I stayed at the Quest over a weekend but for business rather than a leisure trip. I booked on the Hotel's web site and was offered a good price for a deluxe 1 bed apartment. The Quest is located on the first floor of the Melbourne Building in Canberra City and the location cannot be faulted as this is the hub of activity in Canberra - and that was also the problem.

My room over looked West Row and was above several restaurants and bars. One of the other reviewers mentioned that he had stayed here during the week but thought it might be noisy at the weekend - that is not the half of it. On Friday night the noise from the street was very loud indeed (and being there for work I actually needed to sleep) but it finally stopped about 12:30 am. I thought that this would be OK but I was in for a shock as on Saturday night it was absolutely deafening and went until 02:30 am! How can people be screaming at the tops of their voices at 2:30 in the morning?

On the good side, the hotel was very comfortable as was my room and the staff were polite and efficient and I had a huge balcony. On reflection I should have spent less and had a room at the back that overlooks a lane-way.

There is no pool or gym but complimentary membership of the Canberra Club opposite is included.

So I actually do recommend this hotel as its location and style are very attractive just ask for a quiet room.

I have just come back from staying at The Quest from 26 December to 31 December 2008. I have stayed at The Quest previously on the recommendation of a friend who lives in Canberra.

I booked directly with The Quest and got an early bird special of $139.00 per night for a one bedroom apartment this rate was considerably cheaper than online websites such as Wotif.

The apartment itself size wise was fine, however the furniture and decor are in need of updating and are looking a bit shabby and tired.

The one and only coffee mug that was in my apartment was cracked and a bead and butter plate was chipped.

When I tried to adjust the showerhead in the bathroom it came off in my hand and water sprayed everywhere. There was also a problem with the tap in the bathroom that was difficult to turn off.

These were just minor issues but as The Quest is a four star apartment you'd expect better.

As for noise The Quest was as quiet as. But this may have something to do with most of the restaurants downstairs being closed for the holidays. Although when I have stayed here previously the noise was minimal.

I travel to Canberra a couple of times per year and would be happy to stay at The Quest again as I like its central location and the staff are friendly.

Staying mid-week in Canberra can sometimes be a problem, and often means paying rack-rates for conveniently located hotels. The Quest is in a great location on the upper storey of the historic West Row. Rooms are suites, so spacious with full kitchen facilities and large airy balconies. Be warned about internet charges here. Paying rack rates and then paying $16 for 24 hours internet access (which itself is quite flaky for a business orientated hotel) is hard to take. Be warned too that the "$6 for 1 hour internet access" option doesn't allow you to log-on more than once. So if you don't use the full hour you can't log-on later to use the rest and are then forced to pay for 24 hour access. The staff may direct you instead to the nearby bus terminal internet cafe (!) Having said all that, the Quest has pleasant clean suites that are well equipped and would be a great choice if you can get a good rate (particularly on weekends)