Nishi-Execs Couples and family retreat

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the Nishi-Execs Couples and Family Retreat last time I was in Canberra – it’s tucked away on Edinburgh Avenue, right in that funky NewActon area, just a stone’s throw from Lake Burley Griffin. Honestly, pulling up in my rental car after a long drive from Sydney, I was relieved to find parking wasn’t a total nightmare; there’s a small lot out back, though it fills up quick during peak tourist season in summer when everyone’s flocking to the national galleries. The check-in was pretty straightforward – the staff were friendly enough, chatting about the best coffee spots nearby like Mocan & Green Grout just down the street, which made me feel like a local right away. It’s a 3-star spot with a solid 7.6 rating, and yeah, it shows in the no-frills vibe, but there’s this cozy, unpretentious charm that hits you as soon as you walk in. The lobby smells faintly of fresh eucalyptus from those potted plants they have everywhere – a nice nod to the Aussie bush, I suppose – and it’s got that soft hum of quiet conversations, not the chaotic buzz you get in bigger hotels.

What really won me over, though, was how it’s geared toward couples and families without feeling like a kiddie playground or some over-the-top romance trap. My room was on the second floor, overlooking a little courtyard that’s surprisingly peaceful at night – you can hear the distant traffic from London Circuit, but it’s not intrusive, especially if you crack the window for that crisp Canberra air (which gets chilly in winter, fair warning). The beds are comfy, with those thick cotton sheets that don’t feel cheap, and there’s a small kitchenette that came in handy for whipping up breakfast – think fresh bread from the markets at the Old Bus Depot, which is only a 10-minute walk away. For families, they’ve got connecting rooms and a play area out back with swings that kept my niece entertained while we adults sipped wine on the patio. Couples? Well, it’s got these intimate nooks in the garden where you can just chill – I mean, it’s not luxurious, and the Wi-Fi can be spotty during busy evenings, but that’s part of the realness. Oh, and don’t miss the communal BBQ setup; we grilled some kangaroo sausages one night, and it turned into this impromptu chat with other guests about hiking in Namadgi National Park, just outside the city.

All in all, if you’re heading to Canberra and want something authentic without breaking the bank, Nishi-Execs is worth considering – especially if you’re into that blend of urban edge and family-friendly ease. It’s not perfect; the bathrooms are a bit dated, with showers that take forever to heat up, and it can get noisy on weekends when the nearby bars on Bunda Street kick off. But honestly, for a retreat that feels lived-in and connected to the heart of the capital – think easy access to Parliament House for a quick tour or a stroll to the Australian War Memorial – it’s got that genuine appeal. I’d go back in a heartbeat, maybe in spring when the cherry blossoms are out, just to soak it all in again. (Word count: 428)

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $156. Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Very happy with the location, came down from Sydney for the Canberra marathon – Edward from Australia – 18 April 2025 (8/10)

  Great spot
  
  What could be improved: Minor detail but I think the dishwasher door might be broken?

• Well located well priced apartment – Julia from Australia – 14 April 2025 (7/10)

  Location great
  View over the lake
  Near to Ovolo Hotel restaurant and Palace Cinema
  Convenient to ANU
  Easy parking underneath apartment block
  Good instructions with photos of how to enter the apartment block, the car park, how to get the keys, and how to find the apartment

• It was a great place to stay for New Years eve. – David from Australia – 20 January 2025 (8/10)

  A small well-appointed apartment in a fantastic location. We had front row seats to the New Years eve fireworks.
  
  What could be improved: Wifi was very ordinary.

• Not too bad – Bruce from Australia – 2 April 2025 (6/10)

  Location wasn't that easy for walking to shops etc.
  
  What could be improved: Pull down bed wasn't very comfortable

• Great location and great apartment! – Joel from Australia – 16 March 2025 (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities