Peppers Gallery Hotel

Choosing Peppers was only because we had read that the original building was built to accommodate VIP guests arriving to Canberra for the grand opening of the first Parliament house. That interested us. We aren’t disappointed by our choice, but the hotel did not call us to return. It felt a bit ‘homely’, yet that probably isn’t the vibe they are aiming for. It might have been ‘arty’ 20+ years ago when they obviously did an art hotel type renovation, but now, decor wise, it seems a bit ‘off’ - dated and clumsy feeling. We certainly hope never to encounter such awful wall paper again … on the roof of our room !!!!??? Weird. The good: espresso cups in the room alongside the coffee machine - a detail that 9/10 hotels overlook when they supply only big cups or mugs. So thank you! A decent bath. Thank you again! Importantly, it is a good location and the ‘precinct’ feels good, like you can sort of imagine living there. Onsite parking, if booked with your room, is great - convenient and secure. The bad: the music pumping out from the lounge area (where the piano is) was so loud in morning!!!! Completely ridiculous. The room had an impossibly heavy blind on the window that without my husband I absolutely would not have been able to roll up. The light switches are seriously scratched up - perhaps replace and choose different ones! And the step from the bathroom into the bedroom was/is dangerous - it needs an ‘indicator’ or just a small ramp to join the ‘rooms’ better so you don’t continually stub your toes. We arrived back to our room in the afternoon to find there’d been no servicing and the receptionist told us we’d chosen a rate without servicing. We would not have done so voluntarily but we accept we must not have read the fine print. But how hard is it to remind guests at check in that they won’t have their towels changed or beds made, so they are conscious of it. The receptionist was understanding and swift to bring us some new towels. Finally, if you receive a free drink voucher do not ‘spend’ it on a glass of bubbles from the bar - the house bubbles are awful. Get a coffee or tea!!

Room was a bit tired, Bed heads had peeling fake leather, blockout curtains produced a heavy cloud of dust when moved, 3 of 4 provided coffee pods where decaffeinated, provided shower amenities where all empty, 2 towels provided for 3 booked in guests. Did get a personalised greeting card and front desk said they would let housekeeping know... Free to air tv channels provided with problematic ABC reception, wifi worked well. Breakfast buffet was ok but not restocked when empty, a la carte items and coffee where nice.

Was told that I could redeem my Accor drink vouchers through the minibar in room, but when I got to my room, nothing in the minibar. Went back to reception to see how I could redeem them, only thing they could offer me was 1 expired beer and a couple of cokes.

Survey Very Disappointing high expectations to reality just didn’t deliver. The hotel is tired & in need of maintenance throughout, poor lighting throughout rooms especially bathroom being very hard for my wife to do makeup and hair. No towel hanging rails (very hard to dry towels) curtains in living area need maintenance, blind in bathroom also needs maintenance. Very few power points, no usb outlets, no clock, bedside table not flat, basin, under rim very grubby. On a positive note comfortable bed & pillows, large spacious room and good breakfast.

Overall, the experience was pleasant. The hotel has a welcoming, light, bright entrance; a cosy (but small) bar; buzzy restaurant. The rooms are spacious (which is great!!). Staff are friendly but many worked there as a support job ie uni students. The room's air conditioning would not heat up despite setting the temperature to the required degree. There are no telephones in the room. Guests are provided with a mobile contact number if they have any requirements (could be tricky if there's an emergency). A QR Code is displayed for Room Service orders. Bathroom was well appointed but slippery floor in the shower, which made it potentially hazardous. We requested a non-slip bath mat but we were advised that this could not be supplied. This would have helped. Anyway, we got around that. At least the water temperature was hot (unlike the room temp) and shower pressure was good. Many of the TV channels, particularly ABC, were not working. Location of the hotel was very convenient and close to many restaurants. Parking was a bit pricey at $40 per day, particularly as it is self-parking and not valet parking. The procedure was also not straightforward or convenient, especially if you have to be in and out of the cold to park the car (Sigh...). Would I recommend the hotel? The Luxury Escape Package was very good, which is the reason we stayed there. Breakfast was also included and well presented. Service was good.