Ovolo Nishi

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon Ovolo Nishi during a quick getaway to Canberra last spring, and honestly, it was one of those spots that just clicks with you right away. Pulling up to 25 Edinburgh Avenue – smack in the middle of the NewActon precinct, which is this funky little pocket of the city with all these indie cafes and galleries – I remember thinking, “Okay, this isn’t your standard sterile hotel vibe.” The building itself is this wild mix of recycled timber and glass, sort of eco-chic without trying too hard, and it’s just a short stroll from Lake Burley Griffin if you fancy a morning walk to shake off the jet lag. Check-in was a breeze; the staff were super laid-back, chatting about local spots like the nearby Monster Kitchen & Bar (which, by the way, does killer brunches – go for the smashed avo if you’re into that). Oh, and parking? It’s valet, but heads up, it can get pricey during peak times like when parliament’s in session and the streets fill up with suits. The lobby smelled faintly of fresh coffee and eucalyptus – you know, that crisp Australian bush scent – and there were these comfy mismatched chairs that made me want to linger with a book instead of rushing to my room.

What really sets Ovolo Nishi apart, though, is how it feels more like crashing at a stylish friend’s apartment than a five-star hotel – well, it is five stars, but with an 8.1 rating that feels earned, not inflated. My room was on the higher floor, overlooking the avenue, and it had this massive bed with plush linens that honestly ruined me for chain hotels forever. They throw in all these thoughtful perks, like free minibar snacks (stocked with local treats, none of that generic stuff) and even a loot bag with quirky goodies – I got some artisanal chocolates and a reusable water bottle, which came in handy for refills at the hotel’s filtered stations. The design is all about that sustainable edge; think exposed concrete walls softened by hanging plants and recycled wood accents that give it a textured, almost tactile warmth. I mean, it’s not perfect – the avenue below can get a bit noisy in the evenings with traffic from folks heading to the National Museum or Braddon for dinner, so if you’re a light sleeper, ask for a quieter side. But the gym was surprisingly well-equipped for a boutique place, and the on-site restaurant served up this fusion menu that blended Asian flavors with Aussie produce – their prawn toast was a highlight, crispy and fresh. And get this, they have movie nights in the attached cinema sometimes, which is a fun way to unwind after exploring places like the Australian War Memorial (just a 10-minute drive away).

All in all, if you’re heading to Canberra and want something beyond the usual government-town blandness, Ovolo Nishi is worth it – especially if you’re into that artsy, low-key luxury scene. It’s not the cheapest, but for the price, you get a real sense of place, with those little touches that make travel memorable. I’d go back in a heartbeat, maybe in autumn when the leaves around the lake turn – quieter crowds, and the hotel’s vibe just amplifies that cozy feel. Just pack earplugs if you’re sensitive to city hum, but otherwise, it’s a gem.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $204. Snug Sun Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $208. Cosy Atrium with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $213. Original Atrium with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $217. Original Sun Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $240. Creative Atrium with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $249. Creative Sun with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $356. Meandering Atrium with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Very good – Michael from Australia – 9 July 2025 (8/10)

  good location
  
  What could be improved: rooms a bit dark

• Good vibe, comfortable bed – Anlan from Australia – 7 July 2025 (9/10)

  Fancy building, comfortable bed
  
  What could be improved: 1. There is no buffet breakfast, which is disappointing
  2. The breakfast menu is very basic, any cafe nearby may have better options
  3. I waited 20min for the breakfast I ordered, I don’t understand why it took so long
  4. There is no free parking. There is a parking lot downstairs but it’s Wilson parking it should be hotel parking instead
  5. The lighting of the room is a bit too dark. When I woke up in the morning, the lighting made me feel like it’s still at night

• Exceptional in every way – Margaret from Australia – 23 June 2025 (9/10)

  I have stayed at 4 different Ovolo hotels on several occasions and am continually blown away with the exceptional service the staff deliver.
  The hotel is quirky, beautiful and comfortable always feels like home

• Superb – Howard from Australia – 10 June 2025 (9/10)

  bed was superb, room was great, breakfast
  
  What could be improved: Everything was fine

• Good – Lúcás from Australia – 31 May 2025 (7/10)

  Great location, nicely decorated and good atmosphere
  
  What could be improved: Dining options overpriced, no early breakfast or coffee. No space or desk to write in my room.

• Good – Emma from Australia – 27 May 2025 (7/10)

  Amazing deco, comfy beds, great mini bar.
  
  What could be improved: Room was noisy as next to the freeway.

• But we do love the quirkiness about the hotel rooms are super comfortable have stayed there several times now great hote – Wendy from Australia – 20 May 2025 (9/10)

  Love the atrium room so peaceful quiet
  Love restaurant
  
  What could be improved: Someone had been smoking in one of room as we are non smokers we really noticed the smell

• Parking troubles – Steve from Australia – 8 May 2025 (8/10)

  What could be improved: The hotel charges for parking, but availability isn’t guaranteed — a detail that wasn’t clearly communicated. I parked in a spot I believed was designated for hotel guests, only to be confronted by the property owner who claimed otherwise and came close to damaging my vehicle. A stressful and avoidable situation. Clearer signage and upfront info about parking restrictions would really help.

• Fabulous stay – Yasmin from Australia – 3 May 2025 (9/10)

  Loved the bath tub, the beds were comfortable. The staff were lovely. The decor and interior design was very trendy.

• We had 2 enjoyable nights in this hotel which we'd never stayed at before. – Paul from Australia – 24 April 2025 (8/10)

  Breakfast was delicious; dinner very nice. Hotel very quiet.
  
  What could be improved: Dinner menu could've been larger, not a lot to choose from. Lighting in bathroom not good for putting make-up on.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities