My Tasmania trip was rescheduled several times due to COVID but there was an upside. By the time I finally made it to Hobart, Australia’s first Movenpick hotel – Movenpick Hobart – had opened. I had been wanting to stay at a Movenpick hotel for years because I adore Movenpick ice cream. A strange way to choose somewhere to stay, I know, but Movenpick Hotel Hobart proved me right. I loved our stay at this classy and contemporary hotel which somehow managed to be chic yet cosy at the same time. Movenpick is a brand I’ll be on the lookout for when planning future trips.

Movenpick Hotel Hobart is located in the CBD on a street that’s lined with historic buildings. I have previously stayed at Hobart hotels on the waterfront but, to my surprise, the location of Movenpick Hobart was actually more central to everything. If you’re arriving by car, you can pull up in front of the hotel in a loading zone to get out bags and check in or drive around to the rear laneway entrance. The lobby was spacious yet intimate and filled with large vases of hot pink tulips. With warm colours and tasteful modern décor, the hotel had a European feel which tied in nicely with the chilly weather outside.

The open plan lobby meant we could see into the hotel restaurant – Tesoro Modern Italian – which was packed. One look at the happy diners inside convinced our family we should book in for lunch. Perched on high bench seats near the floor to ceiling plate glass window, we enjoyed terrific people watching along with two pizzas to share, a glass of wine, and a house made soda for our teenage son. If we hadn’t been going out for dinner that night we would have ordered the Lunch Pronto special which included a small plate, pizza or pasta, and dessert and was a steal for $35 per person.

When we were looking at the hotel website, we were delighted to discover Movenpick Hobart offered Queen/Queen rooms instead of the usual Double/Double. When you’re travelling with a 6ft 1” teen (and an even taller husband), double beds are a nightmare as tall people hang off the end. We booked a Queen/Queen room but discovered we had been upgraded to a Suite when we checked in. The photos on the hotel website don’t do the suites justice as they are huge and also have the perfect spot to put a rollaway in one corner. Our family agreed this room was absolutely perfect for us. If you’re travelling with one child and would like a little extra space, it should be perfect for you too.

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Along with a small settee and a round table with two chairs for dining, our room had a king size bed, coffee machine, plenty of hanging space, and a spacious bathroom with a shower and large tub. As our suite was on Level 6, we also had an extra large balcony which was almost the same dimensions as our (very large) room. We never quite worked out what to do with this during our stay but it was truly spectacular in size. It would be great if there were chairs and a table or some other outdoor furniture on the balcony so guests could make the most of this large outdoor area.

We settled in then headed down to Tesoro to try Movenpick’s signature ‘Chocolate Hour’ which runs from 4pm to 5pm daily. This experience is available at every Movenpick hotel but each one puts their own stamp on it. We enjoyed a platter of chocolate goodies for three together with the cocktail of the day which is designed to be enjoyed with chocolate ($25 per person). We loved the bartender’s creation which included chocolate powder, cream, cream liqueur, vodka, and also limoncello in recognition of the restaurant’s Italian theme. Our son opted for a non-alcoholic version of the same cocktail and gave it the thumbs up.

Dinner that evening was at Tesoro Modern Italian and, once again, the restaurant was packed. Most of the diners appeared to be locals which goes to show the word is certainly out about Hobart’s newest Italian restaurant. We shared the chef’s generous daily salumi selection to start. For mains, my husband and I each had a perfectly cooked eye fillet and shared a side of broccoli topped with chilli and breadcrumbs. Our son opted for the pappardelle with beef brisket, pomodoro, and pecorino cheese. I couldn’t leave without ordering an affogato made with creamy vanilla Movenpick ice-cream for dessert which we shared as portions at Tesoro are generous.

After breakfast at the hotel which is served a la carte and comes with excellent barista coffee, we spent the day exploring some of Hobart’s popular inner city tourist spots. Our favourite was Salamanca Place where we discovered art galleries, fashion boutiques, eateries and pubs built inside historic bond stores from the 1800s. A short stroll from Salamanca Place took us to one of Hobart’s oldest suburbs, Battery Point, for a fascinating look at Tasmania’s early colonial architecture. It took less than five minutes for us to walk from our hotel down to the waterfront.

Our stay at Movenpick Hobart was as smooth as the brand’s signature ice cream and the staff we met during our stay were equally sweet. With a focus on great food and wine, a handy central location, spacious rooms, charming service, and a cosy yet contemporary vibe, this new hotel is an impressive addition to the Tasmanian capital’s accommodation scene.

Disclosure: The writer stayed as a guest of Movenpick Hotel Hobart and paid for lunch at Tesoro Modern Italian.

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