The Best Hotels to Book in Hobart, Australia, for Every Traveller
It all started with Mona; when the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart opened in 2011, it brought in a slew of new travellers wanting a glimpse at what all the fuss was about. Today, the Tasmanian capital is a must on any Australian bucket list, with hyper-local food and wine, the hip Salamanca Place galleries and cafes, buzzing markets and breathtaking Mount Wellington backdrop. From boutique hideaways to luxury escapes, here’s our pick of the best hotels for a weekend in Hobart, Australia, bookable on Culture Trip.
Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, for spectacular views
Hotel
Many of the top hotels in Hobart are on the waterfront, and the Hotel Grand Chancellor is among them, offering some of the most spectacular views in the city. The indoor rooftop pool has the best vantage point, where you can indulge in a skyline swim. Like the light-filled lobby, the rooms are bright and welcoming, with mahogany headboards and views of Mount Wellington. Make a booking at the downstairs Tasman Restaurant for fresh seafood and cool-climate wines.
MACq 01 Hotel, for modern history
Hotel
In a prime waterfront position, MACq 01 Hotel is a stylish addition to the luxury hotels Hobart has to offer. With its stretching timber-fronted facade, the hotel has won many awards since it opened in 2017, including Overall Hotel of the Year at the Australian Hotels Association Awards in 2018. Despite the modern feel, each of the 114 spacious rooms and suites is named after a prominent Tasmanian figure and steeped in storytelling, as is the hotel in general, injecting historical elements at every turn.
The Henry Jones Art Hotel, for contemporary art
Hotel
Among the most unique boutique hotels in Hobart, the Henry Jones takes over one of the oldest waterfront warehouses – a former jam factory from 1823 – in the city. It’s also a dedicated “art hotel”, with more than 500 pieces of contemporary Tasmanian art adorning the walls. Early convicts carved the hand-cut stone walls – look for their signatures, which were retained in their honour. Meanwhile, the peacock suite is home to the oldest spiral staircase in Tasmania.
Hadley’s Orient Hotel, for a Victorian throwback
Hotel
Across the street from the imposing St David’s Cathedral, Hadley’s Orient Hotel was built in 1834 by convicts. Its decor speaks of a bygone era, with black-and-white chequered floors lining the atrium, Victorian-era furniture dotting the interiors and opulent chandeliers enhancing the high ceilings. The rooms are just as maximalist, with ornate carpets and bedding. Embrace the experience fully by booking a horse-and-carriage tour of the surrounding area.
Islington Hotel, for an exclusive escape
Boutique Hotel
A short drive from the city centre lands you at the door of this Hobart boutique hotel. Within an exclusive enclave, the 1847-built Regency abode has been refurbished with a marble-and-glass facade surrounded by an Andrew Pfeiffer-designed garden – check out the 100-year-old weeping willow. Inside, there are just 11 rooms, a heady mix of contemporary and historical elements. The four-course degustation menu at the on-site restaurant is seasonal and sourced from small Tasmanian producers and the hotel garden.
Lenna of Hobart, for plush mansion living
Hotel
Set within an 1874 sandstone mansion, Lenna of Hobart sits proudly above the Tasmanian capital. The common areas welcome you in with plush leather chairs, midnight-blue velvet pillows and crackling wood-burning fireplaces. Opt for the penthouse for 360-degree harbour and mountains views from the balcony or the floor-to-ceiling windows during chillier weather.
Salamanca Wharf Hotel, for plush studios
Hotel
Sitting pretty beside leafy Princes Park, with views across the harbour, Salamanca Wharf Hotel is primed for exploring Hobart by foot. The famous weekly Salamanca Market is just moments from the door, but you’ll have to pull yourself away from the open-plan studios and lofts at the hotel to see it. Each room has a deep-navy kitchenette, complete with a Smeg fridge, while some bedrooms have enormous stand-alone tubs just feet from the plush beds.
Grande Vue, for old-school opulence
Hotel
In upmarket Battery Point, just around the corner from all the harbour-front action, you’ll find one of the best hotels in Hobart. Grande Vue is a Queen Ann-style mansion built in 1906 as a private family home. While it’s been extensively refurbished over the years, it still retains original elements such as stained-glass windows, beautifully carved staircases and opulent fireplaces. Each individually designed room has a marble bathroom with either a corner or an oval soaking tub.
Customs House Hotel, for an unpretentious stay
Hotel
Just a few steps from the docks, the Customs House Hotel has a sandstone exterior that makes way for an array of unpretentious rooms. Downstairs, you’ll find a lively restaurant – try the Tasmanian scallops and freshly caught salmon. When you’re feeling parched, head next door to sample a selection of Tasmanian wines, beers and whiskies from Derwent Bar.
The Lodge on Elizabeth, for a warm welcome
Bed and Breakfast
Inside a 19th-century Georgian mansion, this cosy B&B is a short stroll from the CBD. The warm welcome makes this one of the top hotels in Hobart; hosts Jeff and Julie will treat you to a complimentary port in the sitting room. If you want a quiet nook outside to enjoy the sunshine, it’s easy to find one in the courtyard garden, or you can retreat to the antique four-poster bed in your room. Those wanting a little more privacy can opt for the wood-panelled Convict Cottage, where you’ll receive bubbles and handmade chocolates on arrival.