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The New And The Old: The Tasman Hobart – Hotel Review

By Lauren Ho

1 year ago

An ideal base to explore Tasmania’s capital city and beyond


It’s been a long time coming, but The Tasman, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart was worth the wait, says Lauren Ho. Its history and heritage seamlessly set the stage to explore the best of Hobart.

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Hotel Review: The Tasman Hobart, Australia

The exterior of The Tasman Hobart

STAY

They say good things come to those who wait, which has certainly been the case for the opening of the highly-anticipated Tasman. Located in the historical centre of Hobart, with lovely waterfront views of Sullivan’s Cove, the hotel has certainly set a new standard for hospitality in Tasmania’s capital city.

Occupying a trio of buildings – a heritage pile from the 1840s, an art deco building from the 1940s, and a newly added glass-fronted extension – the property is seamlessly stitched together to blend old and new, highlighting the original building’s existing details, while layering the spaces with rich design features and local artwork. 

The bed in the St David's Park Suite

St David’s Park Suite

Sleep in one of the heritage rooms with original details like convict-hewn sandstone walls, vaulted doors and restored fireplaces. Or opt for one of the light-filled suites in the new Pavilion Building, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the city’s vibrant waterfront precinct. All this alongside a collection of humming bars and restaurants that make The Tasman the ideal hotel to retreat to after exploring everything Hobart has to offer.

The bathroom in the Panoramic Waterview Room

Panoramic Waterview Room

DO

The Tasman is a museum in itself, and the writing is quite literally on the walls. Meander the sandstone hallways of the heritage building, stopping to read the plaques that tell the building’s captivating story. Or join a complimentary history tour, which departs weekly from nearby Parliament Square and ends with a drink in Mary Mary Bar.

Outside the hotel, hop on a ferry from the nearby waterfront to explore the iconic Museum of Old and New Art, or board a Pennicott WIlderness Journey vessel to explore the epic scenes, wildlife and flavours of Bruny Island.

For the more active, venture further afield for a hike up Mount Wellington where you’ll be rewarded with views of Hobart and far beyond. Back at the hotel, there is no spa, but the restaurant and bar offerings – including a daily wine tasting in the hotel’s wine room – will certainly keep you busy. Followed by a workout session in the fully-equipped gym, of course.

EAT

This is where The Tasman shines. Alongside Deco Lounge – a modern Australian restaurant which serves epic breakfasts and afternoon tea with bites like lobster rolls – there is Peppina, a vibrant Italian restaurant lead by chef Massimo Mele that has become a go-to for Hobartions, not least for its crowd-pleasing Italian menu with dishes such as the wood-fired meatballs draped with melted mozzarella. 

Food and menus at Peppina

Peppina

Finish this with a nightcap in Mary Mary, named after St. Mary’s Hospital, which is the building it is housed in. Here, local indigenous ingredients and a spirits library filled with rare artisanal spirits are used to make classic cocktails like the negroni, made from Riberry gin. 

The Deco Lounge at the Tasman Hobart

Deco Lounge

THE FINAL WORD

The Australian debut for Marriott’s Luxury Collection brand, The Tasman brings the rich cultural character of Hobart to life, seamlessly merging the city’s pioneering past with a refreshing modern approach. In short, this is an ideal base to explore Tasmania’s capital city and beyond.

BOOK IT: From £202 per night for a double room, not including breakfast. marriott.com

Featured image: View of Hobart from the Aurora Suite at The Tasman.