The hotel is obviously state of the art, new and fresh. The staff were exceptionally friendly and well trained. The formalities were quick and easy.
The room was clean and spotless. Well appointed with all the usual to be expected from a 5 star.
I have stayed a lot of different places. The Realm was sterile and devoid of character.
There was no artwork of any description to be seen.
We did not eat there so can not comment. The car park was excellent and secure.
The environment was unexciting in Canberra's business area but a good position from Manuka, which I like.
The power point for the kettle was meters away from the bench it sat on. The toilet door will whack you in the head if your wife comes in for something. There is nowhere to put the hand soap. These design flaws are annoying when the hotel is so modern.
Above all, the place resembles a comfortable concrete bunker.

The weekend of the 2020 Summit was a good time to be in Canberra, so we took the opportunity of star spotting, staying at the new Realm in Barton as seen in the SMH the fortnight prior.
Reception was understaffed when I arrived at 4pm, with several people trying to register. Only 1 staff member initially. Very pleasant person, only too willing to help out.
I had booked directly and it cost an extra $10.00 over an above the internet booking, rip off.
Our Suite on the Executive floor faced the building site next door, no noise, and the view of the distant trees made this tolerable.
TV did not work in the bedroom, but everything was very nice. Bathroom had a spa, lovely toiletries and plenty of fluffy white towels.
Our 'free' Cocktail and Canapes at the downstairs bar were a disaster: 1 drink of wine and no canapes despite waiting over an hour. We had dinner at Narrabundah waiting for us. Distant and aloof describes the service at the bar. Minus score.
Breakfast was served in the sunny Cafe, small selection of items but as we were on the Executive Level we could eat from the a-la carte Menu, pretty ordinary food I might add. Coffee was wonderful and we had a few of these. Service was pleasant and attentive, if inexperienced.
Parking was free and very convenient, however, no newspaper offered or delivered, despite hearing others order theirs. A bottle of chilled wine was delivered to out suite after arrival, nice touch.
I suppose good staff are hard to find, so overall we made excuses for that.
Advice? Book over the net or through Wotif etc. Not directly.

This hotel is less than a year old, stying in very modern in keeping with a lot of the buildings in Canberra.
Well received at reception checked in less than 5 minutes. The location is great for tourism close the National Gallery, old and new Parliament houses. We stayed over the weekend for pleasure but I could see how the hotels location would meet the needs of a business traveller.
In the past we have stayed at the Hyatt and other older hotels in Canberra, this hotel does have a meet you at the' Realm' culture yet.
We were given room 237 and it was huge with kitchen facilities, washing machine, dishwasher. Ideal for the longer stay. I liked the fact you could open the windows in the room, fresh air is a blessing in hotels. Room very neat, like a display home. Room had two flat screen televisions. Bed was comfortable.
We had breakfast at the hotel, the restaurant staff very helpful and espresso coffee available.
Access to guest levels with security card only.
All in all a pleasant stay with no surprises.

My advice to anyone looking at these reviews and considering a stay at Hotel Realm is to look at the profiles of people giving (suspiciously similar) rave reviews. Almost all joined on one day and haven't been back to this website since.

This hotel is not value for money. Hideously overpriced, they seem to have taken a cheap shortcut on everything. Even the toiletries are cheap.

The decor is spartan, to put it nicely. It feels institutional.

The hotel was almost entirely deserted when I was there. Staff walked in on me twice, even though I had the 'do not disturb' sign on.

The location isn't great, unless you're planning on spending a lot of time at Parliament House.

My advice, if you're going to stay somewhere in this hotel's price range, is stay at the Hyatt.