At the southern tip of the remote Australian island of Tasmania, Hobart is a quiet coastal town with a ton of charm and character. Relatively small compared with other capital cities, Hobart makes up for its size with its incredible diversity, from the people who call it home to the activities visitors can do there.
There are lots of ways to spend your time in Hobart. From exploring the surrounding forests and mountains, and getting in touch with nature, to enjoying the local food scene and art industry, the city boasts an eclectic mix of things to do.
Because of its small size, you won’t find large hotel chains in this CBD. Instead, boutique hotels and guesthouses dominate the accommodation industry and, with their down-to-earth atmosphere, offer some of the best places to stay in Hobart. Other unique accommodations include historical properties and remote self-catering Airbnbs, often located off-the-beaten-track in Hobart’s surrounding mountains.
However, as a short-term visitor, staying in a hotel is the most convenient way to be in the thick of things during your visit to the island state. In this article, I will run you through the fifteen best hotels in Hobart, from those suitable for budget-conscious backpackers to family-appropriate properties and places designed for groups of friends.
Waratah Cottage at The Rivulet Boutique Hotel
- > $$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Gorgeous updated interiors with warm wooden tones
- > Full kitchen, living area, and terrace in a private cottage
Compact Twin Room at Travelodge Hotel Hobart
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Rooms fitted with tea and coffee facilities, some with a kitchenette
- > Complimentary breakfast served daily in the lounge
Superior Hunter Room at MACq 01 Hotel
- > $$$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Impressive modern architectural feat set in the heart of the historic harbor
- > Room themes linked to main characters, explorers, and inventors from Tasmania
Staying in a Hotel in Hobart
One thing you’ll quickly notice is how Hobart is devoid of large brand-name hotel chains. While there are the odd ‘Hilton’ affiliated properties, most hotels here are either boutique or have been in the area since well before most brand hotels were founded.
In my opinion, this is one of the best things about the location. It’s laid back, low-key, and hasn’t been overridden by commercial businesses and global chains. Instead of high-rise buildings with stuffy and monotonous rooms, many of Hobart’s hotels offer clean, refurbished, and individually designed suites, each one unique from the next.
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Similar to a classic bed and breakfast or guesthouse, hotels in this area offer personalized experiences combined with the amenities of a traditional hotel. For example, guests can still take advantage of fresh breakfast prepared daily, complimentary toiletries, fresh towel changes, and room service, all in the comfort of a small-scale boutique hotel.
Since the city is so charmingly small, staying in a hotel is one of the best ways to experience Hobart in all its glory. The city’s small size also means most of these hotels will be located in the center of the city, making it easy to explore the area on foot.
Wherever you stay in Tasmania, you’ll have a great time, but Hobart is the centre of the island.
What to Look For in a Hotel in Hobart
Rather than commercial conglomerates, this is what you can expect from the best hotels in Hobart. Many hotels are boutique properties with individually decorated rooms and spaces, friendly staff who care about your customer satisfaction, and bespoke offerings, including tour desks and traditional breakfast spreads.
Of course, these hotels still offer similar benefits to the average hotel. These include a staff member available 24 hours each day at the front desk, laundry services, common lounges, tasty breakfast served daily, family-sized rooms, and facilities for disabled guests.
Many hotels here offer complete apartment suites, including access to a kitchen, living area, and balcony. This benefit, combined with the advantages and services provided by a typical hotel, offers the ultimate holiday experience for families and friends who enjoy a bit more space.
Most hotels include a free parking space, but make sure you double-check this if you are traveling with a car. You can also expect many rooms along the waterfront to have gorgeous views, a huge bonus when traveling.
The best platforms to search for hotels here are Booking.com and Airbnb. Airbnb focuses more on boutique properties, while Booking.com has a greater selection to choose from.
The Top 15 Hotels in Hobart
Hobart is teeming with gorgeous bespoke hotels and boutique properties to choose from. Whether you’re traveling with family and require your own apartment suite or are a couple after a more private experience, you’ll find what you’re looking for on this list of the best hotels in Hobart.
Overall Best Value Hotel in Hobart – Queen Room with a Shared Bathroom at The Alabama
Founded as a boutique hotel in 1867, The Alabama has seen a few changes since then. It was re-established as a hotel in 2013 and is owned by a local Tasmanian family with a vision for unique accommodation.
The hotel is an art hotel featuring distinct rooms with unique furniture and local art for visitors to enjoy in a comfortable, affordable, and beautiful space. The queen rooms are stylish and cozy, ideal for couples or singles. Bathrooms are shared, and amenities are basic, but this doesn’t take away from the artistic charm of the hotel!
Best Budget Hotel in Hobart – Compact Twin Room at Travelodge Hotel Hobart
Save your travel budget without skimping on comfort at the Travelodge Hotel Hobart. Easily the best hotel in Hobart on a budget, the four-star hotel offers budget rooms fitted with all the basics you might need during your stay, including a fitness center, parking, and laundry facilities.
Rooms include air-conditioning, a private bathroom, and the option to add breakfast to your nightly rate. With family rooms and facilities for disabled guests, the hotel is suitable for all types of travelers.
Best Hotel for Couples in Hobart – Waratah Cottage at The Rivulet Boutique Hotel
One of the most beautiful and luxurious properties on the market, Rivulet Boutique Hotel offers private suites with self-catering facilities on the river just south of Hobart in Sandy Bay.
Set in a traditional red-brick building, the hotel’s interior has been beautifully refurbished with contemporary decor. The Waratah Cottage is spacious, overflowing with natural light, and includes a courtyard, bedroom with dressing room and ensuite bathroom, and a living and dining area.
Best Hotel for a Group of Friends in Hobart – Three Bed Apartment at Zero Davey Boutique Apartment Hotel
If you’re traveling with a group of friends and would prefer a bit more space, the self-catering apartments at the Zero Davey Boutique Apartment Hotel are one of the best hotels in Hobart for the job. The property offers all the benefits of a self-contained rental with the service and housekeeping advantages of a hotel.
The apartments have a private balcony overlooking the harbor and are located just a short walk from the Salamanca Market in Hobart CBD. For even more space, guests can enjoy the sauna or work out in the fitness center.
Over-the-Top Luxury Hotel in Hobart – Superior Hunter Room at MACq 01 Hotel
Set in a Scandinavian-inspired building, MACq 01 Hotel is a five-star property located on the waterside, with panoramic Derwent Estuary views from just about every room.
The rooms are decorated using clean yet warm tones, taking advantage of natural light. They are spacious, and each is decorated with unique wallpapers and furnishings. The hotel acts as a local museum, where the halls tell a fascinating story of Tasmania.
Best Hotel for Families Visiting Hobart – Three Bed Apartment at Shipwrights Arms Hotel
If you’re visiting with young children, your best bet would be to stay in a three-bedroom apartment at this harborside hotel. This way, you can benefit from hotel services like housekeeping and 24-hour reception, all while having your own kitchen and space to keep young children busy and satisfied.
Conveniently located in the heart of Hobart, this hotel has a shared lounge and offers free private parking. Once you’ve put the kids to bed, you can enjoy a drink at the hotel bar without leaving the property. It’s the best of both worlds.
Best Hotel in Hobart for Backpackers – Double Room with Ensuite at Hobart Central YHA
If you’re a social backpacker who enjoys saving cash while enjoying your own space, Hobart Central YHA is the hostel for you. Located in the city center, you’ll be within walking distance of most major attractions, nightlife, and dining options.
However, the hostel itself provides guests with opportunities to meet like-minded travelers, with group events, common spaces (like a self-catering kitchen), and a pub attached to the property. Once you’ve hit your social cap, you can head upstairs to your own private ensuite bedroom.
Hotel in Hobart with the Best Views – Double Room with Harbor View at Wrest Point
Views are abundant in Hobart, which is surrounded by rivers and mountains. To maximize these incredible vistas, Wrest Point Tower is one of the few high-rise buildings in the area, towering over other buildings and offering the best-undisturbed views of the River Derwent and Mount Wellington.
Rooms have been refurbished with contemporary interiors and high-quality linens. Besides being the best hotel in Hobart for its views, when you stay here, you can use the indoor heated pool, gym, sauna, and spa and choose from a range of on-site restaurants.
Best Hotel for a Weekend Trip to Hobart – Waterfront King at the Customs House Hotel
If you only have one week to spend in Hobart, make sure you stay at the historic Customs House Hotel, right in the buzz of the city. Set in a building built in 1846, this hotel oozes authenticity and charm.
While many of the shared spaces’ interiors remain as they have been for over a century, the guest suites have all been refurbished using warm interiors, cozy linens, and tons of natural light.
Perfect for a short stay, the hotel is just a two-minute walk to the Salamanca Markets, MONA Ferry, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, just around the corner from the CBD.
Best Hotel in Hobart for Long-Term Travelers – Executive One-Bedroom Apartment at Somerset on the Pier Hobart
Not only is Somerset on the Pier perfect for long-term guests, but it’s also one of the best hotels in Hobart because of its location, stunning interiors, and second-to-none service.
Set overlooking the river and harbor, this four-star hotel offers fully self-sustained suites with kitchens, living areas, and balconies with river views. Designed like a typical loft, you can enjoy world-class views from the comfort of your bed and take advantage of hotel amenities like free parking and 24-hour reception.
The Hotel with the Most Epic Location in Hobart – Double Room at Lenna of Hobart
Location is everything in a small city, and you won’t find a place more centrally located than the Lenna of Hobart. Set in the heart of the city, just a few minutes’ stroll from Sullivan’s Cove and Salamanca Place, this restored mansion offers comfortable accommodation with panoramic harbor views.
Added bonuses include free off-street parking, a restaurant on the property, and a delicious breakfast served each morning. Whether traveling with your family or as a couple, there are different-sized rooms for all guest needs.
The Most Beautiful Hotel in Hobart – Heritage Suite at Hadley’s Orient Hotel
If you’re wondering where to find the most beautiful hotel in the city, Hadley’s Orient Hotel is located in Hobart’s CBD, just a short walk from Constitution Dock and the markets. This unique hotel in Hobart is so beautiful that it will make you feel like royalty from the moment you check-in.
Each common space is decorated with regal interiors, including crystal chandeliers, extravagant mirrored walls, and gorgeous wallpapers and carpets reminiscent of an earlier era. The rooms are just as beautiful, offering spacious and comfortable accommodations with impressive city views.
Best Hotel in Hobart for Solo Travelers – Single Room at Vibe Hotel Hobart
Vibe Hotel Hobart is one of the few modern buildings in the city. Featuring contemporary and abstract architecture, the hotel’s glass walls invite abundant natural light into every corner of the space. The hotel also has plenty of shared terraces, where guests can enjoy some sunshine and marvel at the city views.
Each room is designed with modern interiors and lighting, complemented by warm wooden tones and cozy bedding. Guests can also make use of the fitness center and shared lounge and dining area, where a hearty breakfast is served daily.
Most Historic Hotel in Hobart – Brownell King Room at Maylands Lodge
There is no shortage of history in Hobart, with classic buildings lining the streets. However, the Maylands Lodge has to rank as the best hotel in Hobart for its historical background and classy style.
Set in New Town, just a short distance from Hobart CBD and the waterfront, the property features a shared guest lounge, free private parking, and a small garden. Each room is fitted with unique interiors, blending warm wooden tones with modern touches and pops of sophisticated color.
Best Hotel in Hobart for Digital Nomads – King Room at RACV Hobart Hotel
If you’re visiting Hobart as a digital nomad or have business meetings to attend in the city, RACV Hobart Hotel offers incredible business facilities without lacking in style and comfort.
The hotel is located in the CBD, and guests can enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi and a business center on the property. Each room has a private desk, minibar, and coffee and tea-making facilities. After work, make your way to the restaurant and bar, which serves up a tasty breakfast as part of your stay, as well as lunch and dinner options.
Don’t Forget Your Hobart Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Hotels in Hobart
Hobart is one of those unique capital cities that feels more like a small town than a big metropolis. And in reality, it is. The historic city is built around a river inlet port on the Australian island state of Tasmania. It offers a fantastic food scene, an abundance of wineries and distilleries, and a stunning waterfront district.
For any small city or town, I advise visitors to stay in the heart of the city. Even in the busiest parts of Hobart, you will still feel like you’re in a charming small town.
The best hotels in Hobart are conveniently set around the city’s CBD, offering boutique accommodation with the convenience of hotel services and amenities.
If you’re visiting the island state from abroad, make sure you organize decent insurance before you travel. The only thing worse than an injury on vacation is forking out an arm and a leg to pay for it!
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