Staying at the Ovolo The Valley: Everything You Need to Know
I've stayed at a few Ovolo Hotels over the years, most recently their collective property Ovolo Laneways in Melbourne and now I've also got to experience one of the two Brisbane hotels.
I have always loved the vibe of the hotel group and how they embrace art and music and yes, the perks are pretty extra (more on that below)!
No matter if you're looking for an intimate couples getaway, or girls' weekend or you're travelling to Brisbane for business, Ovolo The Valley Brisbane has got you covered with eccentric furniture, a rooftop pool, a complimentary mini-bar and much more.
In this guide, I'll unravel everything you need to know about staying at this boutique hotel amidst the urban sophistication and creative charm of Brisbane's Fortitude Valley neighbourhood.
Watch my full 90-second Hotel Review on my Instagram:
Check-in at the Ovolo The Valley
We arrived at Ovolo The Valley just after 3 pm, which is their check-in time. Finding the place was easy, and there's a dedicated hotel driveway out front where you can pull up and unload without any stress.
Inside, the lobby was full of energy with background beats but not at all busy and I was greeted warmly by the staff as I entered. Within minutes, I had my keys to go up to the room, what a breezy check-in!
We had the pleasure of valet parking, which was definitely convenient. A quick call to reception before we needed our car, and it was ready and waiting by the time we strolled down to the lobby. Otherwise, you can park the car yourself too in their dedicated spots.
Check-out is usually at 11 am, but we asked if we could extend a little bit longer which wasn't an issue that day, and that made our Sunday morning departure even more relaxing.
Room types at Ovolo The Valley
Ovolo The Valley features 103 rooms total, each thoughtfully crafted to accommodate diverse preferences and requirements.
The accommodations range from The Medium rooms, perfect for short stays or solo travellers, to The Large rooms, which offer more space and are ideal for those seeking extra comfort.
For a touch of luxury, The Large Spa rooms and The Valley Suites feature indulgent spa baths, while the latter also offers a private balcony. That's where I stayed.
If you're looking for a unique experience, opt for one of the two exclusive The Rockstar Suites, which boast eccentric design elements and additional living space and a second bathroom, providing an extravagant stay.
No matter which one you choose, each room type at Ovolo The Valley is designed with playful interiors and modern amenities.
You can check availability and prices right on the Ovolo website. When you book, you get exclusive perks, such as free mini bar, free breakfast, and a free drink during their Social Hour, damn that's not bad!
Staying at The Valley Suites
During my stay at Ovolo The Valley, I had the pleasure of experiencing room 708, one of their Valley Suites. The room was incredibly spacious, providing lots of room to relax and unwind.
Our room featured a generously sized private balcony equipped with a table and multiple chairs, including a delightful hanging egg chair, that quickly became a personal favorite to hang out in.
Note that only a select few rooms come with a private balcony and you'll have to choose The Valley Suites room type.
Walking into the room, the custom designer wallpaper certainly stood out. I love the pop culture-inspired patterns and vibrant colors, adding a unique and stylish touch to the space that instantly resonated with my taste.
The king-sized bed ensured a perfect night's sleep after a day of exploring. Within the room's interior, we were greeted by a 65” Smart TV, as well as Alexa and Chromecast, something that's important to me, as connecting your own devices and streaming can be a pain in other hotels. Not at Ovolo Hotels!
Additionally, in keeping with the distinctive Ovolo style, a well-stocked complimentary minibar awaited along with a loot bag with free snacks.
The room has a big ensuite with both a shower and a separate spa bath for ultimate relaxation. Complete with bath salts and set right overlooking the big window. Yet, it had shutters which made it private enough.
The in-room facilities also feature tea and coffee-making facilities, an in-room safe, a luggage rack unit, and a functional working desk. Of course, there's also complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi all throughout.
The room's strong air conditioning was very needed as it was hot and humid during the entire weekend.
Ovolo The Valley Facilities
Ovolo The Valley goes above and beyond to cater to its guests with a spectrum of exceptional property facilities.
In the morning, we kickstart our day in the restaurant downstairs with a simple but filling continental breakfast buffet. Eggs are freshly made to order and part of the complimentary breakfast.
If you're after barista coffee, you can order that off the menu along with a few other items.
You can walk from the restaurant straight through the hotel lobby, where you'll also find an all-day Candy Bar to keep your sweet tooth satisfied. And if that's not enough, every room also has a free mini-bar with wine, beer, water, juice and some soft drinks.
Other property amenities include a self-service laundry facility and to keep up with your fitness routine there's a small on-site gym. It's a two-person gym but it was mostly empty during my stay. The hotel also has a partnership with a nearby fitness center if you're after a more extensive workout.
As a commitment to sustainability, the hotel plants a tree for each direct booking and actively works towards reducing single-use plastics. This eco-conscious approach is evident in the use of large refillable shower bottles instead of individual ones, slippers being packaged without plastic sleeves, and the option to request other toiletries with minimal environmental impact.
Ovolo The Valley Rooftop Pool
Located on the 7th floor, the rooftop pool at Ovolo The Valley was conveniently just a short staircase away from our stay.
This urban sanctuary boasts inviting sun loungers and a shaded roof, offering both relaxation and respite from the city buzz while stunning views of the surrounding cityscape.
Basking in the sunny and hot weather, we spent our morning by the pool taking refreshing laps and indulging in a rare moment to read a book.
We couldn't help but envision it as an ideal venue for future events, adding another layer of appeal to this already fantastic space.
The addition of a compact sauna, accommodating 3-4 people, was perfect to unwind and recharge.
Later that evening, we came back to the rooftop to marvel at the city lights at night.
Free Social Hour at Ovolo The Valley: Kazaba
In the afternoon from 5.30 to 6.30 pm, Ovolo has a so-called Social Hour, where guests from the hotel are invited to come together at Kazaba, a bar on the ground floor.
The bar is Middle-Eastern-themed, adjacent to its sibling restaurant, Za Za Ta. Stepping inside, the atmosphere is reminiscent of Tel Aviv's bustling boulevards, which are also showcased through the bar's enticing cocktail list.
This urban sanctuary boasts inviting sun loungers and a shaded roof, offering both relaxation and respite from the city buzz while stunning views of the surrounding cityscape.
During the Social Hour, there's a special drinks menu where the first drink is complimentary. Opting for a house-crafted Spritz was my choice, providing a much-appreciated refreshment in the 28-degree outdoor heat.
You also have the option to indulge in mezze plates and delightful small bites, ideal for savoring authentic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. While the aroma of the tempting dishes on the table next to us was irresistible, we had a dinner reservation next door at Za Za Ta.
Eating at Ovolo The Valley: Za Za Ta
Dining at Ovolo The Valley's Za Za Ta is like stepping into a moody yet chic and romantic Middle Eastern restaurant that knows how to mix up modern flavors with some artsy vibes.
Their all-vegetarian menu is about sharing, from cute little mezze plates to bigger, sharable dishes, every bite is a flavor explosion. And guess what? They bagged the title of Queensland’s Best Vegetarian Restaurant in the 2022 Delicious. That's a big deal!
My absolute fave has got to be the Halloumi doughnut with chili jam and pomegranate. It's the perfect mix of savory and sweet goodness.
But we didn't stop there – we also dug into a Kofta tagine, BBQ cauliflower shawarma, pumpkin dumplings with burnt butter, and a side of Malouf salad. We basically had a feast!
Now, when it comes to spaces, Za Za Ta also has a couple of private dining spaces to suit a networking event or party.
With connected events spaces, The Library, The Grand Hall and The Games Room are perfect when you need a lively, modern space with a whole lot of character, for larger meetings and events.
Hotel Location: In the Heart of the Fortitude Valley Brisbane
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Fortitude Valley in Brisbane, Ovolo The Valley is perfectly positioned for easy access to eclectic culture, lively nightlife, and plenty of culinary delights that define this dynamic neighborhood.
With its prime location, Ovolo The Valley offers close proximity to some of Brisbane’s most fashionable boutiques on James Street, buzzing bars, and innovative eateries, making it an ideal base for exploring the creative and cultural pulse of the city.
Whether you're in town for business or leisure, Ovolo The Valley promises a stay that's not just about relaxation but also makes for a great place to lay your head after a day of exploration of the Brisbane city center.
Best things to do in the Fortitude Valley/Brisbane
Fortitude Valley's surroundings are without a doubt a melting pot of culture, art, and entertainment.
Here are some of the best things to do in the area:
Explore James Street Precinct: Just a short stroll away, dive into the heart of Brisbane's fashion and lifestyle scene, where upmarket boutiques, stylish cafes, and sophisticated bars line the streets.
Visit Brisbane Powerhouse: Although slightly outside the Valley in neighboring New Farm, it's a cultural hub for performing arts, comedy, and visual arts, set in a repurposed power station on the banks of the Brisbane River. Also, don't miss the bustling Jan Powers Farmers Markets on a Saturday.
Check out Chinatown Mall: Dive into a more grungy area of the neighbourhood. Yet, it's here where you'll find the most authentic Asian cuisine and culture in this bustling part of the Valley.
Enjoy the Nightlife: Fortitude Valley is renowned for its lively bars, clubs, and live music venues, offering something for every taste.
Relax in New Farm Park: A beautiful green space perfect for picnics, with river views and access to the Brisbane Powerhouse.
Enjoy the views at Howard Smith Wharves: Within a few minutes drive, the Howard Smith Wharves are nestled under the Story Bridge. This area offers stunning riverside views, world-class dining, and an array of craft beer breweries.
Discover Art Galleries and Street Art: Discover local and international art in galleries and admire the vibrant street art that adorns the laneways.
Ovolo The Valley – Final Words
Our experience at Ovolo The Valley was nothing short of fantastic, making it an ideal choice for a weekend retreat.
The comfort of our stay, coupled with the spacious Valley Suite, exemplified the attention to detail in ensuring a relaxing environment. The staff was helpful and welcoming, along with a smooth check-in process, added to the overall positive impression.
Situated on Ann Street, the hotel's strategic location was convenient for exploring nearby attractions.
The inclusion of a free mini-bar and fantastic common areas, particularly the rooftop pool, provided the perfect blend for our two-night stay. Ovolo The Valley truly stands out as an award-winning boutique hotel, combining a cozy atmosphere with thoughtful amenities for a thoroughly enjoyable getaway.
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