Mercure Canberra

The Mercure Canberra is a full-service hotel in a heritage building on the edge of Braddon, and one of the genuinely set-up pet-friendly hotels in the city. Its point of difference is hardware rather than paperwork: designated pet rooms that open onto an enclosed courtyard or garden, so the dog has real outdoor space instead of a corridor walk every time.

Dogs at the Mercure Canberra

Pets stay in specific pet rooms, typically ground-floor king configurations, with access to a fenced courtyard or garden attached to the room. Pets are not permitted in standard rooms, so you must book the pet room type explicitly. The hotel says it accepts pets of all shapes and sizes, dogs and cats alike, and no additional pet fee is published for the designated rooms, though a refundable bond is reported by some booking channels, so confirm at booking. Each stay comes with a food bowl, pet bedding and a welcome treat. Keep dogs leashed through the indoor public areas.

The place

It is a refurbished historic hotel with comfortable rooms, some with balconies or loft layouts, an on-site bistro and a pool. The heritage character is a big part of the appeal, and the courtyard pet rooms make it one of the few city hotels where a dog can step straight outside. It suits travellers who want a proper hotel base in the city with the dog genuinely provided for.

The beer garden bonus

Pets are welcome in the beer garden at the hotel's own Olims Bistro, so dinner on site is a real option with the dog beside you rather than left in the room.

Close by with the dogs

The Haig Park Dog Agility Course sits one street away in the pine rows of Haig Park, which also has open parkland for off-lead time away from the main paths. The Lonsdale Street strip lines up dog-friendly tables, with Cafe Chapter 4 and Supersweet Cafe both taking dogs at outdoor seating.

More options are on the ACT dog-friendly stays guide and the Braddon destination page.