Nishi Apartments Eco Living by Ovolo

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Nishi Apartments Eco Living by Ovolo during a quick getaway to Canberra last spring, and honestly, it was one of those spots that just clicks if you’re into that modern, eco-conscious vibe without all the pretension. Tucked away on Edinburgh Avenue in the NewActon precinct – you know, that artsy corner of the city where everything feels a bit more creative and less stuffy than the parliamentary triangle – it’s super walkable to Lake Burley Griffin for those morning jogs or evening strolls. I mean, I parked my car in the underground lot (which, fair warning, can get a bit tight during peak hours, like when everyone’s heading to the nearby markets on weekends), and check-in was a breeze – the staff were chatty but not overbearing, handing over a keycard with a quick rundown on the building’s green credentials, like how it’s all powered by solar and recycled materials. The lobby has this raw, timber-heavy aesthetic that smells faintly of fresh wood and coffee from the attached cafe – nothing flashy, but it sets a relaxed tone right away.

What really won me over, though, were the apartments themselves – they’re not your standard hotel rooms; think self-contained pads with full kitchens, washer-dryers, and these massive windows that flood the space with natural light. Mine overlooked the courtyard garden, which was buzzing with birds in the mornings (a nice change from the usual city hum), and the eco touches are legit, like bamboo linens and low-flow showers that don’t skimp on pressure. I cooked up a simple brekkie using stuff from the Gorman House Markets just a short wander away – oh, and if you’re into film or art, the Palace Electric Cinema is literally next door, perfect for catching an indie flick after a day exploring. That said, it’s not flawless; the Wi-Fi dipped a couple times during my stay (rating’s an 8 for a reason, I guess), and while the building’s super quiet at night – no rowdy neighbors or traffic noise seeping in – the minimalist design means it can feel a tad sparse if you’re craving plush luxury. But hey, for a 5-star spot, it’s refreshingly unpretentious, with little perks like free minibar snacks (sustainable ones, of course) and bikes you can borrow to zip around the bike paths along the lake.

All in all, if you’re heading to Canberra for work or just to soak up the capital’s underrated cool side – think autumn leaves turning fiery or summer festivals without the massive crowds – Nishi’s a solid pick for anyone who wants more than a cookie-cutter stay. It’s great for couples or solo travelers who appreciate space to spread out, and that eco angle actually makes you feel good about your footprint without it being preachy. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially off-season when the rates dip and the precinct feels even more like a hidden gem. Just pack light; those elevators are speedy but compact.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $155. Studio Apartment – Nishi with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $163. One-Bedroom Apartment – Nishi with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $182. Nishi One Bedroom Lake View with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $297. Two-Bedroom Apartment – Nishi with 2 double beds for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $307. Nishi Two Bedroom Deluxe with 2 × 1 double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Comfortable for an overnight stay. – Kirrily from Australia – 11 May 2025 (8/10)

  Funky furnishing and great kitchenette. Great that each room has laundry facilities.
  
  What could be improved: Awkward room layout with minimal room around the bed. Lovely view overlooking the lake but with a noisy busy road in between which was disappointing.

• Not a first sight love but do want extend after 3 nights stay – 韩 from China – 30 April 2025 (9/10)

  Cosy beds made all of us slept 20% time than at our home.
  
  Huge Balcony with great view (ours are mountain view), especially when it was sunny with Dine in room coffees from bar downstairs
  
  What could be improved: Bathroom facilities a bit average even with blocking/leaking drains on the day we checked in
  
  Parking downstairs a little bit expensive (AUD25/day)

• Great service and wonderful location. – Lyn from Australia – 4 March 2025 (7/10)

  I love these apartments. Best in town.
  
  What could be improved: Two issues they are designed to be ventilated and if they’re not they are scorching when you arrive.
  
  Second and I meant to mention this. I got an electric shock off the lamp next ti the bed. Its obviously faulty.

• Good – Darren from Australia – 9 February 2025 (7/10)

  Good location and size room with one bed unit
  
  What could be improved: The bed was a little soft and there was no air conditioning on a hot summers night. Had to open the sliding doors to get comfortable and no screens On those.

• Enjoyable – Jackie from Australia – 14 December 2024 (8/10)

  Location. Staff.
  
  What could be improved: Aircon

• Loved the Ovolo & walking around! We are often elsewhere, this place, decor and location were fab – Penelope from Australia – 12 December 2024 (9/10)

  The retro decor, really nice staff, great art, and the location! Lovely to be on the ANU side of the lake, and walk into the galleries. The bed was really comfortable. Wifi worked well and the kitchen had what we needed
  
  What could be improved: The bathroom is fairly translucent and with lights on, is reasonably see through, and not noise proof at all. You need to know the ones you are with very well, as there is no disguising practical use of the bathroom! I would add shading strips and sound proofing, even if it impacts the flow-through enviro air approach. Also, the bar closed quite early for guests

• Nice apartment with a kitchen but could be improved if it had AC – Christine from Australia – 27 November 2024 (7/10)

  Location, modern room, kitchen. Good restaurants nearby.
  
  What could be improved: No air conditioning which made it uncomfortable to sleep.

• Superb – Colin from Australia – 3 November 2024 (9/10)

  The view from my room of the lake and parliament etc was great. My room was ready when I arrived early. Staff were great. The room had all the conveniences I needed. The hotel close for me to walk to cafes and shopping centre.

• I enjoyed my stay at the Nishi apartments. – Heather from Australia – 5 October 2024 (7/10)

  I loved the location and the fabulous view of the lake from the balcony. The main living area was comfortable and it was well set up.
  
  What could be improved: The bathroom was very small and the placement of the bed (a wall bed that was already made up) made the entry to the apartment a bit difficult.

• It was a great stay with a lot of positive experiences. – Nmkaustralia from Australia – 14 August 2024 (9/10)

  The place was great and also nice for hosting
  
  What could be improved: The restaurant at the hotel had no meat options. More food choices would have been great for substantial meals not just tapas.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities