Where I'd Tell You to Stay in Hobart, Tasmania
When traveling to a new destination it can be hard to narrow down where to stay. For Hobart I had about fifteen tabs open trying to flipping between "historic and charming" and "just book the nice one," which is basically how I book every trip. Luckily in Hobart most hotels are clustered close together within a short walk to the harbour, and most of them are quite nice, so the decision comes down to vibe more than location.
Sailboats smattering the water of Sullivan’s Cove
The Tasman
This was our splurge, and it was worth every penny. We stayed in the Grand Heritage Room and it was a true five-star stay: spacious, full of luxury touches and amenities, and walkable to Sullivans Cove. There's a delicious Italian restaurant right on site, so on the nights we didn't want to think about dinner plans, we didn't have to. If you want one property in Hobart to feel like "the nice one," this is it.
The Tasman fitting into the hilly city
Lenna of Hobart
We loved this one for the history woven into every corner (more on that in the full Tasmania review). The lobby has a warm fire that helped dry us out after we walked in from some genuinely wet weather, and breakfast is served in a beautifully decorated room with pleasant, unhurried service. Small but real perk: the laundry facilities were open and easy to use during our stay, which matters more than you'd think on a longer trip. Easily walkable to the harbor and the city.
Exterior of Lenna of Hobart at dusk
The Henry Jones Art Hotel
This hotel used to be part of the old IXL jam factory on the Hunter Street waterfront, and instead of scrubbing that history out, they built the hotel right into it. Exposed brick and timber beams, now hung with roughly 500 pieces of art running through the corridors, lobby, and guest rooms. We only walked through on our way to go shopping, so I can't tell you what the beds feel like, but I can tell you it's the lobby makes you want to stick around.
Art Deco hotel
Islington Hotel
This is an 1847 Regency mansion tucked into a quiet pocket of South Hobart, with Mount Wellington rising up right behind it and manicured gardens visible from the guest room windows. The antiques, the curated art, the marble bathrooms with heated floors, are built for a stay where you don't feel much need to leave the property.
Beautiful hotel entrance
Crowne Plaza Hobart
This is your comfortable, dependable stay. I personally love the IHG brand and how they take care of the little details that matter to guests. But if you're only in Hobart for a couple of nights, I'd lean toward putting your money into one of the local establishments instead. The chain will always be there; the historic mansion with the lookout tower won't be.
Aerial view of the Crowne Plaza Hobart
Practical notes
Almost everything worth staying at clusters near Sullivans Cove and the harbor, so you're rarely more than a short walk from Salamanca or the water no matter which of these you pick. Don't overthink location, overthink how you want to feel instead. Book Hobart stays earlier than you think you need to, especially around the Saturday Salamanca Market; the boutique properties are small and fill up. Want help planning your Tasmania holiday, let’s chat!
