For a city of its size, Hobart has more than its fair share of impressive hotels. There’s the sleek waterfront MACq01, the boutique adults-only Islington Hotel and Australia’s first dedicated art hotel, the Henry Jones. But it’s The Tasman that continues to turn heads – one of only two Aussie venues to make the World’s 50 Best Hotels list in 2024.
You can imagine how giddy I was when I found out I’d be spending a night at The Tasman during a winter trip in Hobart. Although just for one night, I was excited to experience the luxury that’s earned this hotel global acclaim – and it absolutely delivered.
Why stay at The Tasman?
Anchored on Hobart’s buzzing waterfront, this charming historic hotel was well worth the six-year wait. The original sandstone facade houses 152 rooms spread across three buildings of starkly different eras: Heritage (1840s), Art Deco (1940s) and Pavilion (2020s). The Tasman doesn’t just impress with its award-winning design — it also delivers on dining, thanks to its acclaimed Italian restaurant Peppina and the moody, intimate cocktail bar Mary Mary. Plus, the hotel’s central locale is hard to beat, with the Derwent Harbour, Salamanca Place, Battery Point and Hobart’s CBD on your doorstep.
What are the rooms like at The Tasman?
The Tasman celebrates Hobart’s maritime heritage with 152 rooms and suites spread across three architecturally distinct buildings, spanning from the 1840s to the present day. I checked into one of the incredibly quaint Heritage rooms, overlooking the sleepy city streets. The room felt super homely, with original Georgian details restored and reimagined, like the vaulted doors, original windows and restored fireplaces. The ensuite offered its own slice of modern indulgence, complete with a deep spa bath and rainfall shower. I particularly loved The Tasman’s heavy focus on local Tasmanian products in everything from the bath amenities to the minibar.
The Tasman also offers a selection of 1940s-inspired Art Deco rooms, dressed in bold colour palettes and decor that are regal in all their yesteryear glory. For those chasing contemporary luxury, the modern Pavilion suites boast floor-to-ceiling window panes with views of the harbourfront and kunanyi / Mount Wellington. Perched atop the Pavilion building, the hotel’s crown jewel is the Aurora Suite that boasts a 108-square-meter rooftop with a sandstone and glass fire pit.
Which are the best restaurants and bars at The Tasman?
Named after his nonna, Massimo Mele’s Peppina could feel like dinner at your Italian grandmother’s house – if your nonna were a celebrated chef who lived in a light-filled atrium complete with mature olive trees. The name of the game here is feast, so more is more is a solid ethos when ordering. With a focus on high-quality Tasmanian produce, this seasonal menu is packed with winners. Expect handmade gnocchi, succulent braised meats, a selection of just-caught seafood and an award-winning wine list (that reads more like an encyclopedia).
Come morning, the Peppina Pantry offers a European-style breakfast spread centred around a large wooden table overflowing with local charcuterie, artisan cheeses, house pickles, fresh salads and seasonal Tassie fruits. On the sweet side, there’s housemade granola, pot-set yoghurts (I highly recommend the cereal panna cotta), buttery pastries, pancakes and honey straight from the comb. Plus, eggs can be cooked any way you like and paired with hot classics, like bougie hashbrowns, sautéed mushrooms and crispy bacon.
Taking its name from the former hospital it now inhabits, The Tasman's cocktail bar, Mary Mary might just be Tasmania’s classiest. You have to work hard to track down this late-night speakeasy-style spot, which is hidden down a little alley and locked behind 1800s-era sandstone walls. A short but serious cocktail menu is inspired by time and place, reimagining classics with local fruits and Indigenous botanicals. There’s also a curated selection of Tassie wines and beers, along with stylish share plates from sister venue Peppina.
Finally, the Deco Lounge overlooking Parliament Square offers light plates and bar snacks for daytime dining, along with a seasonal high tea on weekends.
What is the service like at The Tasman?
After pulling up outside the hotel, I was immediately welcomed by a hotel attendant who offered me valet parking (which is $45 per day). Check-in was smooth, followed by a brief but helpful tour of the hotel’s facilities and multiple dining venues before I was shown to the lift that would take me to my room – a necessary step, given each of the hotel’s three distinct wings has its own dedicated elevator.
What is the gym like at The Tasman?
Spread across two rooms, the gym offers a solid workout setup with a dozen cardio machines and free weights.
What’s the area like around The Tasman?
The Tasman couldn’t be in a better location. It’s right in the heart of the action, just a two-minute stroll to Constitution Dock, Salamanca Place (convenient if you’re planning to visit the buzzy Saturday Salamanca Market), and Brooke Street Pier – the launch point for the iconic MONA ferry. The hotel is also only a ten-minute walk up to Elizabeth Street, where you’ll find the city’s main shopping strip and a host of Hobart’s best restaurants and bars.
Address: 12 Murray St, Hobart
Price: From $269 per night
Closest transport link: Stop 2, Tasman Hwy (Govt. House) – serviced by bus routes 615, 624, 726, and 732
Book now: Here
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