Hobart is small enough that most visitors can walk between the waterfront, Salamanca Place and the city centre, so the choice comes down to three bases: Sullivans Cove on the water, Battery Point beside Salamanca Place and the central streets around Elizabeth and Macquarie Streets. All three suit a first visit.
Sullivans Cove
The Henry Jones Art Hotel, at 25 Hunter Street, is the splurge. It is a five-star property with 56 rooms, harbour-view rooms, a gym and three venues on site, and Franklin Wharf is about a two-minute walk. The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is about three minutes away and Salamanca Market about eight. It suits couples and special occasions, and it has no pool.
Battery Point
The historic neighbourhood beside Salamanca Place has a quieter, village feel. Lenna of Hobart, at 20 Runnymede Street, is a boutique hotel with 52 rooms, free parking, an on-site restaurant and harbour-view suites, and it is about a minute from Salamanca Place. Salamanca Inn, at 10 Gladstone Street, offers apartment-style suites with kitchenettes, an indoor pool, a hot tub and a gym, about two minutes from the market. Lenna suits couples and travellers with a car, and Salamanca Inn suits families and longer stays.
The city centre
For a modern base close to everything, Mövenpick Hotel Hobart at 28 Elizabeth Street has 221 rooms, harbour-view options and a restaurant, about three minutes from Salamanca Place. For a budget base, ibis Styles Hobart at 173 Macquarie Street has a heated indoor pool, a fitness centre and two saunas, and the airport shuttle stop is about 70 metres away. Both are good for visitors without a car, because tours pick up from central hotels and the waterfront is on foot.
Cars and parking
If you plan to hire a car, ask about parking before you book. Lenna of Hobart offers free self parking, and Salamanca Inn has secured, covered parking for a low daily fee, with height restrictions. The Henry Jones Art Hotel has covered valet parking and Mövenpick offers valet only, both with daily fees. At ibis Styles, parking is limited, costs a daily fee and cannot be pre-booked. If you will rely on ferries, buses and tours, a central or waterfront base is easier.
Seasons and rates
Summer and holiday periods are the busiest, and rates rise, so book early. Early December brings the peak ferry timetable to Mona and busier weekends. Winter is quieter, and some rooms offer good value. Check what is included, since breakfast is a paid extra at several of these hotels, and compare rates with and without it. Check-out times differ, with the Henry Jones Art Hotel asking guests to leave before 10 am.
How to choose
For an art-led waterfront splurge, choose The Henry Jones Art Hotel. For a quiet, boutique stay with parking, choose Lenna of Hobart. For space, a kitchen and a pool, choose Salamanca Inn. For a modern central hotel, choose Mövenpick Hotel Hobart. For a budget base with a pool and a central address, choose ibis Styles Hobart.
