MACq 01, Hobart, Tasmania © Adam Gibson
Where to stay in Hobart
Stay on top of the water or hover over the city. Or get views of both. Hobart's top hotels provide reasons on their own to visit Tasmania's capital city.
By Andrew Bain
As Hobart is a city where art and nature so beautifully combine, so too have its hotels created perfect bases for days of exploration through the city and beyond. Art features heavily in some of the city's finest hotels, while others provide art-worthy views of Hobart, the Derwent River and kunanyi/Mount Wellington.
Mona Pavilions
Mona Pavilions, Hobart, Tasmania © Andrew McIntosh, Tourism Tasmania
When to go
Visit Hobart in June to attend Dark Mofo, a captivating midwinter festival known for its odd, eery and sometimes downright bizarre program of events.
Where: 655 Main Road Berriedale, Hobart
Strung along a bank of the Derwent River at the mesmerising Mona (Museum of Old and New Art) are eight super-chic, art-inspired rooms. Four of the Mona Pavilions are named after Australian painters and feature a signature work by the artist. The other four are named after architects and focus more on their unique room designs. Each pavilion has a soothing river view, and a bar stocked with Mona's Moorilla wines and Moo Brew beers. The pavilions are just steps from the gallery and yet entirely isolated and discrete.
MACq 01
MACq 01, Hobart, Tasmania © MACq 01
Where: 18 Hunter Street, Hobart
A unique storytelling hotel, MACq 01 brings forward the state’s rich history with each of the 114 suites dedicated to the tale of a notable Tasmanian. Whichever story you end up with, you’ll get to see it, hear it and touch it, as there are artefacts and objects installed in the walls of each suite along with custom-made bedheads and furniture inspired by each character’s personality traits. The hotel has even published a book of all 114 stories, titled One Hundred and Fourteen Doors. You'll find a copy in your suite.
The Tasman
The Tasman, Hobart, Tasmania © The Tasman
Where: 12 Murray Street, Hobart
Just steps from the famous Salamanca Markets and the vibrant waterfront of Sullivan’s Cove, you'll find The Tasman hotel. Journey to the 1800s with a stay at this architecturally stunning and historically rich hotel in the heart of Tasmania's capital. Boasting luxuriously appointed guest rooms, this hotel has everything you'd expect from a world-class stay – from 24-hour complimentary access to their fitness centre to three uniquely designed restaurants and bars.
Islington Hotel
Islington Hotel, Hobart, Tasmania © Loic Le Guilly, Tourism Tasmania
Where: 321 Davey Street, Hobart
Art rules the walls at the stylish Islington Hotel, about two kilometres (1.2 miles) up the slopes from Hobart's city centre. Occupying an 1847 Regency-style mansion, the hotel has just 11 rooms, which successfully mix antiques with polished modern bathrooms and blonde wood panelling. There are artworks by the likes of Brett Whiteley and David Hockney, and views up to Mount Wellington. The glass atrium lounge is stunning, peering over a water feature spiked with Murano glass sculptures.
The Henry Jones Art Hotel
The Henry Jones Art Hotel, Hobart, Tasmania © Graham Freeman, Tourism Australia
Where: 25 Hunter Street, Hobart
A touch of artistic class inside a former jam factory on Hobart's docks, the Henry Jones Art Hotel oozes sophistication. Australia's first dedicated art hotel, it retains the framework of its jam-making days, but the walls are splashed with modern art and the rooms are exceptional. Step out the front door and you're among Hobart's fishing fleet, or stay inside for one of the hotel's weekly art tours and a cocktail at the cosy IXL Long Bar.
Avalon City Retreat
Avalon City Retreat, Hobart, Tasmania © Jonathan Wherrett, Tourism Tasmania
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3 days in Hobart
Where: 152 Macquarie Street, Hobart
Perched atop a city office tower, like an eye across Hobart, is the wonderful, luxury Avalon City Retreat penthouse pod. Two bedrooms with custom-made king-size beds enclose a central, fully-equipped kitchen and dining room, with penthouse-length windows providing views across much of Hobart. Soak in the view – literally – from the outdoor Huon pine bath. Call for room service from the Astor Grill restaurant across the road. It's a touch of big-city loft life in small-city Hobart.
Somerset on the Pier Hobart
Somerset on the Pier, Hobart, Tasmania © Somerset on the Pier
Where: Elizabeth Street Pier, Hobart
Hobart's a waterfront city, and accommodation comes no more waterfront than Somerset on the Pier Hobart. These serviced apartments are strung along Hobart's Elizabeth Street Pier, which juts out into the heart of the city's docks. The wide water views are exceptional, and you can grab an apartment with a balcony, or a large family apartment. The T42 bar and restaurant and the casual Fish Frenzy restaurant are immediately downstairs, and it's just a few steps to the floating Brooke Street Pier and the ferry to the Mona art gallery.
