Grand Chancellor Hotel Hobart

This bustling 12-story hotel draws both leisure and business guests and is popular with groups because of its extensive meeting space. It's busy most of the time, with guests coming and going at all hours and hanging out in the spacious, comfortable lobby and snazzy lounge. An art dealer's shop off the lobby has artwork spilling out into the lobby area, which has turned it into an art gallery of sorts. Beautiful large pieces of art hang behind the front desk and throughout the property, providing it with a much-needed dash of personality. The style, after all, is pretty basic and uninspired. That may not matter, though, as the harbor views from many vantages are the star of the show. Glass-enclosed foyers on each floor provide binoculars for taking in the gorgeous water views. The hotel also is home to Hobart's large Federation Concert Hall, where the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra performs.  

This hotel has a prime position overlooking Hobart Harbor and is about a five-minute walk from the city center. A busy street in front of the hotel leads into the city, and another busy street in the rear leads out of the city. However, traffic moves slowly and calmly, and there are pedestrian lights directly in front for crossing the street to get to the water and the wharf area. All along the waterfront is a selection of nice bars and restaurants, as well as some floating fish-and-chip shops. The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is just two minutes away on foot. Salamanca Place, filled with bars, restaurants, galleries, and studios, as well as a lively market on Saturday, is about a 12-minute walk from the hotel. Mount Wellington -- which towers over the city -- is a 25-minute drive from the hotel. Plan on a 15-minute drive to Hobart International Airport, or an hour and a half by public transportation. 

Rooms are spacious and decorated in a basic and all-business style with little in the way of pizzazz. Everything looks modern, for the most part, but there's nothing in the way of art or color to perk it up. Furniture is dark wood, and colors are neutral shades of taupe and gray. Large windows look out onto the harbor or Mount Wellington and the city, and some views are stunning. All rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, minibars, and kettles for tea and coffee. Basic Wi-Fi is free, but faster speeds carry an additional cost. Executive Rooms have separate living areas. Modern bathrooms include granite countertops, toiletries, rainfall showers, towel warmers, and hairdryers. Executive Rooms have tubs as well, and robes and slippers are provided. 

This hotel offers the necessary features for a comfortable business or leisure stay. Restaurant Tasman serves regional fare, including a breakfast buffet (fee). High tea is served daily in the lobby Atrium Bar, which also provides drinks and light fare throughout the day. It's a snazzy space with black leather arm chairs highlighted by red pillows. Huge windows allow in plenty of natural light. Room service is available around the clock. The indoor pool on the 10th floor is a lovely space with windows on three sides. The long, narrow fitness center has a decent selection of cardio and weight training equipment, as well as free weights and yoga mats. Towels and water are provided. Bikes can be rented on-site, but there is no spa. A self-service laundry area includes two washers and dryers. The conference space with 11 meeting rooms can accommodate groups as small as five or as large as 1,100 people. Meeting planners assist with all the details, and Wi-Fi is free. Parking is available in the basement for a fee, but there is no elevator.