Olims Hotel Canberra is one of Canberra’s oldest and best loved hotels. Originally known as the Hotel Ainslie, Olims was designed by architect CFA voysey. Built in English deco style, it was initially established to house member of Parliament and public servants.
Hotel Ainslie opened September 1927, the same year Old Parliament House was opened. Privately run from 1930 by the Spendlove family, it was know to many as Spendlove’s Hotel. In its early days the hotel accommodated for 60 person, 16 singles and 22 double rooms.
Pre-World War II, the Hotel Ainslie was a lively place, being the centre of social gatherings. The hotel is remembered as a Canberra Landmark, it was the largest building north of Civic.
The hotel was classified by the National Trust, entered on the Royal Institute of Architects Register of Significant Twentieth Century Architecture and on the Australian Heritage Commissions Register of National Estate. The picturesque book depicting our history is available for sale only at the hotel! |