Nishi Apartments Eco Living by Ovolo

Nishi Apartments Eco Living by Ovolo Overview

First Impressions

Walking into Nishi Apartments Eco Living by Ovolo, you immediately sense this isn’t your typical five-star hotel experience. The building itself is striking — honestly, it’s one of Canberra’s most talked-about architectural pieces, and you’ll understand why the moment you see it. There’s this modern, almost futuristic vibe that somehow feels warm rather than cold. The lobby buzzes with an energy that’s part luxury hotel, part contemporary art gallery, and the staff genuinely seem excited to be working here rather than just going through the motions.

The Apartment Experience

What sets Nishi Apartments apart is that you’re not getting a hotel room — you’re getting a proper apartment with all the luxury touches you’d expect from a five-star property. The kitchens are actually functional (I mean, you could cook a proper meal here), and the living spaces feel like someone’s incredibly stylish home rather than a sterile hotel suite. The design is sleek without being intimidating, and there are these thoughtful eco-friendly touches throughout that don’t feel forced or preachy. You know what really impressed me? The floor-to-ceiling windows that frame Canberra’s skyline beautifully, especially at sunset.

Location & Neighborhood

The location on Edinburgh Avenue puts you right in NewActon — which is honestly one of the coolest parts of Canberra that many visitors don’t even know exists. You’re walking distance from Lake Burley Griffin, and the Parliamentary Triangle is just across the water. What I love is that you can stroll to some excellent cafes and restaurants without dealing with the stuffiness of the main tourist areas. The couples who stay here have it figured out — there’s something romantic about having this modern oasis so close to the lake, and the neighborhood has this relaxed sophistication that works perfectly for a getaway.

Dining & Amenities

The on-site dining situation is actually pretty impressive for an apartment-style property. Monster Kitchen and Bar downstairs serves up some seriously good food — it’s the kind of place locals go to, not just hotel guests, which always tells you something. The luxury amenities include a fitness center that doesn’t feel like an afterthought, and there’s this rooftop area where you can take in views of the surrounding area. What really works is that everything feels integrated rather than tacked on, and the eco-living concept isn’t just marketing speak — you can see it in the details throughout the property.

Why Guests Love It

Recent guests consistently rave about this place, and I get why — it’s that rare combination of luxury and authenticity that’s hard to find. The five-star service is there when you need it, but you also have the independence of your own space. Couples especially seem to connect with the vibe here, probably because it feels more like staying in a friend’s amazing apartment than a traditional hotel. The eco-conscious approach appeals to travelers who want luxury without the guilt, and honestly, the whole NewActon location just works — you’re in Canberra but it doesn’t feel like typical Canberra, if that makes sense.

Nishi Apartments Eco Living by Ovolo Accommodations

Reviews of Nishi Apartments Eco Living by Ovolo

• 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