Hello, it’s service I’m looking for
“Hello? May I order some room service? Or a pillow? Or even a towel?”
At East Hotel in Canberra, they are questions you can’t ask. You may want to, but you can’t.
Why? Because at East Hotel, there are no phones in your room.
A hotel with no phones in the room, I hear you ask. I know, it makes no sense. At all.
There’s a QR code of course. You can order room service and pray it makes it. If not, there’s no way of calling through to ask… maybe that’s why they go with the phoneless system – so they don’t have to put up with pesky guests like me asking questions!
Anyway, aside from the phone situation, East is fun, quirky, interesting and to be truthful, darn good.
The reception area is welcoming and the huge on-screen projector showcasing the hotels wares including its restaurants (one authentic Italian and one Japanese Korean fusion) and bar, brings the area as much to life as does the flickering gas fire which stands as a feature piece at the end of the room.
Reception is fine, if you can navigate the young staff who at times have more questions themselves than answers.
“Can I organise same day dry cleaning?”
“Not sure”
“Can I get additional water brought to my room?
“Um, I think so.”
As it turned out I could, although it wasn’t complimentary (besides the tap dispensing the fine waters of Lake Burrinjuck). It was $5 for a small bottle which felt a tad steep in a hotel charging from $200 to 400+ a night.
So, what is it that makes East Hotel good?
Maybe it’s the Italian roots which come through clearly in Agostinis authentic Italian restaurant downstairs, or maybe it’s the wonderful staff and superb drinks at Joe’s Bar next door. They make an awesome margarita and an even better aged negroni.
Or perhaps it’s the new Japanese and Korean restaurant Azuma Den, which equally matches Korean and Japanese cooking with soul and precision. The theatre of watching the chefs cook aged meats and fish over the coals is a thrill unto itself.
Maybe it is because, it’s just different. They even say it on their branding – do Canberra differently. Perhaps the no-phone concept is too smart by half, but then again, the quality of food experiences at Agostinis, Azuma Den or even the drinks at Joe’s well and truly make up for it.
The gym on level 3 is small and compact. Which is probably as big a compliment as it deserves. A refurb of that area mightn’t be a bad idea.
The location is good. Across the road is the Kingston Pub or ‘Kingo’ as it is affectionately known by its loyal patrons. And Manuka shops are a quick hop, step and jump away although the walk involved a friendly quintessentially Australian springtime Magpie experience.
Realistically the East Hotel has a point of difference. Aside from the food, the drinks and the location, it is, well, different.
Next time you’re in Canberra give it a go. Just don’t expect to call anyone with a query!
