A good question.
A local answer.

Compare the real sleeping layout, bathroom access and parking cost for all four guests.

An outer base can work if it has easy evening meals and predictable parking, while the CBD saves repeated trips across town.

Use current school information and enrolment rules from the schools themselves rather than an old forum ranking.

Confirm late check-in and the exact bedding before reserving.

Compare a greener neighbourhood's daily travel time with a central hotel before paying for extra space.

Map each hotel to the museums and walks you actually want; Canberra attractions can look close but be spread out.

Check the hotel's current in-room facilities and ask reception about the nearest open convenience option.

Compare access to daily services and public transport as well as rent before choosing a street.

List the places you will visit and compare their travel time from each base before paying a CBD premium.

Ask hotels or serviced apartments about adjoining rooms, family capacity and a group quote for the exact dates.

Shortlist neighbourhoods by the actual route to your research site and a supermarket, then compare furnished listings in those areas.

Read the newest reviews for cleanliness, road noise and staff response rather than averaging years of comments.