OVOLO NISHI
The new owners of Hotel Hotel have renamed their boutique acquisition but say they’ll make no sudden changes in décor, price or staff. Guests can expect the creative mash-up that was Hotel Hotel’s signature, from the all-timber lobby, one-off furnishings and thought-provoking art to the inimitable all-day Monster Kitchen and Bar. In guestrooms, walls are rendered in layers of clay and woven grass to create luxurious cocoons, some of which wrap around private atriums planted with tree ferns. But even those facing the road are designed so you see nothing but eucalypts from bed. With rain showers, free minibar and room service summoned by iPad, there’s every reason to hibernate. 25 Edinburgh Ave, Canberra,
(02) 6287 6287, ovolohotels.com.au
WHERE Central Canberra. COST From $285, with breakfast. AT A GLANCE 68 rooms, adjoining rooms; bar, restaurant, library, day spa, gym, paid valet and self-parking. IN ROOM Free WiFi, smart TV, iPad, some baths, pillow menu, free minibar, Biology Smart Skincare toiletries. BEST ROOMS Those who take their bathing rituals seriously will book a Meandering Room, with bath and double rain shower. Retreat to your room or curl up on a leather couch in the lobby with a design book from the hotel’s library, assembled by Perimeter Press. Skip the low-key gym and join a complimentary yoga class instead, held several times a week on the mezzanine.
Book a room without breakfast and tuck into Monster’s inspired à la carte menu instead.
It’s locally sourced but focused far away; think creamy Turkish çilbir with pide and Aleppo pepper, or pork belly and eggs with chilli jam. Monster’s menu is available in rooms, too, though we’re sad to report the celebrated yabby jaffle has disappeared.
Expect an impressive array of cocktails featuring top-shelf spirits – there’s Del Maguey Vida mezcal in your Sadie’s Sookie La
La, for example. The lengthy list has a section devoted to wines from Canberra and surrounds, and there’s free beer and wine in minibars.