Tasmania's pint-sized capital, Hobart is a wonderfully laid-back riverside city with a fascinating history. A brilliant springboard for exploring Tasmania’s spectacular rural interior, the city has long been popular with foodies and wine aficionados seeking to sample the best of the island’s produce. It has recently gained a reputation as an arts and culture hub, with some spectacular museums and guided heritage tours. You’ll find that many of the best places to stay in Hobart have an arts connection, too, showcasing contemporary pieces in striking settings.

Founded as a penal colony on the shores of the Derwent River in 1803, Hobart grew into a lively port city populated by merchants who built beautiful residences in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Glimpse gorgeous heritage houses as you wander around, or take a guided tour of the regenerated docks, where warehouses have been transformed into pubs, restaurants and small hotels. The excellent Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery is nearby, as are the Hobart Penitentiary and the Maritime Museum of Tasmania. Hop aboard a ferry upriver, or drive across to the marvellous Moorilla Estate, where you’ll find the acclaimed Museum of Old and New Art.

Beyond the city, you’ll find verdant farmland and vineyards, as well as hiking and cycling trails aplenty. Follow part of the Huon Trail, or clamber up rocky Mount Wellington, much-beloved by bushwalkers and mountain bikers. Back in town, the Saturday market on Salamanca Place plays host to more than 300 stalls, and it is not to be missed. Luckily, it’s a short stroll from many of the best places to stay in Hobart — and from the eateries hidden along the alleyways of Battery Point. There’s no shortage of food or art to savour in Hobart!

The Best Places to Stay in Hobart

For City Style

• The Tasman is a luxurious city hotel with striking waterfront views from three connected buildings, the oldest of which dates back to 1847. Swish suites are beautifully appointed, with mood lighting, striped red and white carpets, and big beds topped with crisp white linens. Two restaurants, a speakeasy-style bar, gym and balconies complete the picture.
• Moss Hotel, tucked in a pair of 19th-century sandstone warehouses near Hobart's waterfront, has exposed brick or stone walls, glittering moss-coloured Italian tiles and a real sense of timeless glamour in its 41 guest rooms. A sleek and elegant urban offering, perfect for romantics.

For a Hip Art Hotel

• Henry Jones Art Hotel prides itself on being Australia's first 'art hotel'. A hip, stylish space housed in a series of 1820s warehouse conversions and a former jam factory on Hobart's waterfront, the hotel has characterful rooms with wooden beams, exposed stone, metal roofs and superb harbour views. The speakeasy bar is very cool, and works by Tasmanian artists are showcased in rooms & shared areas.
• Islington Hotel, a converted Regency townhouse in hilly South Hobart, fuses timeless elegance with chic modern design. The stone and glass extension frames beautiful views of Mount Wellington, there's a gourmet restaurant, and an impressive collection of art and antiques from the owners' 30 years of global travels adorns the hotel. Very romantic.
• MACq 01 is a sleek contemporary hotel on the Hobart waterfront, with glittering metal roof, wooden siding and floor-to-ceiling windows from stylish modern guest rooms. Big photos act as headboards, and minimalist rooms feature designer furnishings as well as indulgent bathrooms & terraces. The storytelling theme is appealingly unique, with fascinating organised tours of the hotel and the city beyond.
• Mona Pavilions offers ultra-modern pavilions on the Morilla Estate, in the grounds of the acclaimed MONA Museum. On the Derwent River just north of Hobart, this slick rural spot promises bold, design-led interiors with crisp, clean lines and pops of orange and purple against black-and-white interiors. There's a gym, sauna, heated pool, as well as vineyard tours, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and sensational art aplenty.

For Families or Groups

• Salamanca Wharf Hotel is a collection of modern studios and apartments in a restored warehouse close to lively Salamanca Square. Longer-stay guests will appreciate the well-equipped kitchens with Smeg appliances and families or groups of friends can book multiple spaces. A smart choice for a stay in the city.
• Maylands Lodge, a beautifully appointed 19th-century Italianate residence in North Hobart, now houses 12 contemporary rooms, suites and two-bedroom studios. Pick a larger space — sleeping up to five guests — for a trip with friends and family. The Brownell Suites have kitchenettes, as well as sitting rooms. Hearty breakfasts are served each morning and the gardens are ideal for relaxing in the sunshine.

For a Country House

• Woodbridge on the Derwent, just 25 minutes from Hobart in the Derwent Valley, invites guests to unwind in eight luxurious suites — many of which boast idyllic river views. Expect crackling fireplaces, a cosy library, great wine cellar and extensive gardens surrounding the 1825-built mansion. With kayaks, paddle boards, bicycles, a hot tub and sauna, this is a top rural hideaway in the wine country.
• Villa Howden, on the tranquil shores of North West Bay, promises 10 elegant guest rooms and suites with waterfront views and floral textiles in a lovely country house. Stroll through leafy gardens, tuck into terrific Tasmanian cuisine, and enjoy sailing or hiking excursions. Romantic and relaxing.
• The Corinda Collection has the feel of a country escape, yet sits just 15 minutes from central Hobart. The house is still in the hands of the family of 19th-century timber merchant Alfred Crisp, the original owner. Lavish traditional rooms, suites and cottages have big bay windows framed by patterned curtains, with cosy beds and antique pieces. Perch on the pretty terrace or take a guided tour of the gardens.

For Great Value

• Hadley's Orient Hotel, a Victorian-era hotel in Hobart's CBD, is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Tasmania. Comfortable, classic rooms have striped wallpapers and patterned bedspreads, and the eatery's elegant chequered floor is a real stand-out. Historic and very affordable.
• Mantra Collins Hotel offers modern rooms and apartments with small kitchens. Ideal for longer stays, business trips or budget-conscious travel, this mid-city spot has become a popular city base. Two-bedroom apartments are well-suited to families.
• Hobart Hideaway Pods offers two one-bedroom cabins on 2.5 acres of leafy grounds with views views towards the Derwent River. Airy spaces are simple and appealing, with kitchenttes, en-suite bathrooms and private decks. Just 20 minutes' drive from Hobart, this is a reasonably priced choice for those seeking to experience both the city and the countryside.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY Cottage

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Fly to Hobart Airport from a larger hub in mainland Australia, or arrive by cruise ship into the port. Hop on a bus or take a taxi to your hotel from there. Many hotels will also be happy to arrange an airport pick up in advance.
• Hobart is well-connected by public transport, but you may want the independence of your own ride if you're planning to explore beyond the city. Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Visit in the summer months — between December and February — for pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunshine. This is peak season; you may find the spring and autumn shoulder season quieter, and hotels often offer reduced rates in those months.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Launceston.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Tasmania.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.