Canberra, AustraliaNewActon
Ovolo Canberra
Sculptural timber landmark
NewActon Canberra, Australia
Opened
2013
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Social LocalOutside the door
The house
OvoloSculptural timber landmark
The property runs as Canberra's creative living room, where raw salvaged architecture gives way to fireside wine and rotating art.
What it’s good at
Listed
Monster Bar and Lounge serves Canberra district wines beside vintage fireside armchairs.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The rooms go all-in on organic warmth, full of reclaimed wood, roughly textured concrete, and restored vintage furniture.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The Nishi building houses an arthouse cinema and galleries, while the shoreline of Lake Burley Griffin is an easy walk away.
The rooms
Earthen clay, cork, and brass fixtures shape rooms conceived like Australian shacks, complete with deep beds and Aesop amenities.
The gym
The 24-hour gym looks out over Lake Burley Griffin, and guests can join scheduled yoga classes.
Restaurant
Monster Kitchen & Bar
Shattered-terrazzo floors lead toward a suspended fireplace, where the kitchen serves seasonal Australian produce with Japanese and Mediterranean influences.
At the table
Branching chandeliers hang over the long timber counter, where bartenders pour seasonal cocktails and natural wines.
How it began
More than fifty artists and designers collaborated on the original 2013 opening, then known as Hotel Hotel.
Canberra
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.