Tasmania’s salty-air capital Hobart is a harbour town abuzz with old pubs, craft-beer bars, myriad cafés, festivals, and yacht ports, among many more. The city lies in the shadow of Mt Wellington, the island’s mountain biking and bushwalking oasis.
Hobart is a place where you can feel the sand between your toes in the morning, before heading up the mountain for a scenic hike, and end your day with a cocktail on the vibrant waterfront.
A beautiful blend of historic flair and modern charm graces Hobart’s tremendous hospitality circuit, which is filled to the brim with stunning boutique sanctuaries and eclectic, luxury resorts. Here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Hobart, Tasmania (in no particular order)...
1. Vibe Hotel Hobart – a trendy, hip and new lifestyle hotel perfect for partying Millennials and Gen Zs
Offering a supreme location in the heart of historical Hobart, Vibe Hotelembraces the Australian lifestyle to the full. The trademark-coloured fins of its striking façade has added a new glorified landmark to Hobart’s skyline, while the interiors are embellished with exquisite attention to detail.
The contemporary-style rooms take inspiration from the sea and the sandstone cliffs on nearby Bruny Island, and all of the Tasmanian oak furniture has been lovingly made by local craftsmen.
The Vibe provides incredible food and state-of-the-art fitness facilities, making sure that your Tasmanian stay is just as soothing and reenergizing as it is glamorous.
2. MONA Pavilions – a very unique, Instagrammable and cool hotel with stunning views situated on 3.5 hectares of land overlooking the Derwent River
Gracing the outskirts of Hobart with a contemporary-designed, sophisticated accommodation offering, MONAconsists of eight pavilions sitting on a three-and-a-half-hectare private peninsula overlooking the Derwent River.
Each pavilion is unique and character-filled. The most elaborate and expensive ones offer plenty of space and functionality and were designed to surprise and delight, while others echo a more original traditional outlook and are dressed in the works of famous Australian artists.
MONA also offers a posh restaurant, a friendly bistro, a winery, a microbrewery, and a trendy wellness area with a gym, a sauna, and a luxurious heated swimming pool.
To book, check prices or availability for MONA Pavilions
3. The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart – a 5-star, lavish and contemporary hotel within walking distance of popular local attractions
Take a glimpse into the 1800s with a stay at this historically rich hotel, which is one of Tasmania’s most stunning architectural masterpieces.
Here, you will experience three eras of design. The hallways of the 1840s heritage building are filled with historical cues, while the 1940s Art Deco building is imbued with a sense of understated, mid-century luxury. The more modern Pavilion building is the one for you if you want to spend large amounts of time taking in spectacular views of the Hobart waterfront.
The Tasmanembraces the charm of the locale, and integrates this effortlessly with the panoramic scenery. A signature Italian restaurant and a reimagined old-world cocktail bar are also offered, inviting you to spend an evening soaking up the property’s traditional panache.
4. Shoreline Hotel – a stylish rustic-chic hotel famous for its cabaret shows and dinner dances
Well-known for its cabarets and dinner dances, The Shoreline has become a local favourite throughout the years, and offers a handful of intimate nooks created specifically for travellers to rest and relax.
The hotel supports local artists every week with live music performances, and offers a charming Lounge bar which provides a vibrant hub for locals and holidaymakers alike. A café, a sports bar, and terrace also feature at this eclectic property, all of which are imbued with a graceful ambiance.
Overlooking the beautiful gardens and play area are the budget-friendly, character-filled guestrooms, all styled with beautiful, modern décor.
5. MACq 01 Hotel – an upscale, award-winning and design boutique providing guests with a spectacular waterfront location and Insta-worthy views
Hobart’s glamorous waterfront hotel MACq 01 provides jaw-dropping views, and blends a luxury atmosphere with a tribute to Tasmania’s illustrious past.
This stylishly timbered, low-slung haven feels more like a cruise liner than a traditional city hotel, with lots of white cypress brightening the minimalist exterior.
The cavernous interiors offer some thoughtful touches, including the main fireplace dotted with circular seating, and the Story Bar decorated by historic newspaper front pages.
The on-site Old Wharf Restaurant is an elegant, light-filled space overlooking the Derwent River, which adds a pan-European flair to a showcase of Tasmania’s most delicious farm and ocean produce.
To book, check prices or availability for MACq 01 Hotel
6. The Henry Jones Art Hotel – an industrial-chic, historic and contemporary hotel surrounded by bars, galleries and award-winning restaurants
This quirky Hobart bolthole is set behind the beguilingly pristine façade of a former jam factory dating back to 1823. At The Henry Jones Art Hotel, a unique scene is set through a clever mix of colonial and contemporary architecture, topped with an ever-changing selection of Tasmanian artwork.
Known as Australia’s first ‘Art Hotel’, the property’s 21st-century refit has resulted in a cosy vibe while maintaining its sandstone walls, lofty tin ceilings, charred wooden beams, and old spiral staircase.
The low-lit restaurant ‘Landscape’ is named for its collection of scenic art by colonial-era painter John Glover, and offers a menu of Tasmanian specialties and seafood. You can also enjoy the ever-changing menu at Peacock and Jones, and the nightly live jazz nights at The IXL Long Bar.
7. RACV Hobart Hotel – a classic, family-friendly and charming hotel in close proximity to shopping and the iconic Salamanca Markets
Hobart Hotelis a charming space where old-world Heritage meets modern conveniences in the bustling Tasmanian capital. You can reach the Salamanca Market and the artisan boutiques of the harbour within a short stroll from here, however if you don’t want to leave you can enjoy the hotel’s signature dining experiences.
The Charcoal Restaurant is a top-rate contributor to the city’s burgeoning dining scene, and showcases local produce and quality seafood.
If you fancy a more relaxed evening, then head to the other atmospheric hot spot, Cascade on Collins. In addition, RACV Hobart Hotel’s fully equipped gym offers everything you need to maintain your fitness regime.
8. Islington Hotel – a modern, elegant and Insta-worthy hotel featuring fine dining, beautiful gardens and luxury amenities
This small, elegant hotelfeels more like a hidden secret, and is situated up the hill from Central Hobart. Quiet places to read, nap, and stare at the sky are offered, both within the 19th-century building and outside in the fruit-tree-filled garden.
Contemporary extensions have been beautifully integrated into the stunning Regency-style house, while Tasmanian antiques and pieces gleaned from the owners’ travels decorate the interiors.
The restaurant offers Asian-influenced flavours alongside exquisite local dishes, complementing an extensive wine list sourced from local producers. You can reach the city’s beating heart within a 20-minute walk, before returning to the charming environs for a blissful night’s sleep.
9. Hadley’s Orient Hotel – one of the oldest boutique hotels in Australia offering a Victorian-themed, historic and individual stay
Here we have a stellar, well-conceived, and warmly executed accommodation offering, set in a grand Victorian-era property. Built in 1834, Hadley’sbounds with vintage charm, and retains cues of its past in a beautiful Victorian furniture-filled foyer.
A 1920s spirit is embodied in the afternoon tea room, while the bar offers opulent chandeliers in the backdrop of glamorous wallpaper.
The guestrooms feature modern bathrooms and add a dash of quirkiness through maroon and yellow carpets, cane bedheads, patterned bed throws and heavy curtains. The whimsical dining spaces in the bar, atrium, and breakfast room offer standout Tasmanian dishes, alongside a stunning list of fine wines and cocktails.
10. Lotus Gogh Apartment – a vibrant and modern accommodation with hip features well equipped for a memorable trip
Lotus Gogh offers an idyllic spot to find your inner balance between home and hotel. Set within a historical Heritage building established in 1864, the apartment is adorned with traditional, antique furniture, yet all of the rooms are festooned in a modern style.
Here, you will sleep amid brand new beds and mattresses and luxurious blankets, while an in-room fireplace will keep you warm during the Tasmanian winter.
From the comfort of a leather couch you can enjoy a HD projector in the living room, and the amenity-laden kitchen leads onto a charming outdoor area which offers a beautiful open-air ambiance.
11. The Rivulet – an elegant, unique boutique accommodation offering guests a freshly made continental breakfast each morning
Here we have Hobart’s newest Heritage-listed boutique hotel, superbly situated a stone’s throw from the historic Battery Point and the vibrant Salamanca Square.
Two of Tasmania’s finest Yacht Clubs are on the doorstep of this glamorous hotel, while a sculptured and tranquil garden allows the essence of nature to flow through. This 19th-century manor house has received a head-to-toe revamp, yet maintains the rich history of its original building.
Each room is named in homage to the inhabitants, flora, and fauna of the island’s diverse regions, while period furnishings, Tasmanian art, and stylish bathrooms further share a nod to Hobart’s cultural traditions.
To book, check prices or availability for The Rivulet
12. Maylands Lodge – one of Hobart’s historic landmarks where guests can experience an urban, upscale and cozy stay
This graceful boutique hotel is peacefully set on the fringes of Hobart, within one of Tasmania’s finest Heritage properties. The minimalist style that suffuses the 12 rooms and suites is a fusion of modern and historic luxury, and throughout the property a spirit of relaxation, generosity, and rejuvenation come together.
At the core of The Maylands Lodge is an ethos rooted in giving back, and making the world a better place. The lodge supports this ethos through sustainably grounded undertakings, and a hospitality vision which remains grateful for its natural surroundings.
This truly is a place where you can let your wanderlust run wild and connect with curious, like-minded travellers.
To book, check prices or availability for Maylands Lodge
13. Grande Vue – a newly renovated, traditional and beautiful B&B located in the heart of Hobart
While it has undergone a recent refurbishment, many architectural features point to the property’s former glory, and the elegant guestrooms are surrounded by spectacular water views. As a guest you can enjoy a pre-dinner drink in the hotel’s comfortable lounge areas, where you will feel an iconic sense of tradition.
Each unit features marble-clad bathrooms with heated towel rails, as well as a minibar and light meal facilities. Bounding this eclectic lodge together is a charming spirit and a friendly service, evoking a true Suburban family feel.
To book, check prices or availability for Grande Vue
14. Old Bishop’s Quarters Hobart – a lavish, spacious and fancy accommodation ideal for a group or family vacation
Here we have a special hide-away which exudes the feel of a luxury boutique. At Old Bishop’s Quarters, you are invited to stay in a spacious, beautifully appointed apartment in one of Australia’s most historic houses.
You can choose from the Heritage School House built in the 1890s, the Tudor’s Apartment with its modern facilities, The Old Housekeeper’s Lodge with views of the River Derwent, and the epic Glamping experience in Monty’s Hideaway. Each secluded sanctuary is accessed through an attractive courtyard.
The property is nestled in an acre of gorgeous gardens with panoramic water views, and offers BBQ facilities for evenings of togetherness.
15. Battery Point Manor – a quiet, Georgian-style and chic accommodation steps away from the waterfront
Situated in Battery Point, an area which began life as a maritime village, this charming Georgian-style mansion was built in 1834 and is owned by two local families.
Here, dramatic views of the Derwent River are beautifully girdled by original architecture, beautiful gardens, and mountains. Sprinkled around the surrounding village are quirky cafés, shops, and restaurants, which can be reached within a short walk.
To sleep, you can choose from the Garden Apartment, the River Apartment, the Cottage, and a selection of well-appointed guestrooms. All are graced by large windows with panoramic views, and feature up-to-date amenities designed to enhance comfort.
Scott started his travelling life back in 1999, when he headed off on a solo jaunt to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia with just a backpack, a camera and a spirit for adventure. After that, the travel bug bit hard and now he is always seeking to head off somewhere new. Over the years he has lived in Italy, Qatar, Ireland, UK and the US but his spiritual home will always be Rome as this is the city which most satisfies his unrelenting craving for culture, good food and great football. Scott loves nothing better than to be behind the camera and also runs his own blog and Instagram page. He also counts Melbourne, Cape Town and Tel Aviv among his favourite places. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @scottbalaam
