You may know the name of this designer hotel chain from its outposts in Melbourne and Sydney, but Ovolo Nishi has swiftly become a firm favourite for both Canberrans and travellers alike. Taking over the bones of the former arty establishment Hotel Hotel in 2018, Ovolo Nishi is a true guest-first hotel. Lap it up in one of Ovolo’s 82 stylish rooms situated across just three floors, individually furnished with timber, concrete, eucalypt and salvaged Tasmanian tree ferns. Then, max out on the perks, including complimentary continental breakfast, a 24-hour gym, Canberra’s long-standing favourite Monster Bar and Kitchen, and maybe most importantly, a free in-room mini bar for those midnight treats.
Pop down the road for some skimming at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia on a rainy autumn day, or on a sunnier ACT afternoon, head across the neighbouring highway to Acton Beach, where you can hire a boat and test out your lake legs in style.
Time Out tip: Ovolo Nishi offers rooms that face both inwards and outwards, aka towards the atrium for a cosier atmosphere, and in the way of the sun if you’re in the mood for an au naturel wake-up call.
Address: 25 Edinburgh Avenue, Canberra
Price: From $323 per night
Closest transport: Bus stop 2601 (Edinburgh Ave after London Crescent)