The Best Cheap Hotels to Book in Hobart, Tasmania

Tucked away in the lively Central Business District, this heritage hotel is a few steps from the docks and a couple more to Salamanca and the Hobart Cruise Terminal. From superior waterfront-view rooms with balconies and lounge areas to queen rooms looking out over Parliament House, what more could you want? What about a restaurant and bar made for lounging, dishing Barilla bay oysters, and Turkish bread? Customs House has it all.

The central Hobart location of this inn, on Campbell Street, is barely a kilometre (0.6mi) from the docks. Before heading to your design-led room with polished wooden floors, grab a craft beer or cider from the bar. Foodies will love the menu at the in-house restaurant featuring versatile dishes such as buttermilk fried chicken, Sriracha hot sauce, Kewpie mayo and battered cauliflower florets with buffalo hot sauce. If the weather is kind, the beer garden is the perfect spot to hang out in. There’s live music in the bar, but the staff will turn the volume down after 10pm in respect of guests sleeping upstairs.

This charming redbrick house built in 1897 is now heritage listed. Choose from five homely bedrooms, all with comfy queen beds and garden views. The ground floor suits families or couples with two queen beds and a bathroom. The second floor has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. This is a great place to sit outside and soak up the scenery and outdoor furniture has strategically been placed to make the most of the views of the garden. Drop into the cafe next door run by the owners for home-cooked breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

History is in the walls and floors of this 1810 building on a busy commercial street a few seconds walk to Elizabeth Street Mall and Sullivans Cove. With just a slender, winding staircase, leading to neat, fuss-free, and light-filled rooms, you’re better off leaving your large suitcases at home. After you’ve soaked up the sights, return to savour global staples such as mushroom and pea arancini with truffle aioli and greens followed by a glass of Hartog’s Plate Moscato.

This central hotel is owned and operated by Tasmanian locals whose mission is to create an affordable artistic space for guests and visitors. Light-filled rooms pack a design punch with colourful murals and canvases with bright pop-art furnishings. From the intimate in-house bar, step outside to an open balcony adorned with potted plants. Spend the money you save on any number of restaurants and bars a few minutes from Hotel Alabama’s front door.

Tired of eating out all the time? Each of these charming apartments in this listed mansion has a sleek kitchen an easy 10-minute walk from central Hobart. They also have polished wooden floors and a slight mid-century modern style to the decor. They’re also an 18-minute walk to the Hobart Cruise Terminal where you can catch the ferry to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) within the Moorilla winery on the Berriedale peninsula.

Safe, clean and affordable – the Narra Backpackers is close to the centre of town and offers simple mixed and female-only dorms. Find inspiration and ideas at the tour desk, exchange currency, wander in the gardens or pass the time on the terrace. Cook up a storm in the shared kitchen or barbecue outside. Family rooms and free wifi are available throughout the property. Board games in the communal lounge will keep kids and adults happy for hours. Take time to walk the 2km (1.2mi) to the waterfront Salamanca Place, for lovely 19th-century sandstone buildings, theatres, art galleries, and a weekly street market.

Cheap accommodation in Hobart does not mean skimping on a little luxury. All rooms at this townhouse complex come with an ensuite bathroom made from Persian marble. A balcony maybe? Book the Harrington Suite for the balcony and a queen-sized bed. You’re a pleasant 14 minutes’ walk from Franklin Wharf plus can mosey on to Salamanca and Battery Point. Grab a satisfying meal at the Shamrock Pub which is only 40m (131ft) away.