Always stay at Quest when I'm in Canberra for work. Great staff close to restaurants and coffee. Beautiful room for a lot less than the Novotel and it even has a balcony, so you can have cigarette outside without going down to the street. Only downside is noise from patrons at the restaurants and pubs nearby

Approximate cost: $200

My parents stayed here last year and were satisfied with their experience. The hotel is cosy and generally well-maintained (they had to send someone to fix the room's leaky air-conditioning). The staff were friendly and accommodating. We got the studio room at a special rate (less than AUD 130 per night) and it was well worth it. Huge plus point was its close proximity to the ANU, the city and the bus interchange.

Approximate cost: $130