Best Hobart Accommodation – Complete Guide (PLUS Map)

It is important to get your Tasmania road trip off to the perfect start, but it is easy to feel overwhelmed by all the amazing Hobart accommodation options.

In this guide I highlight my favourite hotels, B&Bs and apartments, helping you choose the best place to stay in Hobart for your needs and budget.

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There’s no doubt about it, Hobart is Australia’s most beautiful capital city. The spectacular natural harbour at the foot of Mt Wellington is the first thing that strikes you – but it’s not just a pretty face!

World-class festivals, incredible history – both indigenous and colonial – and of course that disturbingly bizarre, yet strangely addictive rabbit hole called MONA.

Hobart is the perfect place to start or finish your Tasmania road trip, and there are plenty of accommodation options catering to every possible style of travel.

My wife and I live in Richmond – a 20min drive outside Hobart – and every once in a while we like to enjoy a meal and a movie or festival in ‘the big smoke’ without needing to worry about the drive home. After factoring in the cost of a taxi, staying a night in a hotel is actually a really good decision, and it also means we get to try out some of the accommodation options around town!

Unlike other travel websites, this means that many of the recommendations I provide in this guide are based on personal experience – and that is incredibly valuable these days with so many AI and other fake ‘reviews’ out there.

This guide is structured aorund different types of travellers, so feel free to scroll down to the section most relevant to you:

• Couples
• Families
• Special occasions & Luxury
• Budget
• Campers & Caravanners

Best for Couples

Nearly all the accommodation options in Hobart are targeted at couples, which is why it is completely understandable if you’re finding it tough to choose.

When my wife and I travel we are always seeking three things, and I’m guessing you might be the same:

1. Great location
2. Good night’s sleep
3. Value for money

In terms of location, you can’t get any better than Salamanca Galleria. On a Saturday morning you can watch the stallholders of the famous Salamanca Markets setting up from your bedroom window, before stepping out into the throngs to find a souvenir or sample some delicious Tassie produce by the historic waterfront.

Don’t let the historic sandstone exterior fool you, because on the inside their rooms are modern and very comfortable.

Positioned right in the heart of Hobart’s CBD and with views to die for, Vibe Hotel was like a breath of fresh air for the Hobart hotel scene when it opened its doors.

They use the tagline ‘eat, play and stay‘ and it’s easy to see why. Uber modern architectural lines, gourmet paddock-to-plate dining at Belvedere Restaurant, and consistently solid reviews for their comfy beds. Located more centrally than Salamanca Galleria but still just a 5-10min walk to the waterfront, this is handy if you plan on doing some shopping or exploring the dining options up Elizabeth Street.

Getting value for money in Hobart is a lot harder than it used be, with its growing popularity reflected in sharp rises in hotel rates over the last 10-15 years.

One great way of keeping your costs down – and one we use a lot when travelling overseas – is to rent a fully equipped apartment instead of a hotel room. Self-catering is a really clever way of keeping your dining costs to a minimum, and at Sullivan’s Cove Apartments you have a beautiful range of options to choose from, dotted around Hobart’s waterfront precinct and around the coast towards Battery Point (just a 10min walk away).

Personally, I love the sandstone warehouse conversion of their Salamanca Dockside apartment. You’ll find their split-level IXL Bedroom Loft is also very popular for couples, hidden away inside the old IXL jam factory.

Other lovely options for couples

Soooo many options to choose from… these two are also fantastic

• 110 Hampden – Family-owned and located within easy walking distance of both Salamanca and Battery Point.
• Movenpick – Another relative newcomer to the Hobart hotel landscape, my wife and I enjoyed our overnight stay here very much, with Tesoro’s restaurant receiving great reviews from Hobart foodies.

Best for Families

If you are travelling with children then convenience becomes a big consideration. Convenience in location and convenience in your room and hotel facilities.

My first two recommendations – the Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel and the RACV Hobart Hotel – are brilliantly located, with each being just a short walk from a bus stop for Hobart’s iconic 2-story ‘Red Decker’ buses. These buses follow a circuit, taking you to all of Hobart’s best sights and attractions, and they are by far one of the best ways for families to get around town without worrying about tired little legs from all the walking!

I keep seeing the Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel being recommended by families over in our Facebook group, and it’s not hard to see why. Heaps of on-site parking, airport SkyBus stop right out front, and plenty of self-contained 2-bedroom (up to 4 guests) and even 3-bedroom apartments (up to 6 guests) designed specifically for families with young children.

Alternatively, for a more up-market stay, the RACV Hobart Hotel is probably one of the best all-rounders for families and couples. Positioned right in the heart of Hobart’s CBD, their connected family rooms have breathtaking views across the Derwent River and you can save big $$$ if you’re a member of RACV.

My third suggestion is for Mantra One Hotel on the corner of Sandy Bay Road and Davey Street. Their spacious 2-bedroom Family Apartments are ideal, including a kitchenette with microwave, dishwasher and bar fridge, laundry facilities and a spacious lounge.

They are also located across the road from the lush green lawns of St David’s Park, and only a 5min walk from Salamanca where you should book in a tour of Hobart on a horse-drawn carriage!

Other handy options for families

If you’re keen to explore some more options for family accommodation in Hobart then you’ll find these two to be excellent as well:

• St Ives Apartments – Positioned smack-bang in the middle of Salamanca, Battery Point and Sandy Bay, these apartments can often be secured at very low rates.
• Best Western Hobart – A rock solid hotel. No frills, great prices and friendly service.

I also have a ‘Budget Accommodation’ section a bit further down, with a great suggestion for families wanting to keep their costs as low as possible.

Special Occasions & Luxury

If you are wanting treat yourself and your loved one to a special escape, then you’ve come to the right place!

I’ve seen many cities around the world in my time, and I can honestly say that Hobart is up there with the very best in terms of natural beauty, history, and its incredible variety of boutique accommodation options showcasing its breathtaking views.

Just metres from Brooke Street Pier, Salamanca Markets, and the historic waterfront, The Tasman – a Luxury Collection Hotel – is made for couples seeking a refined escape. Think marble bathrooms, plush interiors, and intimate spaces to unwind together, all set within beautifully restored historic buildings.

This is how you blend romance and old-world elegance with modern indulgence!

Hobart’s sparkling waterfront has a thousand stories to tell, and there is no better way of immersing yourself in its rich, often troubling history than with a stay at MACq 01 Hotel.

Hovering breathlessly above the icy waters of Sullivans Cove, from tall ships to taller tales of convicts and colonials, every luxuriously appointed room has its own unique Tasmanian story for you to discover.

Book a suite and you even secure the services of your own butler!

My third recommendations for a luxe experience is the hidden diamond in the rough that is Moss Hotel.

Tucked away in a heritage warehouse from the 1800s, you have to see this gorgeous little hotel to believe just how much character radiates from its rough-hewn walls.

Original timber beams and ceilings are a feature – all lovingly restored to their former glory – and you will appreciate the convenience of Salamanca’s buzzing restaurant and entertainment precinct just around the corner.

If you value the unique, the quirky, or the unusual, then Moss Hotel should be on your radar.

Other great options for a special stay

Here are some more accommodation options in Hobart that are perfect for a special stay:

• Stone Flower – This beautifully restored barn from the 1830s is a pure delight. Not just luxurious, but also highly functional, with a modern, fully-equipped kitchen for self-catering.
• Islington Hotel – Awarded one Michelin Key, the Islington is one of the finest small luxury hotels in the world. Customer service is a priority, with every single guest treated like royalty.
• Henry Jones Art Hotel – Where history and art collide… every room, every dining option, and every wall tells its own special story of Tasmania.
• The Pavilions at MONA – The perfect way to finish a day spent exploring the dark, thought-provoking caverns and art installations of MONA. Located on the grounds of MONA itself and perched above the banks of the Derwent River, you won’t be forgetting this unusual destination any time soon!

Best Budget Accommodation

Alright, let’s get this out in the open straight up…

Finding budget accommodation in the middle of Hobart is not easy.

During winter and the shoulder seasons you’ve got a decent chance, but during late December, January and early February you’ll be relying on luck and booking as far in advance as possible to secure a room – especially if you are travelling with children.

It IS possible though, so don’t lose hope. And even if you aren’t seeing anything available in the heart of Hobart then you could always cast the net a little wider to include the inner and outer suburbs of Hobart where availability is a lot better, or the family cabins available at the local caravan parks (scroll down for more info on this and how to save 20%).

For couples, I really like the Alabama Hotel and Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse – both are ‘adults only’.

The Alabama Hotel is perfect for independent and quirky travellers who love to get off the tourist track but still be as close as possible to central Hobart.

The moment you walk through the doors of the Alabama Hotel you know you’re in for a special stay. Its eclectic mix of art deco, minimalist 60s chic and modern art is like no other hotel in town. 

Leather, timber, glass and stone greet you in the tastefully decorated guest lounge, and this photogenic theme continues upstairs to the saloon bar and out onto their cute balcony – the perfect place to watch the sun go down with a classic cocktail or local Tassie wine in hand.

“Boutique bedrooms on a budget” is a fantastic description, and you’ll really appreciate the sense of rest and solitude created by the use of sound-reducing window panes.

In keeping with their eco-friendly ethos, bathroom facilities are shared – but it’s quirks like this that make the Alabama Hotel such a memorable place to stay.

On the other hand, you will find Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse located in the sunny seaside suburb of Battery Point, just a 10min walk from Salamanca.

This bunkhouse is located inside a beautifully renovated 19th century mansion, and they have a great range of room options to suit your style of travel. Most are dormitory-style with bunk-beds – your choice of same-sex or mixed – but they also have a private queen room and private 2-bunk bedroom available.

Facilities are all shared, including bathrooms, dining and kitchen, and you will love that they provide free parking for your vehicle!

If you are travelling with children and trying to keep your costs as low as possible then I suggest having a closer look at Edinburgh Gallery B&B.

My wife and I have stayed at the Edinburgh Gallery B&B and we thought it was lovely. A comfortable night’s sleep, warm rooms, and not too noisy. We didn’t stay for breakfast, but a free Continental breakfast is available for all guests.

The location is pretty decent as well, being 15min walk to central Hobart and 20mins to Salamanca. Parking is available on-site but is limited.

Families should focus on the Family Room with Shared Bathroom (sleeps up to 4) or the Executive Family Room with Private Bathroom (sleeps up to 5).

Another solid budget place to stay in Hobart

The Shipwrights Arms Hotel is good backup option for couples – or families if you don’t mind booking two rooms – and it is a real piece of Hobart history.

What a lot of visitors don’t realise is that when the famous Sydney-Hobart yacht race is over (around New Year’s Eve), the captains and the crews all head to ‘Shippies’ to celebrate a successful voyage – and the vibe is out of this world!

For the rest of the year it is a quiet suburban pub and hotel, located in the backstreets of Battery Point and within very easy walking distance of Salamanca, historic Hampden Road, and the shops of Sandy Bay.

Shippies retains its heritage exterior, but on the inside you’ll find renovated rooms providing ideal levels of comfort and convenience, with bonus of some of Hobart’s best pub meals downstairs – their chowder is to die for!

Campers & Caravanners

Caravanners and campers have heaps of paid caravan parks to choose from, scattered around the edges of Hobart city. However, on the free-camping side of things it is a very different story.

My favourite paid camping option for Lappers is actually a package deal – Discovery Parks Hobart and Discovery Parks Mornington. Use the LAPOFTAS code and you will save a whopping 20% OFF all campsites and cabins as well!

Both provide a huge range of facilities and services, but there are a few subtle differences that mean you may prefer to stay at one or the other.

• Discovery Parks Hobart – Located about 15 minutes’ drive from central Hobart in the riverside suburb of Risdon, this is a great base for exploring not only Hobart but also nearby historic Richmond Village, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, and the wineries of the Coal River Valley, or up the Derwent Valley to MONA, New Norfolk and beyond. A tavern and bottleshop are right next door, and if you’re travelling with your furry friend you’ll be very pleased to hear they are dog-friendly!
• Discovery Parks Mornington – This one is a little bit different to most parks, as it focuses 100% on cabins. Just 10 minutes from Hobart, it is extremely easy to access if you are coming into Hobart from the airport, and there are excellent bus routes passing by your front door for convenient transport to both the Eastlands shopping mall, and Hobart’s CBD and buzzing waterfront. Well-stocked kitchenettes, plentiful hot water, BBQ facilities and friendly service from the park staff – it’s your home away from home!

The closest caravan park to Hobart’s CBD is located at the Hobart Showgrounds in Glenorchy (northern suburbs), and it is a decent no-frills option if all you are looking for is a place to park your rig, recharge the batteries, and enjoy the bathroom and laundry facilities.

You won’t find trees or a playground at the Hobart Showground Motorhome Park, but it IS conveniently located next to the main bus route into the CBD and it is VERY spacious.

Lastly, if you are seeking a free or low-cost camp in Hobart then there is only one option available to you – Phil’s Place out at Austins Ferry. Located on private property, it is has space for 6 sites and is run by a very friendly couple. There is also a bus stop out front that will take you into town. Check it out on WikiCamps for more info.

Other camping options near Hobart

Here is a summary of the other caravan parks located within 10-30mins drive from Hobart:

• Barilla Holiday Park – A very quiet location, but very convenient for accessing the airport and Coal River Valley. Mini-golf for the kids and on-site restaurant!
• Snug Beach Cabin & Caravan Park – Situated on the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, this park is a fantastic springboard to explore the Huon Valley, Bruny Island and the greater Hobart area. They also get fantastic reviews from Lappers over in our Facebook Group.
• Big4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park – An excellent holiday park with all the facilities you would expect from a Big4. They are about 20mins from Hobart and positioned right next to Hobart Airport.

Map – Where to stay in Hobart

Hobart is a small city, so whichever of the four main tourist districts you choose, you will always be within walking distance of the city’s highlights.

There are some differences though that might sway you towards one district over another:

• Waterfront & Salamanca – The most beautiful part of Hobart, surrounded by history and close to everything. Accommodation tends to be most expensive here.
• Central – Hobart’s central business district is where you’ll find most hotel chains like Vibe, Crowne, Ibis and Best Western. Close to shopping centres and the Elizabeth Street dining precinct, and a 15min walk from the North Hobart (NoHo) dining precinct. High volume means competitive room rates.
• Battery Point – An affluent and historic seaside suburb with a gorgeous little beach. Easy walking distance to Salamanca and the waterfront. Mostly Airbnbs and apartments, but also has a few budget gems hidden away.
• Sandy Bay – A lovely suburb of Hobart with good supermarkets and other facilities. Ideal for self-caterers and longer-term visitors.

Further afield, North Hobart, New Town, Bellerive, Kingston, and Margate are all lovely suburbs.

Final thoughts on Hobart accommodation

I hope you’ve found my guide to the best Hobart accommodation helpful in planning your Tassie itinerary!

As you can see, there are plenty of options available and I’m sure you’ll find something that is perfect for your budget and style of travel.

If you are looking for other quality accommodation options across Tasmania then you will love my similar guides for Cradle Mountain, Launceston, Bruny Island and historic Richmond Village.

Best wishes with all your holiday planning, and if you have any questions at all please don’t hesitate to ask our friendly Facebook community!

Happy travels!
Andrew.