Best hotels in Tasmania for discovering the Apple Isle

Located in Australia’s second oldest state capital, Islington Hotel is one of Tasmania’s most coveted boutique hotels. Aspiring to the values of serenity, luxury, and tranquillity, guests are treated to a personalised hotel experience from start to finish.

Rooms are embellished with antique furnishings and fine art, and all feature custom-built king-size beds and underfloor heating. Each of the eleven rooms comes with an iPad and Wi-Fi access, as well as quality imported fabrics.

If you are craving some in-house grub, Islington’s restaurant serves a culinary treat of local, organic produce with a menu that changes daily. With stunning views of Mount Wellington and an outdoor patio for those willing to brave the elements, Islington hotel is an ideal boutique experience for the decadent traveller.

When visiting Hobart, any local will tell you that Salamanca Place should be put at the top of your destination check-list. Fortunately, the sophisticated Grande Vue Private Hotel is a short 11-minute walk from the iconic market, making it a convenient choice for Hobart visitors.

Set in a majestic Queen Ann style mansion, dating back to 1906, the Grande Vue Private Hotel features open fireplaces, stained glass windows, and elegant staircases, creating an old-world charm experience. Rooms are appointed with antique furnishings, marble bathrooms, and indulgent oval bathtubs, with some even benefitting from spectacular views of the river Derwent.

For art aficionados, the hotel is also in convenient reach of the ferry terminal with ferries taking you directly to Tasmania’s MONA – Museum of Old and New Art.

Sharing is caring, and at Hobart’s Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse the philosophy is about collective travel. In this multi-award winning hotel-come-hostel, a variety of room types are offered, ranging from private doubles to dorm rooms with an occupancy of four, six, and eight. Female-only dorm options are also available. All rooms are heated and feature Australian-made timber bunks and merino wool blankets to keep you toasty during those chilly Hobart nights.

Bathrooms are equipped with individual shower cubicles, meaning guests don’t need to get too close for comfort! The kitchen provides cooking facilities, and once you’ve prepared your culinary creation you can secure a place on the kitchen’s large communal table and start mingling with your comrades.

One of the brightest jewels on Tasmania’s crown is Cradle Mountain, so why not marvel at its geographical splendour from the comfort of one of Cradle Mountain Highlanders’ cottages? Situated two minutes’ drive from the national park’s entrance, these 16 timber cottages are the perfect spot for couples, friends, honeymooners, or even larger tour groups to take solace in the idyllic alpine tranquillity.

With each cottage strategically separated from the other amidst the Tasmanian rainforest, privacy here is key. Studio, double, and three-to-six-person occupancy cottages are available, all of which either come with a gas heater or open wood fires.

For breakfast in bed, continental breakfast hampers of muesli, cereal, toast, and yoghurt can be ordered at reception for $12 so tummies won’t be left hungry. Eggs and locally-sourced bacon can also be added for an extra $3.

Elegant, historical, and relaxing, The Lodge on Elizabeth B&B is set in an 1829 Georgian mansion, listed by the National Trust. Once home to many high-profile Tasmanians, including a former state Premier, The Lodge on Elizabeth makes for a memorable experience in Hobart.

All rooms come with either a queen or double-size bed, as well as ensuite bathrooms (some of which even have a spa!). Each is decorated with cottage-style furnishings, and all offer free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs.

The mansion also boasts a sumptuous dining room in which guests can appreciate a hearty continental breakfast of fruit, yoghurt, and cereal served from 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Located only a ten-minute walk from Hobart’s buzzing centre, the B&B allows guests to appreciate all the city has to offer.

One of the isle’s defining features is its natural beauty and landscape, and Saffire Freycinet plays on this drawcard to perfection. Nestled amidst the Freycinet Peninsula with spectacular views of the Hazards mountain range, hotel guests may never feel the need to leave.

Rooms blend traditional and contemporary furnishings and feature modern essentials including Wi-Fi and LCD flat-screen TVs. If you wish to add some extra pampering to your stay, check out the hotel’s spa, which offers an indulgent menu of body and facial treatments utilising products from the luxury Swiss brand, La Prairie.

If you thought we had forgotten about what Tassie’s second largest city, Launceston had to offer, think again. This riverside city proudly delivers quality accommodation in the form of Clarion Hotel City Park Grand.

Set in a building dating back to the 1850s, this hotel blends historic charm with contemporary convenience. Room options are varied and include a chance to stay in the hotel’s converted two-storey stables in a decadent spa suite.

If you fancy a night in, the hotel’s in-house restaurant, Larceny’s, is renowned in Launceston for its delectable regional fare certain to appeal to various palettes. Hoping to add some spice to your relationship? Couples can also take advantage of the hotel´s romantic packages, which include champagne, a three-course meal, and a dreamy night in one of the spa suites.

Calling all art lovers! Setting the benchmark for contemporary, artistic hotels in Tasmania, The Henry Jones Art Hotel is as much about the experience as it is a night’s accommodation.

Housed in a former jam factory and only a 12-minute walk from Hobart´s iconic Salamanca Place, this industrial-chic hotel is Australia’s first dedicated art hotel. Using the building’s space as a platform for artistic expression, the hotel provides an ever-changing exhibition of 400+ artworks–so if you’ve come to Tassie to visit MONA you can get a double dose of artistic expression here.

Comprised of 56 individually styled rooms, guests can choose from a range of different suites which all feature king-sized beds, Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Several indulgent facilities are also available including in-house bars, cafes, restaurants, 24-hour reception, and even a dry-cleaning and laundry service.

Located in Strahan, a small fishing village on the west coast of Tasmania, Castaway Holiday Apartments are the ideal place in which to spend a tranquil sojourn on the Apple Isle. Just a five-minute walk from the town centre, these two-bedroom apartments are perfect for couples, families, or friends seeking something a little more independent than a typical hotel in Tasmania.

Main bedrooms feature a queen bed, while second rooms come with two single beds, perfect if you’re travelling with your tots in tow. Roll-out beds are also available for extra guests. Breakfast is provided each morning, and the kitchen is well-equipped with oven, stovetop, microwave, refrigerator, and enough kitchenware to bring out your inner chef!

Located in the scenic town of Swansea, on the east coast of Tasmania, Freycinet Waters is a boutique style B&B, which promises convenience, quality, and above all comfort. Hosts Karen and Bob offer personalised service, and attentively cater to guests’ needs and requests.

Guests can choose from either the water view rooms or spa suites, which come with ensuites, LCD flat-screen TVs, and complimentary port for those wishing to initiate their holiday adventure with a touch of frivolity!

If you’re looking for a little more independence, the Waterview Apartment, with occupancy for two, offers cooking facilities and a large deck to appreciate the sweeping views of Oyster Bay. In the morning, unveil your inner chef and create a decadent breakfast with the tasty breakfast provisions provided.