The Statesman Hotel, a politics-themed venue just 10 minutes from Parliament House, has been sold to an interstate investor.
With rooms named after the upper and lower houses, the hotel's theme pays tribute to both Canberra and its own scandalous history: in 1980, former political reporter Laurie Oakes was given the budget papers in the car park days before then-treasurer John Howard was able to give his speech.
The hotel was bought by asset investment and hospitality operating company Fifty Group after about a year of discussions with the previous owners.
