First-hand knowledge is what allows our travel advisors to recommend the best properties for your stay. Here, Shelley Brice of Brice & Turner Travel Associates reviews three very different hotels on the Apple Isle.
Macq01
First impressions
Our reception was warm and friendly and the lobby has an amazing view of the harbour as well as a warm fire to greet you on cold days. The knowledgeable staff are eager to share the history of the hotel and make recommendations of things to do during your stay.
Rooms
Each room is unique and modelled on a famous Tassie character. Our harbour view room was very spacious and had a large balcony overlooking the harbour. The Bose entertainment dock and nespresso coffee machine were welcome touches as were the walk-in shower and double sinks on the vanity.
Dining
The hotel’s breakfast was amazing. The buffet option includes fresh fruit, juices and pastries, but there is also an a la carte option – smoked salmon with eggs was my personal favourite.
Activities
The historical walking tour offered free of charge to in-house guests was fabulous and ends at the Salamanca markets. It is also bookable (for a fee) by outside guests and I would highly recommend it even if you’re not staying at the hotel.
Henry Jones
First impressions
This boutique hotel has a touch of history as it is housed in the old IXL jam factory. The conversion has been tastefully done with exposed stone, brick and solid wood beams hinting at bygone times. Each room and hallway is decorated with local art pieces for sale – a wonderful way to support local artists. A cosy fire in the reception area offers the perfect welcome on a cold day. On check-in, you receive a sheet with the family history of your surname, so you can see your convict heritage. What a wonderful surprise!
Rooms
Our room was comfortable and spacious and boasted a relaxing spa bath with Molton Brown bath and beauty products. The T2 sleepytime tea bags on our pillows on turndown service were a nice touch.
Activities
The hotel runs an art and history tour daily that is fascinating and highly recommended. The reception staff can also book tickets for the ferry and entry to MOMA, billed direct to your room, which allows you to avoid the queues on arrival.
Saffire Freycinet
First impressions
This is a simply stunning hotel. It’s modern, minimalist and open-plan design means there is nothing to distract you from the spectacular views of the bay and Hazard Mountains. Although it may appear expensive, it is worth every penny as the resort is committed to having your memories last a lifetime and the service is impeccable.
Rooms
The rooms are private and spacious with a sitting room where you can relax and take in the view through floor-to-ceiling windows. Stylish and tastefully decorated, the rooms include a free mini bar, with snacks, and Lapis Lazuli bath products made exclusively for Saffire.
Dining
The resort is fully inclusive and all meals are prepared fresh using local ingredients. Breakfast and lunch are relatively simple affairs, as the degustation dinner is the real highlight of the day. All dishes are carefully paired with local Tasmanian wines.
Activities
Inclusive day tours and walks allow you to get out into nature with a knowledgeable guide.
I chose to learn about the local oysters, which included eating freshly shucked oysters straight from the water accompanied by a glass or two of Tasmanian wine. The Japanese Ponzu sauce was a welcomed new addition to fresh oysters for me.
Saffire is also partnered with the Save the Devil Fund and has a rehabilitation sanctuary on site. Learning about these native animals and watching them being fed was a very interesting experience, and it’s nice to know the resort is committed to our endangered species.
