Nishi Apartments
Moody, design-forward urban retreat. Feels like a creative director's apartment, not a hotel. Concrete, cork, and clay textures everywhere. Vintage finds alongside original artworks from 60+ commissioned artists.
Book direct on ovolohotels.com for up to 15% off plus complimentary Apero Hour drinks
Why It Matters
Originally conceived as Hotel Hotel in 2013 — an art project involving over 60 artists — before Ovolo Hotels acquired and refurbished it in 2018. The Nishi building has won more architecture, property development, and urban design awards than any other project in Canberra's history. It's genuinely the hippest address in the city.
Nishi Apartments by Ovolo sits inside one of Canberra's most award-winning buildings in the NewActon precinct — a mixed-use arts and design district right near the CBD. It runs as both a boutique hotel and a collection of eco-friendly serviced apartments, all wrapped in the same Ovolo aesthetic: reclaimed timber, raw concrete, earthen clay walls, and carefully sourced vintage furniture. No two rooms feel alike, and that's the point. The building also houses Palace Electric Cinema, the Nishi Gallery, a bike shop, a pilates studio, and the on-site Monster Kitchen & Bar.
Where You'll Stay
10 room types available
Atelier
Spacious atrium-facing rooms with a direct view over the indoor Tasmanian fern forest. Natural clay walls, handpicked vintage pieces, and a notably more generous footprint than the Cocoon. If you want that atrium vibe but need more space to breathe, this is the one.
King
Atelier Large
Larger atrium-facing rooms with an up-close view of the Tasmanian fern forest. More space to stretch out while still retaining the moody, low-lit character that defines the atrium side of the hotel.
King
Cocoon
The smallest rooms in the hotel at 20m², but they earn their name. Floor-to-ceiling atrium windows look directly onto the salvaged Tasmanian tree fern jungle. Walls are a mix of concrete, cork, earthen clay and eucalyptus timber. Moody and compact — perfect for travellers who treat the room as a base camp.
Queen · 20 sqmHorizon
Sun-soaked corner rooms with views across Canberra's lakes and bushland. More generous than the Snug Sun, with serious natural light all day. Good for those who want the Ovolo aesthetic but need actual windows facing the world.
KingHorizon Large
The larger, sun-drenched counterpart to the Atelier Large. Golden light all day, bush views, and enough space to actually use. For people who want the full Ovolo Nishi design experience without feeling cosy-compressed.
KingOne Bedder (1-Bedroom Apartment)
A step up from The Pad. Separate bedroom, desk, laundry, and a proper sitting and dining area. Designed for couples or solo travellers who want longer-stay comfort. Same passive cooling philosophy — no AC, but the cross-flow ventilation design keeps it liveable.
QueenSanctum Suite
The top of the pile at Ovolo Nishi. Atrium-facing with the fern jungle outside, but now with a king bed, a separate sitting area, double vanity, twin overhead rain showers, and a freestanding concrete soaking tub. The reclaimed oak desk is a proper piece of furniture. If you're going to make a night of it, this is the room.
KingSnug Sun
The sun-facing counterpart to the Cocoon. Flooded with natural light during the day, with retro desk and an Indian woven daybed for lounging. Warm, bright, and cheerful rather than moody.
QueenThe Pad (Studio Apartment)
The most compact of the Nishi Apartments. Studio-style with a pull-down queen Murphy bed, hydronic heating, fully equipped kitchen, and an in-unit laundry. No air conditioning by design — the building uses passive cooling (cross-flow ventilation) instead. Suits singles and couples happy to trade space for the Ovolo aesthetic at a lower price point.
Queen (Murphy bed)Two Bedder (2-Bedroom Apartment)
Two queen beds, full kitchen, laundry, separate lounge and dining. Some are on a single level; others spread over two floors — if you have a preference, call ahead. Good for families or two couples travelling together. The same vintage-piece aesthetic throughout, white walls and shelving giving you space to make it feel like home.
Two QueensThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Daily complimentary drinks hour at Monster Bar — included with all direct bookings. Your first round is on Ovolo.
Bicycle rentals available — the hotel is ideally placed for exploring Canberra's lakeside paths and cycling routes. The Goodspeed bike shop is in the Nishi building itself.
Fitness classes offered at the on-site health club. Yoga classes also available.
Pilates studio based in the Nishi building, accessible for guests.
An impressive contemporary art gallery in the Nishi building featuring local, interstate and international exhibitions. Free to wander through.
Art-house cinema in the Nishi building, steps from the hotel. One of Canberra's best cinemas for independent and international films — no need to leave the building.
Monster Salon is a private events space with original artworks, mid-century modern furniture, terrazzo floors, and its own fire pit. Available for exclusive hire. Suitable for intimate dinners and private gatherings.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Iconic hotel staircase built from recycled timber sourced from a demolished house, a basketball court, and off-cuts from the building's own Blackbutt eucalyptus façade. One of the most-photographed spots in the hotel.
Hair salon located within the Nishi building.
24-hour business centre on-site. Two meeting rooms also available for corporate events.
Two large fireplaces in the public spaces — perfect for Canberra winters.
On-site gym with cardio equipment (treadmills, rowing machine) and dumbbells. Open 24 hours. Described as smallish but functional. No pool on the property.
Complimentary in-room mini bar included with direct bookings as part of the Ovolo Standard package.
A retro-fitted library with wooden bookshelves stocked with small press and vintage books. One of the hotel's most photographed spaces.
Flexible check-in and check-out times available. Included as part of the Ovolo Standard when booking direct.
Uses grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products. Apartments designed with passive cooling (cross-flow ventilation, no AC) and hydronic floor heating. One of the most sustainably designed hotels in Canberra.
Self-parking via Wilson Parking in the Nishi building at AUD $40 for 24 hours, multiple entry. Issued at check-in from reception. Not operated by the hotel and subject to availability. Valet parking also available at AUD $50/night.
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Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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