Is this Australia’s most generous hotel? Inside the luxury hideaway offering free booze, snacks, laundry and a hair service menu
There’s nothing more nerve-wracking than checking out of a hotel and receiving the final bill.
How many room service meals and mini bar snacks did I consume, how much did I spend at the hotel bar, why did I pay an eye-watering $60 to have my pants dry cleaned?
With the cost of living continuing to rise, there’s never been a better time to score freebies.
So I was pleasantly surprised when I checked into the Ovolo Nishi hotel in Canberra and discovered a whole host of free items and services.
When we traveled to Canberra with a friend for a long weekend to play tourists in Australia’s cultural capital, we chose to stay at Ovolo Nishi for its proximity to the iconic National Gallery, War Memorial and the lively and bustling bars of the city.
The Ovolo Nishi hotel in Canberra offers a range of complimentary items and services
As soon as we checked in, we were showered with treats, starting with a free lollipop bar at reception, loaded with everyone’s childhood favorites.
After being quickly shown to our ‘Meandering Atrium’ room – the largest and most stylish room in the hotel – we were greeted with a bottle of Italian prosecco, a decadent cheese and meat platter and a sweet, personal greeting note.
Other features of the room included a king size bed, separate sitting area, double sinks, double rain showers and a huge bath that can literally fit four people.
In addition to a free minibar, the hotel offers additional free items such as toothbrushes, deodorant and shaving accessories.
And there is also the world’s first hair service menu – a collaboration with renowned hair care brand Tresemmé.
Upon arrival, guests are treated to a complimentary bottle of wine or prosecco
The complimentary menu allows guests to order tailor-made, professional products directly to their room upon arrival.
Revolutionary multi-step regimens from TRESemmé are available for guests to order tailored to their hair type, including the new Lamellar Shine regimen inspired by the viral glass hair trend, as well as Purple Toning, Keratin Smooth, Smooth Curls and Strengthen and Restore, valued at over $ 30.00.
And the freebies don’t stop there: Ovolo has a free social happy hour for guests.
All house beers, wine and snacks are free between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM.
In addition to a free minibar, the hotel offers additional items such as toothbrushes, deodorant and shaving accessories and a ‘Loot Bag’ with more sweet and savory treats
There is also a social area called the ‘Lo Lounge’, which offers free snacks all day, free breakfast for all guests and a self-service laundry service. You don’t have to spend €10 to clean a pair of underwear anymore!
With all these benefits it’s certainly hard to leave the hotel, but when we did we discovered these few little local gems.
Dear Prudence, a cozy and buzzing wine bar in the city center, and The Cupping Room – one of the best places for brunch in Canberra thanks to its specialty roaster and delicious menu.
Meat is completely off the menu at all Ovolo hotels in Australia, and chef Matthew Bentley has created a beautiful omnivorous menu at Monster Bar and Kitchen
The Meandering Atrium room (the largest in the hotel) features a double sink, double rain showers and a bathtub that literally fits four people
But if you do want to dine at the hotel, we enjoyed the best vegetarian and vegan meals at Monster Kitchen and Bar.
Meat is completely off the menu at all Ovolo hotels in Australia, and chef Matthew Bentley has created a beautifully omnivorous menu.
My top picks are the spinach gnudi with stracciatella, brown butter, crispy sage and pine nuts, the Padron and Machego croquetas with lemon aioli and the watermelon Crudo with goat’s curd, wattleseed lavosh and green chilli, spring onion.
Rooms at the Ovolo Nishi in Canberra start from $244 for the Snug Sun room to $482 for the spacious Meandering Atrium. In the photo: the beautiful entrance of the hotel
The Ovolo Nishi lobby features a cozy fire pit
