We’ve been to Tasmania several times and have all the information you need to decide where to stay in Hobart. The island’s capital is full of incredible architecture and nature. No matter where you look, you will see beauty. That’s why it is one of our favorite cities in the world.
Though it is not that big, Hobart has distinct neighborhoods that cater for different tastes and fancies. You can stay in the center, in the middle of nature, next to the river, or in a leafy neighborhood. No matter what you chose, you will be comfortable and surrounded by beauty. We are sure you will find the one that’s right for you.
Hobart has some of the best hotels in Australia. The city has small bed and breakfasts, mid range hotels, elegant boutique hotels, and super luxurious properties. All you have to do is to choose the one you like the most. Hobart is a safe and fun city with fantastic infrastructure and welcoming guests!
Hobart CBD
Our favorite place to stay in Hobart is in the Central Business District (CBD). You should stay here if you are unsure how many days to spend in Hobart. Australian cities have a clear and well defined financial and commercial center. This is where most governmental buildings, offices, shops, museums, restaurants and bars are. Likewise, most buses connect the center with the rest of the city.
The one in Hobart is also the geographical center of the city. Thus, you can walk everywhere in no time. The CBD begins on Constitution Dock. This is the riverfront area with old docks, shops, restaurants and bars. Battery Point is to the south, Glebe to the north, and West Hobart, west.
We love Franklin Square. The city’s Town Hall is in front. The Maritime Museum of Tasmania, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, and the Mawson’s Hut Replica Museum are nearby. The St. David’s Cathedral too. Don’t forget to check the historic Theatre Royal. The city’s best shops dot the area around Elizabeth Street.
The Best Hotels in Hobart CBD:
MACq 01 Hotel
The best hotel in Hobart CBD is the MACq 01. The super luxurious property sits directly on the coast. The rooms are huge and come with premium beds, designer furniture, and balconies. The best ones have unforgettable views over the sea. The hotel is full of info on Hobart. You will love the complimentary breakfast.
Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart
We usually stay at the Grand Chancellor. We love its indoor heated pool with views of Mount Wellington. The hotel has an unbeatable location, in front of Victoria Dock. It’s a tall tower with state of the art facilities. The rooms with harbor views are bigger and have the best views in the city.
Battery Point
Battery Point is the small neighborhood south of the CBD. It faces the river. South Hobart and Sandy Bay are to the south. Battery Point is a fancy residential neighborhood in the center. It’s only a step away from the CBD.
The neighborhood is next to Salamanca. The hip and cool area faces the river. It’s full of restaurants, shops, and bars. There’s a fun street market on Saturdays. Don’t forget to check the Salamanca Art Center. The Parliament House Gardens and St. David’s Park are west.
We love Battery Point for its fancy mansions with manicured gardens. You can walk next to the coast all the way to A.J. White Park. Princess Park is in the center of Battery Point. You will recognize St. George’s Anglican Cathedral from its tall bell tower. The temple is from the 1840s.
The Best Hotels in Battery Point:
Lenna of Hobart
We’ve stayed several times at the Lenna of Hobart and love it! The historic mansion is in next to Salamanca and within walking distance to the CBD. You will love its elegant arches. The rooms are modern, plush, and come with a coffee machine. The hotel has a fancy lounge and restaurant.
Salamanca Wharf Hotel
The Salamanca Wharf Hotel is next to the Salamanca art center and the historic Robert Huckson’s Tidal Gauge. The fancy property offers fully equipped studios and apartments. All have wooden floors and views. There’s also a great onsite coffee house, free parking, and laundry facilities. The Penthouse Loft is a dream!
Sandy Bay
Sandy Bay is a big residential neighborhood next to the coast and south of Battery Point. The rich and famous of Tasmania live here. Walk along the coast to the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, the Sandy Bay Marina, and the Derwent Sailing Squadron. The views over the river are epic.
We love Sandy Bay because it’s the only central part of Hobart with beaches. The closest to the center is Short Beach, a dog beach. Lords Beach and Red Chapel Beach are tiny but cute. To swim, go to Nutgrove Beach. Mount Nelson towers above Sandy Bay. You can walk or take a bus to the top.
You will see huge mansions on the slopes of the hill. There are several universities and private schools in Sandy Bay. The main campus of the University of Tasmania is here. That’s why the atmosphere in the neighborhood is so relaxed and easy going.
The Best Hotels in Sandy Bay:
Wrest Point
Considering its class and location, the Wrest Point Hotel is great value for money. The tall contemporary tower opened in 1972 and is now a listed building. It has a heated indoor pool, a full size gym, sauna, mini golf and free onsite parking. The rooms are huge and come with coffee machines.
The Rivulet
The Rivulet is a fantastic luxury hotel. The historic mansion is in the center of Sandy Bay and in front of Lambert Reserve. Thus, you can enjoy nature and architecture. The Rivulet is all about class and high end facilities. The breakfast is superb.
South Hobart
South Hobart is west of Sandy Bay. It’s a fairly big residential neighborhood. However, you can walk or take a bus to the CBD. We like it because of its low key atmosphere and relaxed vibe. However, South Hobart has some of the city’s nicest buildings and green areas.
You can walk from Fitzroy Gardens along Hobart’s Rivulet all the way to South Hobart’s Linear Park. Check out the side streets. You will find cute coffee houses and restaurants. The Cascades Female Factory Historic Site is at the end of the linear park, in front of the Shadows Statue.
Together with other 10 places, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The prison opened from 1828 to 1856. You will learn a lot about the country’s history. The Cascades Gardens and the historic Cascade Brewery are further west. The building is gorgeous. You can eat and have beer all year round.
The Best Hotels in South Hobart:
Islington Hotel
The best hotel in South Hobart is the Islington. The hotel combines an original 1847 mansion with elegant contemporary architecture. The rooms are huge and feature original antiques and art. We love the hotel’s gardens and infinity pond. You can see Mount Wellington from the Islington. The mini bar is free!
Belton Apartments – Hedge Cottage
You won’t find better accommodation at this price than at the Belton Apartments – Hedge Cottage. We are talking about a fully equipped mansion in the heart of South Hobart. It comes with everything you need, including laundry facilities. This place is perfect for friends and families.
West Hobart
Stay in West Hobart if you like nature. The neighborhood is west of the CBD and sprawls over the foothills of Mount Wellington. The last time we went to Hobart we spent two weeks here and never had a dull moment.
Our favorite place in Hobart is here. We love walking around Knocklofty Reserve. You can walk along the Providence Valley Reserve across the Fiona Allan Memorial Walkway Reserve for hours. The entire area is pedestrian and full of kangaroos! The views from the parks are the best in the city.
The views from Mount Stuart are also epic. You can also walk to the CBD in half an hour. Since you get to see most of the city, it’s one of our favorite walks. If you don’t feel like walking you can take a bus. West Hobart caters to the local crowd. Thus, the neighborhoods coffeehouses and restaurants are authentic and delicious.
The Best Hotels in West Hobart:
Bay View Villas
We loved our one bedroom apartment with harbor view at the Bay View Villas. The property is on the slope of a hill. Therefore, most units have memorable views. The hotel has an indoor heated pool and plenty of parking. It’s got a billiards table!
Marquis Hotel and Motel
For simple yet comfy and clean accommodation in Hobart, book a room at the Marquis Hotel and Motel. You won’t have a single complaint. The hotel is in the center of West Hobart. Thus, you can walk or take a bus everywhere. It’s got free parking.
North Hobart
North Hobart is the suburb north of the CBD. It’s perfect if you want to be near the center but just off the busy area. The area east of the neighborhood is full of nature. Once you cross Brooker Ave you are in the middle of parks and hills.
Our favorite urban park in Hobart is the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens next to the river. The park was founded in 1818 and has a massive collection of plants from all over the world. You have more than 35 acres (14 hectares) to discover. We love the garden’s café.
The TCA oval and the city’s tennis courts are nearby. If you like sports, you will love North Hobart. The neighborhood’s main drag is Elizabeth Street. It’s the same street that goes all the way to the CBD. Take a leisure walk along the street and see the best of Hobart.
The Best Hotels in North Hobart:
Rydges Hobart
If you know the Australian chain, you know what to expect. The Rydges Hobart has impeccable rooms, a fantastic restaurant, an outdoor pool, and free onsite parking. The hotel has loads of character and combines an authentic old mansion with state of the art facilities. The garden is huge.
Black Buffalo
The Black Buffalo offers first-class budget accommodation. You don’t need to pay an arm and a leg to enjoy a comfortable clean room with an en suite bathroom. These ones are big and well isolated. It’s got onsite parking, but you can walk everywhere in no time.
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