Canberra has some fantastic hotels and plenty of great accommodation options for families. We had a lovely trip there a few years ago, and with my son now a little older and ready to enjoy the museums more, we decided it was time for a return visit.
On this trip, we stayed at Ovolo Nishi, a beautifully designed, sustainably focused hotel right in the heart of Canberra. Travelling with two toddlers in tow, here’s my take on what it’s like to stay at Ovolo Nishi with kids.
Design
You won’t miss Ovolo Nishi when arriving in Canberra, it stands out against the other modern skyscrapers with its unique architecture and design. The pineapple-shaped building is made from reclaimed materials, with plenty of salvaged timbers in view and a central atrium filled with native plants. The design was a collaboration between more than 60 designers, artists, architects and curators to create a building that reflects traditional Australian landscapes and culture.
One of the standout features is an impressive wooden staircase as you enter the building, which adds to the wow factor on arrival. Inside, the lighting is low and moody, with lots of unique artworks, natural stone and a variety of textures – including the furry seats in the lobby – my son was a fan.
Location
Ovolo Nishi is in a great location for families. The hotel is situated in the NewActon arts and cultural precinct, within walking distance from family favourites like the National Museum of Australia, Lake Burley Griffin, and the lovely Commonwealth Park. It’s easy to get around on foot, and there’s plenty of green space nearby for little legs to run off steam. You’re also a short drive or bus ride to other key attractions like Questacon, Parliament House, and the Australian War Memorial. There are bars, restaurants and cafes nearby, as well as the hotel’s restaurant – Monster Kitchen & Bar. One thing to note is that because this is the CBD, not all of the eateries are open on weekends. The Palace Cinema is located within the Ovolo Nishi building, so you can also watch a movie without venturing outside.
Rooms
Ovolo Nishi has both rooms and apartments. Although we usually opt for apartments when travelling with kids, on this trip we stayed in a hotel room. There are seven different room categories, and we were in the largest – a Meandering Atrium.
These come in different configurations, overlooking the central atrium. It’s a great-sized room for a family with a king bed, sofa and enough space for additional beds/cots, which were provided. The bathrooms are spacious too, with double showers and sinks, and a huge concrete bath – we fit all four of us in it! As with the lobby, the rooms have low lighting and a very modern, chic style with textured walls and artwork.
We stayed in both the 1st floor and 2nd floor Meandering Atrium rooms, and if you can choose, I would request the 2nd floor, as there is more natural light and the configuration is wider and feels more spacious.
Food & Drink
Monster Kitchen & Bar is the hotel’s restaurant, and it’s just as stylish as the rest of the hotel. We ate there on our first night, and the informal setting was great for eating with kids, with highchairs available. We all enjoyed the burger and chips, with the kids’ version excellent value at half the price for almost the same meal. We also tried the delicious arancini. If you fancy a change of scene, the NewActon precinct has lovely cafés and casual eateries to try.
We didn’t eat breakfast at the hotel, though it is included in some of the room rates if you book directly. But we sampled the hotel’s barista-made coffee each morning, which can also be ordered to your room, along with room service. Each room has a mini bar, which under some booking rates is included in the stay.
Amenities
The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. At reception, you’re welcomed with jars of sweet treats and, during our stay, delicious ANZAC cookies. Free bike hire is also available, which would be great for getting around Canberra if you’re not travelling with young kids. Parking is available in the underground car park for $40 per 24 hours, spaces are limited, so book ahead.
Sustainability
The Ovolo Group has a strong focus on sustainability, ensuring its hotels have as minimal impact as possible. They are committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and support children, schools, and charities, including the Bali Children’s Foundation.
The group is taking steps to minimise its impact on the environment by replacing plastic with paper for the toiletries packaging and using refillable soap and shampoo dispensers. In the restaurant, Ovolo sources ingredients locally where possible and offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options to reduce emissions.
The Verdict
Ovolo Nishi combines beautiful design, a brilliant location, and practical amenities for families wanting a stylish yet relaxed stay in Canberra. While it’s not a traditional ‘family hotel’, the friendly service, spacious rooms and proximity to parks, museums and cafés make it a fantastic option if you’re travelling with kids, and a very enjoyable option for those that aren’t.
