Hobart is Australia’s southern most capital and for a small town it sure packs a punch. I arrived with few expectations but left vowing to return. Tasmania’s capital is a city with a country town feel and I liked it much more than I expected to. The buzz is all around the water and Hobart’s harbour is the place to be. The Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart commands an enviable position directly across from the harbour, is steps from the CBD and within striking distance of Salamanca Place and Battery Point. Guests will be delighted with the spacious modern rooms, excellent facilities and outstanding service. Read on for all the details …
Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart Overview
The Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart is one of Hobart’s largest hotels with a universal appeal that is sure to delight both business and leisure travellers alike. The large reception is flooded with light from the central atrium making for a very pleasant welcome. Guests can choose between mountain or harbour view rooms across a number of categories including an executive suite.
The Rooms
We checked into room 1215 and were pleasantly surprised on opening the door. The room was light, bright and contemporary. Crisp white linen adorned the generous king size bed that dominated the space. A small lounge area and functional desk were welcome additions. A good nights sleep is always my primary concern and the bed was just a touch too firm for our liking but the pillow menu was much appreciated. The Hotel Grand Chancellor does not have any power points next to the bed which is frustrating as it makes charging your phone and using it at the same time a whole lot more uncomfortable than it needs to be.
The bathroom was generously sized if a little dated and the pinkish marble was not exactly to my liking. The shower has a fancy overhead rain nozzle which would be a dream for most, but the fact that I like to keep my hair dry meant showering was a little tricky. The water power was exceptional but no matter how hard we tried we couldn’t seem to have a shower without flooding the whole bathroom. The toilet paper provided was thin and nasty but the vanity offered excellent bench space which was a bonus.
The rooms were wonderfully appointed with just about everything you could hope for. The fridge is generous in size and handled all my wine ease. Welcome chocolates were on the pillows when we arrived but were not refreshed on subsequent days. The bowl of mints on arrival was a nice touch. The mini bar offered a nice selection of snacks but we preferred to stock up at the nearby Woolworths. The TV remote control was particularly painful to use and we gave up and watched whatever came on because it was just too hard to change the channel.
The views from the front of the hotel across the harbour are stunning and I wish we had splurged the few extra dollars on an upgrade. Our room was at the rear and the views across the roof tops to Mount Wellington were not as impressive but we were treated to a rather nice rainbow on our last day in town.
Facilities
There are no shortage of facilities on offer at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart. The pool and gym were in high demand and snapping a couple of pics sans guests was no easy feat. We rarely swim in city hotels but with an hour or so on our hands we decided to indulge in a quick dip. The water was a little cooler than I would have liked but we made the most of it. If you have a car, parking will only set you back $9 a night which is exceptional for a CBD hotel. The self-parking lot does get busy and we had to navigate around quite a few fellow guests who selfishly double parked. One of the most surprising offerings at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart was the courtesy push bikes available from the lobby for when you want to leave the car behind. Nice one!
Wining & Dining
The Tasman restaurant on the ground floor of the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart was always busy so they must be doing something right! The menu is seasonal and reasonably priced. The lobby bar houses a grand piano and has panoramic views across the harbour. A room service menu is available for those who wish to dine in the comfort of their room.
Nearby
Hobart’s beautiful harbour is steps away from the entrance of the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart. Follow it around to your right and you will find yourself in Salamanca Place, a bustling cosmopolitan hive of activity that is perfect for a casual alfresco dinner. Try Jack Green for a unique burger or Cargo for a great pizza. The Wrest Point casino is also close by for those that want to try their luck and Hobart’s CBD and shopping district is a mere 5 minutes away on foot. Hobart was the first stop on our Tasmanian road trip and we took a day trip to Port Arthur Historic Site which is just over an hour out of town. A morning visiting the fabulous wineries near Hobart is a must. For those who wish to explore a little further afield, I would highly recommend a trip to the stunning Freycinet Peninsula. The beaches are some of the most spectacular I have even seen and our Wineglass Bay Cruise was a highlight. Hobart is also perfect for viewing Tasmania’s Southern Lights at certain times of the year.
The Final Word
We were delighted with our two days at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart. The staff were attentive and greeted us warmly each time we moved through the lobby. The superb location puts you right in the midst of all the action and offers easy access to the freeway when it’s time to leave. The onsite facilities provided everything we needed for a comfortable stay, however the hotel does not award Qantas frequent flyer points which was disappointing. After having perused all the hotels Hobart has to offer, I believe we made the perfect choice and would have no hesitation in returning. Rooms start at about $230 a night and you can book with ease through Expedia. If you like this review you should also check out my review of the Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston.
Are you planning a trip to Tasmania? I would love to hear what’s on your itinerary in the comments below.
Until Next Time …
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored. We paid for our stay at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart in full and as always, all opinions are my own.
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Megan Jerrard says
So glad you enjoyed your time in Hobart! We’re actually making the move to Tasmania in June, so will need to organize a hotel for a few days in between settlement for our new house and when we arrive. The Grand Chancellor sounds great!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
How cool Megan! Looks like a lovely place to call home.
Reshma says
I just loved your pics. Tasmania is a lovely place and I have heard many wonderful things about Hobart. Hotel Grand Chancellor looks fab, with luxury and awesome facilities combined!
Barb says
Oh, I would love to visit Tasmania. This looks like an amazing place to stay. This hotel has a wonderful view and some great facilities.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I hope you make it to Tassie soon Barb. It’s truly a very special part of the world and I would chose the Grand Chancellor Hobart again without hesitation.
Guy Crotty says
Hobart is such a great little city. So many good bars and restaurants, history, natural beauty and what sounds like a pretty sweet hotel. Views across the water are always good! Hope you made it to MONA!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Oh we didn’t make it to MONA! We deliberated and then decide to give it a miss. Next time for sure’
Jennifer says
It looks like the hotel is well positioned to attractions and the views are lovely. I think the room design looks a little disappointing and minimalist, especially for the price point. I like to be wowed by the design and attention to detail.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It’s funny Jennifer because I love minimalist and that was one of the things that drew me to this hotel. Hobart is an expensive city to stay in and the Grand Chancellor is very well priced in comparison to the local competition.
Nisha says
First, I liked your honest opinion. That’s what a blogger should do. Well, I liked the hotel and won’t mind staying there. Good to see a children’s and all day dining menu. Pillow’s choice is another thing which goes to their advantage.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Glad to see you would consider it when next in Hobart Nisha ?
Sandy N Vyjay says
The hotel’s central location and the facilities mentioned were very appealing to me! I personally loved the honest opinions mentioned. The photographs attached were amazing. The hotel looks like a great place to relax in and embark on your voyage of discovery.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks Sandy. Location is always the most important thing for me.
Suze says
Thanks for your honest review, hopefully they might implement a few of your suggestions like power points near the bed. I love the idea of the complimentary push-bikes. I’ve not yet visited Australia but really want to do so!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I’d love the bikes as well. First time I have ever seen that in an Australian hotel. I hope you make it down under soon ?
Bilyana | OwlOverTheWorld says
The hotel looks really nice. I like that there is a gym also. And as for the view to the harbor, gorgeous!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Yes the harbour views were perfect. I really wish I had gone for the upgrade.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I wish I could be bothered to use the gym lol
Bhushavali says
That many options in pillow selection? That’s enuf proof to know that the guests are literally pampered here! I just had a look at your post on Port Arthur Historic Site as well. Looks so beautiful! That’s totally my kinda place with so much history and heritage associated with it!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks Bhushavaki. Port Arthur is a must do while in Hobart
Rashmi and Chalukya says
We are fascinated by the hotels which stand by the bay they command a beautiful view. The rooms look comfortable and luxurious at the same time. And amenities like gym and pool Grand Chancellor definitely makes for a great accommodation.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
We had a vey comfortable stay and I’d love to go back ?
carlinn says
It looks like an awesome well equipped hotel! I love that its bright and airy and has a gorgeous view. A pool is definitely always an upside for me, I have to go for a dip if a hotel has one!
Vicki Louise says
We drove past this pace so many times on our trips in and out of Hobart (we stayed out near MONA) – so it’s great to see your pictures of what it looks like inside! They have lovely rooms and great facilities – and I love a good pillow selection menu! This looks like a great, central place to stay!
Cat says
The hotel’s easy access location makes it appealing! I love how close it is to the harbor and other attractions. Although not perfect, it looks fairly comfortable for its price!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Not many hotels are perfect these days … or maybe I’m just getting fussier!
Ticking the Bucketlist says
The location of the hotel seems lovely… would be great to be here and step out in the evenings to explore the harbour. Pillow selection … I am sure you slept well. Seems like a great place to check into while at Hobart … thanks for the detailed review.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It really was a perfect location. We were able to walk everywhere which was such a bonus!
Ivy says
I loved your honest opinions. Thin and nasty toilet paper are the worst, perhaps even more so than people double-parking! At least they let you choose from different types of pillows
And I’m glad you still had a good time despite all the minor deficiencies!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Lol Ivy so true. These were minor issues in comparison to the positives. I would stay again with no hesitation. Especially if they changed the toilet paper brand ?
Jean says
Such great timing as we are off to Hobart in a few weeks! The location looks perfect for us as we only have one night before rushing off to Freycinet. I’m keen to try out their autumn menu. No trip to Tasmania is complete without a good locally sourced dinner
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Awesome! Freycinet is sensational! I hope you love it as much as I did ?
Ha says
It’s nice to read about this review of Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart. It’s so great that the hotel has a swimming pool and a gym inside. The room looks really clean and wide as well.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It really was a great place to stay Ha. ?