Escape to Paradise: Belconnen Way's Luxury Hotel & Apartments Await!
Escape to Paradise: Belconnen Way - Honestly, Is It Really Paradise? (A Belconnen Hotel Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause I'm about to spill the tea on the aptly named "Escape to Paradise: Belconnen Way Luxury Hotel & Apartments." I spent a blissful (and occasionally slightly grumpy) few days there, and let me tell you, it's complex. Forget glossy brochures, I'm giving you the real story. This review's gon' be long, it's gon' be honest, and it might just convince you to book a room - or run screaming for the hills. Let's do this!
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Escape to Paradise, Belconnen, Canberra, Luxury Hotel, Apartments, Accessible Hotel, Spa, Pool, Restaurant, Belconnen Way, Accommodation, Family Friendly, Fitness Center, Wi-Fi, Breakfast, Room Service, Parking, Reviews, Canberra Hotels
First Impressions & The Ramp-Up to Relaxation
Okay, so Escape to Paradise… Belconnen, Canberra isn’t exactly Bali. Let's be real. The location on Belconnen Way? It's… functional. Not romantic. But hey, you’re here for the hotel, right? The exterior? Modern, clean lines. The lobby? Actually pretty impressive. Lots of light, a stylish reception, and a genuine offer of a welcome drink – a nice touch! (That first sip of iced tea after a long drive? Priceless).
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag, Sadly:
This is where things get interesting. They trumpet their accessibility, and on the surface, it looks good. Wheelchair accessible? Tick. Elevator? Tick. Facilities for disabled guests? Tick. But… and there's always a but, isn't there? While they have the amenities, the execution felt… patchy. I'm not in a wheelchair myself, thankfully, but I noticed some potential issues. Navigating the hallways felt a little cramped in places. And that outdoor pool area? Absolutely stunning (I’ll get to it!), but I’m not sure how easy it is for someone with mobility issues to get in and out. They did have the right equipment, but the overall flow? Needs some work. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property are reassuring for safety and that's smart.
Safety & Cleanliness - Pandemic-Era Peace of Mind:
Okay, good news! This is where "Escape to Paradise" really shines. They take the whole COVID thing seriously, which, frankly, is a huge relief. Anti-viral cleaning products are the norm. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. They offer room sanitization opt-out available (a nice touch, showing respect for guests' health and preferences). Rooms sanitized between stays, professional-grade sanitizing services, and staff trained in safety protocol? Excellent. They also have Hand sanitizer readily available. Lots of First aid kit available. And the sensible Cashless payment service should be standard everywhere by now. The Individually-wrapped food options were a plus, and I felt genuinely safe and confident in their procedures. Bonus points for the Safe dining setup!
Rooms and In-Room Amenities - Comfort… Mostly:
My room was a "Deluxe Double" – think comfortable king-sized bed (essential!), a decent view (nothing spectacular, but hey, I wasn't expecting the Eiffel Tower), and all the usual suspects. Air conditioning was a lifesaver (Canberra summers get toasty). Blackout curtains? Bless them. Free bottled water? Yay! Coffee/tea maker? Absolutely crucial for this caffeine addict.
But here’s where my inner perfectionist started twitching. The Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN were a bit… inconsistent. Sometimes lightning-fast, other times like pulling teeth. And the TV selection wasn't the greatest. I am a fan of the Satellite/cable channels, they could improve the selection. Minor quibbles, really. Daily housekeeping was efficient, though I did wonder if they'd always remember to replace the shampoo. Bathrobes and Slippers? Luxury points! The Smoke detector and Fire extinguisher made me feel secure. The In-room safe box was a nice touch, as was the Refrigerator.
They do provide Internet access, and the options for Extra long bed and Interconnecting room(s) available. The Soundproofing and Non-smoking rooms help out.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - A Culinary Adventure (Mostly Good!)
Alright, let’s talk food! Escape to Paradise throws down some serious options. Restaurants? Plural! Poolside bar? Yes! The Bar was well-stocked and the cocktail list was tempting, I particularly enjoyed Happy hour.
The Breakfast [buffet] was a decent spread. They have a Western breakfast and a more Asian breakfast, with Coffee/tea in restaurant, and Breakfast service. The offerings weren't the most imaginative I've encountered, but the coffee was hot, the bacon was crispy, and sometimes, that's all you need. Breakfast takeaway service is perfect when you are trying to catch a flight.
I had dinner at their main restaurant. They offer A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant. Food? Pretty good! Salad in restaurant was fresh and crisp. They have Vegetarian restaurant options which is good to accommodate to different taste. The Desserts in restaurant are a must try! Room service [24-hour] is a godsend after a long day of… whatever it is you do in Canberra. The Bottle of water was a nice touch.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Get Ready to Unwind
This is where Escape to Paradise really flexes its muscles. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is… breathtaking. Seriously. Infinity edge, overlooking a… scenic view (I’m still not sure what I was overlooking, but it was pleasant). I spent at least an hour there every day, just floating and staring at the sky. The Pool with view is a must.
And the spa? Oh, the spa! I got a Massage, and it was heavenly. I'm a big fan of the Body scrub and Body wrap. The Spa/sauna and Steamroom were great. I didn't get a chance to try the Foot bath, but it sounded amazing! So, be sure to schedule some time at the spa. They also have a Fitness center (Gym/fitness) if you’re into that sort of thing (I’m not, but it looked well-equipped).
Services and Conveniences - The Perks of Being Pampered:
Okay, here’s where they try to make your stay effortless. Concierge? Super helpful. Luggage storage? Yep. Daily housekeeping? Mentioned that. Dry cleaning and Ironing service? Tick. Cash withdrawal? Convenient. Taxi service? Available. Car park [free of charge] is fantastic, but the Valet parking is a great option if you want to be a bit fancy, or just save time.
They also had some nice extras, like a Gift/souvenir shop if you need to grab something for the folks back home (I did, naturally). The Facilities for disabled guests is super important. And the Elevator is essential, of course.
The Quirks - The Little Things That Make It Real
I had this one moment. It was about 8:00 AM, and I was desperate for coffee. I’d already waited for the Room service [24-hour], and no one answered the phone. Finally, I went down to the lobby in my bathrobe, looking like a slightly unhinged zombie. They did sort me out with coffee. But it was just… a glimpse into the imperfections. Which, honestly, made the whole experience more relatable.
For the Kids (And Parents Who Need a Break)
Babysitting service? Yes! They are Family/child friendly with some Kids facilities and Kids meal, which is a huge bonus for families. They also had some Babysitting service to give parents a much-deserved break. They offer CCTV in common areas, Exterior corridor.
Getting Around - How to Maneuver Canberra:
Airport transfer, Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Bicycle parking, and Taxi service are all available. Canberra is a driving city, so having those are essential.
**The Verdict - Worth the Escape
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Belconnen Bonanza: A Messy Aussie Adventure (with a Hotel in the Middle!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your pristine, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is more like… the chaotic scribble of a travel-addicted, caffeine-fueled maniac, loosely anchored by a stay at the Belconnen Way Hotel & Serviced Apartments. Let's see if we can survive this Down Under.
Day 1: Arrival & Canberra Comedown (aka, Jet Lag is a Witch)
- 6:00 AM (ish): Brisbane Airport. Ugh. So. Early. I swear the pre-dawn chill bites harder when you're already sleep-deprived. My flight was delayed, naturally. I'm pretty sure the airline deliberately sabotages my travel ambitions. Managed to grab a dodgy airport coffee and a muffin that tasted suspiciously like cardboard.
- 9:30 AM: Canberra Airport. We made it! The air smells… different here? Less humid, more… eucalyptus-y? Instantaneously fell in love with Canberra's clean, wide streets. But also, felt that the city seems too perfect. Like one of those places where all the houses have matching lawns.
- 10:30 AM: Taxi to Belconnen Way. The driver, bless his heart, was a chatty Cathy, regaling me with tales of Canberra's best pubs and how "the weather's always a good one". Checked in. The apartment is… roomy. Surprisingly so. And clean. A real win after the airline purgatory. The air-con, however, is on full blast and it’s bloody freezing.
- 11:30 AM- 1:00 PM: Unpacked. Tried unsuccessfully to combat jet lag with a nap. Failed miserably. The internal clock is screaming "IT'S BEDTIME NOT NOON TIME!" Coffee, repeat.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch: Walked, deliriously, to a nearby cafe. Ended up ordering a "chicken schnitzel sandwich with chips" (because, Australia!). It was HUGE. I ate most of it. Regret.
- 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Went for a walk around Lake Ginninderra. It was lovely. Beautiful. The sun felt warm. I was so tired that I felt I could sleep right on the bench and not get up.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner: Headed back to the apartment. My stomach still screaming as if the previous food never happened. Made some instant noodles in the kitchen. Added way too much chili flakes. Ended up sweating buckets and calling out the names of the gods of hydration.
- 7:30 PM: Bedtime: Attempted to sleep. Failed. Wide awake, staring at the ceiling. Jet lag is the devil, I tell you.
Day 2: Parliament House & The National Gallery - A Beautiful Day (Mostly!)
- 8:00 AM: Woke. Or rather, blinked into consciousness. Still feeling like a zombie. But – coffee! Brewed a pot in the apartment. Bliss.
- 9:00 AM: Taxi to Parliament House. The building is… imposing. Like a giant, concrete… thing. The tour felt a bit dry, to be honest. All the politics and history started to melt into one massive, complicated blob. But the views from the roof were amazing! Canberra laid out below, like a giant, manicured park. Made me wonder if I could live here. Then, I remembered I'm a creature of chaos and grass is always greener on the other side.
- 11:00 AM: National Gallery of Australia. Wow. Just… wow. The art! The space! I spent a long time just standing in front of the Aboriginal art. It was so vibrant, so powerful, it gave me goosebumps. Then, the next room with the modern stuff. "What is this?", I was thinking, “Did I get it? Don't I?” My head was spinning. Suddenly, I felt overwhelmed and a bit lost. Needed a coffee.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch: Cafe inside the gallery. Overpriced, but the sandwich was decent. People-watching was superb. Felt the strong urge to buy a souvenir.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Lost myself again in the gallery, got back in track. Saw the Monets and fell in love again. Found myself unexpectedly moved by a particularly poignant photography exhibition. Suddenly, I felt something inside me. Beautiful, amazing, touching with my heart.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner & Booze: Found a decent pub near the hotel. Ordered a beer (or two) and some "pub grub". Tried to strike up a conversation with a friendly local. Failed. I blame awkwardness, and the fact I’m still adjusting to the accent.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the apartment. Sank into the sofa. Feeling surprisingly content. Maybe Canberra is growing on me after all.
- 9:00 PM: Bed. (Maybe sleep will happen this time…)
Day 3: Questacon & Homebound (aka, The Canberra Farewell)
- 8:00 AM: Up! Finally, a decent night's sleep! The hotel bed has been like a magical force, I got the perfect rest. Feeling almost human. Coffee, then.
- 9:00 AM: Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre. Okay, I felt like a kid again. Played with the exhibits, got utterly engrossed. My inner child had a field day. Spent far too long on the earthquake simulator. Worth it!
- 12:00 PM: Lunch: Quick bite near Questacon. Feeling a bit guilty for not having tried the local cuisine of Canberra.
- 1:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Started packing. Ugh. The worst part of any trip, really. Tried to decide whether to buy the hideous (but charming) souvenir from the gallery shop. Decided against it. Regret! And maybe I will buy it the next time.
- 2:00 PM: One last wander around the hotel. Taking it all in. The view… the comfort… I’m actually going to miss this apartment!
- 3:00 PM: Taxi to the airport. Traffic's surprisingly heavy. The driver, a young guy, was incredibly quiet. I half-expected another chatty Cathy. Apparently, Canberra has its quiet ones too.
- 4:00 PM: Airport. Check-in. Security. All the usual airport drama. Spotted a guy wearing an absolutely atrocious Hawaiian shirt. Gave him a sympathetic glance.
- 6:00 PM: Brisbane bound. Goodbye, Canberra! You surprised me. You were orderly, clean, and strangely beautiful. Maybe I'll be back, one day.
- 7:30 PM (ish):" Back to Brisbane. The end. (Or the beginning of the next adventure? Who knows!)
Reflections:
- Belconnen Way Hotel: Solid. Comfortable. Good value. Definitely recommend. Especially for the jet lag-induced naps. Would have stayed longer.
- Canberra: Not what I expected. A pleasant surprise. Worth a visit. Just, maybe, pack a sense of humor and prepare for the perfectly-manicured lawns.
- Me: Still a mess. Still learning. Still loving the adventure. And still dreaming of the next trip.
Okay, so... Belconnen Way. Paradise, huh? Really? I'm used to... well, let's just say *not* paradise.
Alright, alright, let's be real. "Paradise" is a *strong* word. Look, Belconnen isn't exactly the Maldives. It's not teeming with exotic birds or anything. BUT... "Escape to Paradise" is more of a... *vibe*. It's that promised feeling when you finally ditch the overflowing laundry basket and the insistent emails. Think of it as *your* paradise, even if that paradise includes a cracking view of a roundabout.
I went with some friends thinking it would be a laugh and we could get out of the house. But honestly, after that first glass of wine on the balcony, leaning back in those ridiculously comfy chairs... yeah, suddenly Belconnen Way wasn't so bad. It was *peaceful* and I definitely needed that.
Apartments or Hotel? Which one should I pick? HELP ME! It's a life-or-death decision, I swear!
Okay, deep breaths. It's not life or death… unless you're really, *really* sensitive to tiny hotel room claustrophobia, then maybe it is.
Here's the deal: Apartments are for space. Think of them as a chance to live *a little* like you normally do, maybe with a better view. Want to cook? Apartment. Dragging the kids along? Apartment. Planning on, like, a small dance-off in the living area? Apartment, obviously. The hotel is all about being pampered. Somebody else will make the bed. Somebody else will clean up your crumbs. Me? I went for the apartment, because I wanted a kitchen, and *maybe* because I envisioned myself as a semi-competent chef. The reality? Microwave meals. Delicious, delicious microwave meals. Still, the *possibility* of a gourmet dinner made me feel superior.
Choose wisely. Seriously, don't regret your choice. The lingering guilt of choosing wrong is hard to shake off, I can tell you that.
What's the deal with the amenities? Do they actually have a pool? (And is it Instagrammable?)
YES, they have a pool. Yes, it’s... functional. As for Instagrammable… well, it depends on your standards. The lighting's alright, but let's be honest – you're not going to get a Vogue cover shoot there.
They have a gym too, which I bravely entered once… then immediately left because I felt horribly intimidated by all the fitness fanatics. Actually, I think I was more impressed by the vending machine. That's where I spent most of my "gym time". The hotel also has a restaurant. Supposedly. I never got around to trying it. I had grand plans, all these perfect little scenarios in my head, but then I got caught up in a really good book and the allure of room service.
Just remember to check if the pool is heated. Nobody wants a freezing dip. Trust me.
The location. Belconnen Way. Is it… you know… *convenient*? Or am I going to be stuck in the middle of nowhere?
Okay, let's be honest. The location is a little... *out there*. It's not smack-bang in the city center, you know? You won’t be tripping over coffee shops every two steps.
But here’s the thing: it's also *kind of* great. There are shops nearby, a few restaurants, some pretty decent parks. Plus, parking is *amazing*. No circling the block for half an hour, desperate for a spot. Believe me, that's a huge win.
Public transport exists, though I'm not going to pretend I'm a public transport expert. Honestly, I drove everywhere. Just factor in a little extra time if you want to get downtown – you're not exactly going to be stumbling home from a bar at 3 AM. Unless you're REALLY committed to the taxi life. And let's be honest, most of us aren't.
Is it *clean*? Because nothing ruins "paradise" faster than a questionable stain on the carpet.
Alright, this is a serious question. And honestly, I'd give it a solid "Mostly Clean, with Potential for Greatness". My apartment was definitely clean when I arrived. I even got a nice smell of fresh linen which is HUGE. They seem to actually take pride in this. The cleaning crew did a thorough job.
HOWEVER... I'm not going to lie, I have this... *thing* with hotel rooms. I HAVE to check everything. I’m talking, looking under the bed, peering into the shower, the whole nine yards. It's a bit of a problem, I admit. The first thing I did was actually check the mattress. The mattress was FINE, honestly. You know what was NOT fine? My friend dropped a piece of pizza under the couch and we didn't realize it until DAY THREE. Let's just say... let's just say it was a learning experience about the importance of a solid cleaning schedule. But otherwise, the place was spotless.
Also, if you're a germaphobe, bring your own antibacterial wipes. Always.
The view. What can I expect? Hopefully, not the back of a dumpster.
Okay, the view… is a gamble. Honestly. You *could* get the back of a dumpster. Or you could get a lovely vista, maybe some greenery, even a glimpse of the lake (if you're lucky).
When I booked, I requested a high floor with a good view (because, duh). And you know what? I got it (sort of). I looked out, and there was this... *thing*. It was a building. But not just *any* building. It was a very modern building, with a lot of glass and curves and... I honestly have no idea what the architect was trying to achieve. But it was pretty. Very pretty. And the sunset from my room was breathtaking. It’s all down to luck, honestly. But it doesn't hurt to try!
The point is: don't set your expectations too high. And if you *do* get a stinker view, embrace it! Find the beauty in the mundane. Or, you know, pull the curtains and focus on the important things – like the mini-bar.
Is there free Wi-Fi? Because I AM a digital nomad, or at least, I pretend to be.
Yes, *thankfully*, there is free Wi-Fi. And it mostly works. Mostly.
Okay, I had a bit of a meltdown on the first day. I needed to send an urgent email, and the Wi-Fi was being... temperamental. It kept cutting out. Kept dropping the connection. I paced. I swore. I threatened to switchEscape To Inns
