Hotel Canberra facts for kids
| Hotel Canberra | |
| Hotel facts and statistics | |
|---|---|
| Location | 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory |
| Coordinates | 35°17′56″S 149°07′30″E / 35.299°S 149.125°E |
| Opening date | 1924 |
| Developer | Federal Capital Commission |
| Architect | John Smith Murdoch |
| Management | Hyatt Hotels Corporation |
| No. of restaurants | 2 |
| No. of rooms | 230 |
| No. of floors | 2 |
The Hotel Canberra, also called the Hyatt Hotel Canberra, is a famous hotel in Canberra, Australia's capital city. It's found in Yarralumla, close to Lake Burley Griffin and Parliament House. The hotel was built to give politicians a place to stay. This was needed when Australia's main government, the Federal Parliament, moved to Canberra from Melbourne in 1927. John Howie built the hotel between 1922 and 1925. It first opened in 1924 as Hostel No. 1. Later, in 1927, it became known as the Hotel Canberra.
Contents
History of the Hotel Canberra
Building a Home for Politicians
In January 1921, the Australian government decided to build a place for politicians and visitors in Canberra. This was because the government was planning to move its main offices from Melbourne to Canberra.
The hotel was designed by a government architect named John Smith Murdoch. He created a unique design with separate buildings, called pavilions, arranged around pretty garden areas. This design gave each part of the hotel a nice view. It also allowed different groups of people to stay in separate areas. The building officially opened on December 10, 1924.
Early Days and Rules
The Hotel Canberra was the very first hotel to open in Canberra. Soon after, in 1926, the Hotel Kurrajong also opened. It was on the other side of the city's main government area. In 1927, when the capital officially moved to Canberra, more hotels opened.
The Hotel Canberra was first called a "hostel" because it wasn't allowed to serve alcohol until 1928. This was due to a decision by Minister King O'Malley. He wanted Canberra to be alcohol-free while it was being built.
A Place for Leaders
For many years, politicians often stayed at the Hotel Canberra during parliamentary sessions. In the early days, government officials also lived there for longer periods. This was while their own homes were still being built. The Hotel Kurrajong was used in a similar way.
When James Scullin became Prime Minister of Australia in 1929, he chose not to live in The Lodge. This is the official home for the Prime Minister. Instead, he and his wife stayed at the Hotel Canberra when Parliament was meeting. They would return to their home in Melbourne at other times.
Changes Over Time
During the Great Depression, fewer people visited Canberra. This meant there was less need for hotel rooms. For a while, the Hotel Canberra and the Hotel Kurrajong were the only hotels that stayed open.
In 1950, the government stopped managing the hotel. A company called "Hotel Canberra Ltd" took over the lease. This company was part of Tooheys, a brewery from Sydney.
In 1974, the lease was not renewed, and the hotel closed down. From 1976 to 1984, it was used as extra office space for staff working at Parliament House.
Restoration and Reopening
In 1980, the government officially recognized the hotel as an important part of Australia's history. Soon after, in 1982, a project began to bring the hotel back to its original grand style. The plan also included adding new parts that matched the old design.
After some challenges, Hyatt Hotels reopened the Hotel Canberra on July 23, 1988. It was renamed the Hyatt Hotel Canberra. At that time, it was the only international five-star hotel in Canberra.
On September 30, 1998, the building was added to a special list. This list protects important heritage places in the Australian Capital Territory Heritage Register.
See also
In Spanish: Hotel Canberra para niños
