When it comes to picturesque destinations that are rich in art, history and intriguing discoveries, Tasmania’s capital really has the market nailed. There’s a reason that the country’s most boundary-pushing art gallery, MONA, is located here. But beyond that, Hobart is home to a rich artistic community, and the area’s history is always close to the surface. The good, the spooky, and the quirky – this place wears it all on its sleeve.
Located on Hobart’s historic waterfront, the Henry Jones Art Hotel exemplifies everything that’s unique about Australia’s southernmost city, and wraps it up in sophisticated boutique accommodation, to boot. The hotel opened in 2004 following an extensive refurbishment led by architect Robert Morris-Nunn and his architectural firm Circa, but the building’s storied past stretches back much further – right back to early settlement – and the hotel pays homage to all of it.
The IXL Jam Factory operated at the site up until the early 1970s (on a warm day, you can still smell the scents of sugar, berry and spice exuding from the walls), and much of the original construction has been preserved. Before the Henry Jones became a hub for art, local students from the nearby Tasmanian School of Creative Arts were known to party in the dilapidated building – and before the hotel’s construction, students were invited to walk through the building and create art based on what they saw. This became the first art displayed in the hallways upon opening. Truly, no stone has been left unturned.
Why stay at the Henry Jones Art Hotel?
Australia’s first official “art hotel”, the Henry Jones boasts a constantly evolving art collection, with around 480 works displayed throughout the lobby, halls and suites – with everything from awe-inspiring landscape paintings to contemporary designs and historical pieces. Staying here is like living inside the art gallery of your dreams – and you can get the insider scoop with art tours every day at 4pm (complimentary for in-house guests, and $35 for non-guests). Led by the hotel’s in-house Art Curator or resident Story Tellers, these intriguing tours are also a great way to learn all sorts of fun facts about the hotel’s history – from the surviving fixtures of its convict-era construction, to the ghost of Henry Jones himself (who has been known to linger in his former boardroom). And whether or not you’re staying as a hotel guest, the Henry Jones’ restaurant and intimate cocktail bar are also well worth a visit.
This boutique hotel ticks all of the boxes – you get all the comforts of luxury accommodation in a truly unique building where history, art and architecture merge in a fascinating way, and you’re also located centrally, in close proximity to all of Hobart’s biggest attractions, with views of the harbour.
What are the rooms like at Henry Jones Art Hotel?
The Henry Jones Art Hotel has 52 rooms (and four Suites), each individually designed and furnished, featuring a curated selection of original artworks. Most rooms also feature harbour or mountain views, while others overlook the stunning all-glass atrium, revealing sunny glimpses of the historic jam factory interior.
The rooms have been built around the original IXL Jam Factory architecture, with untouched heritage features like nineteenth-century sandstone walls and traditional window frames. But the preservation of history does not come at the expense of modern comforts – luxury fittings adorn every room, with comfortable king-size beds draped in exotic silk covers and ottomans, and most rooms are equipped with European-style stainless steel and translucent glass bathrooms.
The standard rooms are all perfectly comfortable with plenty of room to stretch out, but if you’re looking to splurge, the suites are a step above, with luxury inclusions like extra space, living areas, and Kohler infinity baths. An original board room has been transformed into The Henry Jones Suite; featuring revered Tasmanian Blackwood, stunning vaulted ceilings, and views of Hobart’s entire historic waterfront, the city and kunanyi (Mt Wellington). Taking inspiration from Asian interior design styles, the two Oriental Suites sit in what once was an ‘Ice House’ during the building’s factory days. The multi-level Peacock Terrace is the largest of all the suites – built in 1823, this heritage-listed terrace is the oldest standing building on the ‘Old Wharf’ and houses Tasmania’s earliest spiral staircase. It was the original terrace home of jam factory founders George and Margaret Peacock, and later became Sir Henry Jones’ private residence. It includes a sitting room, a kitchenette and a large bathroom plus an ensuite area.
What is the service like at Henry Jones Art Hotel?
Holding up to the definition of luxury, the team at the Henry Jones are warm and attentive from the moment you arrive. And especially when it comes to the hotel’s resident ‘Story Tellers’ (which is arguably the coolest job title you could get as a hotel employee), it is clear that there is a genuine passion for the history, the art and the character of this place. If you find yourself staying here, you absolutely cannot pass up the opportunity to book in for a tour – especially if you want to learn the secret stories of ghostly apparitions and the more gruesome details of the site’s convict history from a knowledgeable and enthusiastic host.
What is the food and dining like at Henry Jones Art Hotel?
At Landscape Restaurant & Grill, you’re in for a luxury dining experience on Hobart’s waterfront in a warm, inviting space where raw, industrial interiors showcase a curated selection of paintings focussed on "the father of Australian landscape painting”, John Glover, as well as winners of the The John Glover Prize (an annual award that celebrates contemporary landscape paintings). While the walls hero the Tasmanian landscape, the star of your plate is steak. The menu is centred on a selection of premium cuts of Tasmanian and Australian beef, as well as seafood of the closest providence, expertly paired with a curated range of wines by the in-house Sommelier. With all of these elements, Landscape is an excellent choice for a special dinner. Dining with a group? The restaurant recently unveiled a new private dining room, which can cater for parties from 13 to 22 guests.
If you’re after somewhere to begin or end your evening, the IXL Long Bar at the Henry Jones Art Hotel will have you sorted. Classic yet edgy, this is another space where heritage architecture meets innovative design. As a live jazz band sets the mood, pull up a stool and allow the bartenders to introduce you to a curated cocktail selection inspired by the works of the current Artist in Residence, giving a whole new meaning to ‘art in a glass’. If you’re after something else, there’s also a selection of prizewinning spirits and liqueurs, craft beers and ciders, as well as fine wines.
And if you’re after a caffeine hit and a refuel during the day, Jam Packed café has you covered. Serving breakfast for hotel guests, there’s also an all-day menu featuring barista-made coffee, light meals, and sweet treats.
What’s the area like around Henry Jones Art Hotel?
The Henry Jones Art Hotel is nestled in the heart of the bustling Hobart Docks precinct. The city’s maritime spirit is alive and well in this bustling working harbour, where the cray boats bob up against an abundance of drinking and dining options, and this is also where you can witness iconic events like the Rolex Sydney to Hobart and the Wooden Boat Festival. The Henry Jones is also an excellent place to stay if you’re visiting MONA, as it's just a short seven-minute walk from Brooke Street Pier, where you can catch MONA’s dedicated ferry.
Why should you book a stay at Henry Jones Art Hotel?
Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a family getaway, a solo artistic expedition or a weekend away with friends, the Henry Jones Art Hotel will give you an unforgettable experience.
Address: 25 Hunter Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000
Price per night: Rooms start at $290-$550 per night, and suites start at $680-$980 per night
Closest Transport Link: Henry Jones Art Hotel is located near Victoria Dock in Hobart and is a 15-minute drive from the airport
Book Now: You can book a room via thehenryjones.com