional woodworking techniques serves up a contemporary perspective that pushes the boundaries of typical Australian furniture design. Her innovative style, flair for artistic finishes and tenacity of craftsmanship make her the ideal candidate for the designer in residence post; promising dynamic geometric arrangements that inherit the interactive quality of her coveted parquetry technique.

“I have been involved in DESIGN Canberra since it began in 2014, so it is a festival which I really value. Not only does it bring together the creative community within Canberra, but it immerses the broader population in design, bringing an incredible aspect of the city to life,” says Chelsea.

On the affinity Chelsea feels with this year’s theme of ‘geometry’; “I often use deconstructed geometric shapes within my designs to reconstruct new images and forms, which fits perfectly with this year’s aesthetic theme. I also use a decorative woodworking technique known as ‘parquetry’ to create my work, however for the festival I leaned towards the use of layered shapes and colour to create a sense of growth,” she says.

Curl Dish. Photo: courtesy of the designer.

“When developing the concept for the feature design, I wanted to create something that people could recognise, yet was a piece that the eye could explore. I also considered the theme of geometry and sketched iconic buildings within Canberra that were constructed through diverse geometric architecture. The buildings that I sketched are used for various purposes – they bring together design, community, and global connections.”

From 5-25 November 2018, Chelsea Lemon will be the designer in residence creating new work for DESIGN Canberra exhibitions, whilst also creating a bespoke gift for festival partners.

For more event information visit the DESIGN Canberra official website.