If you’re travelling to Hobart, there’s a pretty good chance a visit to the hype-worthy Museum of Old and New Art is on your must-do list. Good call. But there’s more than one way to indulge your love of art while you’re in Hobart. Treat yourself to a stay at the Henry Jones Art Hotel, Australia’s first dedicated art hotel.
Here are 20 reasons why you’ll love it:
1. Location, location – Situated on the Hobart Wharf with views of Mount Wellington, the Henry Jones is perfectly located for you to enjoy everything the Tassie capital has to offer. Imagine this just a few steps away. Who doesn’t love a water view?
2. All of the history – Housed in the old IXL Jam Factory building – which dates back to 1825 and still features its original factory signage – the Henry Jones lets you experience old-world Hobart in all its sandstone glory.
3. Sleek and modern interior touches – Don’t let the old-school frontage fool you. Step inside and you’ll immediately feel the polish of a luxe hotel – where cool, contemporary finishes complement the original heavy weather beams and corrugated iron. Trust me, it works.
4. Speaking of the foyer, it’s pretty amazing – From the cozy nooks with fireplaces to the stunning floor-to-ceiling artwork, you’ll immediately get those ‘I’m really glad I picked this place’ feels.
5. Art everywhere – If the skeptic in you assumes the art is limited to a few token pieces in the common areas, prepare to be wrong. There are around 500 pieces of art in various forms throughout the hotel, including each guestroom. If anything takes your fancy, you might be able to take it home – many pieces are available for purchase.
6. Get educated – Join one of the hotel’s art and history tours– every Wednesday to Sunday afternoon from 4pm – to learn all about the IXL factory and view the current artwork. They’re popular, so make sure you book ahead.
7. Get in touch with your inner convict – I was lucky enough to have Henry Jones’ in-house History Liaison trace my fellow Redferns back to Tasmania’s convict history. Now that’s unique.
8. Individually designed rooms – You’ve seen one hotel room, you’ve seen them all, right? Not at Henry Jones. Each of its 56 rooms and suites has its own distinct character and design. A good excuse for a return visit. Or a few 😉
9. And they’re spacious too – Our open-plan suite is HUGE and even features a spa bath in the living area. That, my friends, is winning.
10. Little wins – Complimentary wi-fi. Easy-to-reach powerpoints right next to your bed. Powerful hairdryers. These things make me happier than they should.
11. Thoughtful touches – Complimentary bottles of water, local shortbread, and T2 Sleep Tight tea for turndown all get big ticks from me. So much nicer than a token chocolate on your pillow.
12. And quirky ones too – Like the “Art never sleeps. (But I do)” do-not-disturb sign.
13. Enjoy a drink at IXL Long Bar – The cosy space adjacent to the foyer is made for pre-dinner beverages. It’s hard to beat a Tassie whisky on a cool winter’s evening!
14. Have dinner at Peacock and Jones – A destination in its own right, Henry Jones’ restaurant offers a modern menu featuring local produce. For something a little more casual, try the café and providore. And make sure you check out the gorgeous atrium too.
15. Eat all of the things – Of course, you’ll also have one of Australia’s hottest dining scenes right on your doorstep. Franklin, Dier Makr, Fico, Aloft and The Glass House – just to name a few – are a short walk or taxi ride away for your wining and dining pleasure.
16. On-site gym – For the gym bunnies among us (or those not brave enough to cardio it up on a cool Hobart morning), this is a big plus. Anything to help stave off the inevitable food coma.
17. A tempting minibar – Not only is it well-stocked and reasonably priced, it also features lots of Tassie producers, which reinforces the deliciousness that is the Apple Isle.
18. Valet parking – Feel a bit fancy with this complimentary service.
19. Luxury toiletries – Not only are they (ooh la la) Molton Brown, they also come in very generous 100ml bottles. It would be rude not to take them home to finish and enjoy the sweet smell of holidays.
20. And last but definitely not least, amazing staff – Sure, you expect quality service at a hotel of this standard, but the genuinely friendly and engaging team really helped make our stay. Nothing was too much trouble and they struck the perfect balance between polished professionalism and relatable friendliness. And they gave great local tips too!