But I'm undecided... Booked the toulouse lautrec package on the hotel website which included one night accommodation, breakfast and exhibition tickets for two. At $276 I thought it was pretty reasonable.

I'd read a few of the reviews so kind of knew what to expect. The lobby and reception area is spacious and you could appreciate the modern design elements. Check in was fast and easy but there was nothing special about the service.

The room on the third floor overlooking parliament was a decent size with big king bed. Personally, I think they've mistaken minimalist modern with beige and boring. No statement pieces like in the lobby makes the grey walls and beige furniture blend in on itself. The white armchair was so stained and dirty I wouldn't sit on it. The cabinet housing the tv/fridge had also seen better days with the doors just hanging on. I did enjoy the bed and pillows and the bathroom with big rain head shower.

There's no concierge desk which I thought was pretty odd given their self-rated 5 star billing. But hey, I can make my own dinner reservations. Tried to book a table at the Ostani restaurant however the gentleman on the phone informed me they were fully booked (after asking how many the reservation was for). Knowing this was complete rubbish I turned up at the restaurant at 7pm and got a table for two in the half empty restaurant no problems. That aside, the tapas menu was excellent and the service pretty good.

The included buffet breakfast was fairly good, no complaints.

The gym is an extra $15 to use and had I been staying for more than one night that would have really bothered me.

I can't decide if I'd stay again. Between the dull and slightly shabby room and the bizarre restaurant experience it doesn't leave the best first impression.

We decided a trip to Canberra was needed if only to see the Toulouse Lautrec exhibition, so with bookings in hand we checked out Canberra hotels. They are all expensive and from the Trip Advisor comments some are tricky.

The Realm looked good - and when you remember to add in the parking and the buffet breakfast it looked even better. With discounts via Wotif it seemed to be too good to be true.

But sure enough the room was as good as the photos, the shower was great (if depressingly architectural cinder block grey and no lighting to speak of) the bed was really comfortable, the pillows sensational. The buffet was equally good and the staff...any problems (we couldn't work the computer controlled tv nor the ghastly nespresso machine) were attended to quickly and with a genuine smile. Check-out...a breeze.

With Wotif discount this place is really good value at $225.

Add to this the great food spots around the corner at Manuka Place and its really a great spot. Forget Toulouse Lautrec, there's better stuff to see.

Don't expect 5 star. This is a good 3 star hotel. Hotel already showing lots of wear and tear. Rooms, furniture, restaurants all average. If you are choosing between the Hyatt and this because you think this is also five star, go the Hyatt. This really is just not five star.

This is a high quality hotel with very comfortable, quiet rooms close to DFAT. It's over-priced though. I ordered room service and it took over an hour to come, and came with a $7.50 additional charge... Not impressive, and not what I expect when I'm paying $300 per night.