The Henry Jones Art Hotel

This hotel is housed in an old stone building on the waterfront that dates back to 1804 and was for years the IXL Jam Factory. The building was transformed into a hotel in 2004, with many modern touches mixing with its historic roots. The stone structure is a unique backdrop for the 500 or so original pieces of local art displayed throughout the hotel. The expansive lobby sets the tone, with massive paintings hanging on the stone walls. Several seating groups with leather sofas and chairs provide places for guests to hang out, and hallways are all lined with art as well. In the center of the hotel is a skylit atrium with a cafe, tables and chairs, sofas, and more artwork. It's a popular place for guests to hang out, and the vibe is casual and laid-back. The hotel fully supports everything Tasmanian, from the famous local whiskeys and local beers to local artworks and artisans. It's a suitable for anyone who appreciates art, history, and good design, Most guests are couples, but it also draws families, groups, and business travelers. 

The hotel is centrally located on Hobart's waterfront with a wide cul de sac between the water and the hotel that functions as a parking lot. A few restaurants are in the neighboring buildings, and several floating seafood restaurants are moored close by in the harbor. The area is an arts hub. The Tasmania College of the Arts is at the end of the row of buildings, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is just four minutes away on foot. A 10-minute walk around the harbor leads to Salamanca Place, which is home to bars, restaurants, galleries, studios, and other art spaces, as well as a bustling market. Guests can reach downtown in 10 minutes on foot, and the ferry to the famous Museum of New and Old Art is a five-minute walk. Hobart International Airport is about 20 minutes away by car or about an hour by public transportation. 

Like the hotel's common areas, the rooms here blend artsy details and historic accents with cozy decor that creates quaint spaces, each with just a touch of their own personality. Walls are hand-cut sandstone, and ceilings are rough-hewn timber. Furniture is all hand crafted from Tasmanian hardwoods, and original local artwork hangs on the walls. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, DVD players, free Wi-Fi, stocked minibars, coffeemakers, and safes. Spa rooms have modern European-style stainless steel and glass bathrooms with above-counter sinks, Kohler elliptical tubs, large walk-in showers, hairdryers, and Molton Brown toiletries. Some rooms have beautiful views of the waterfront. Others face inward toward the atrium, which may be noisy during the day. The H Jones Suite is located in the former company boardroom, and the Asian-inspired Oriental Suites are in the former Ice House. Turn-down service leaves chocolates imprinted with an H and a J. 

There are a number of features packed into this otherwise compact boutique property. One of the highlights is dining, which takes place in two restaurants and a bar. Henry's, the hotel's flagship restaurant, serves regional fare for breakfast and dinner. It's a cozy space with red walls, white tablecloths, a wood floor, and exposed beams. Original art hangs on the walls -- of course. The Jam Packed Cafe in the atrium serves breakfast all day and lunch, as well as desserts and drinks. The IXL Bar is a charming space with wood floors, stone walls, exposed timbers, and red bar stools. It serves drinks and light fare in the evening. The hotel offers a variety of attractive events spaces suitable for meetings and social gatherings, including weddings. A small fitness center has cardio and weight-training machines, as well as free weights. A reading room with comfy sofas and chairs is a good spot for reading the books there or watching TV. An on-site store sells unique art objects, funky gifts, and high-end furniture. On one or two days a week, the hotel historian leads free tours of the hotel and discusses the history of the local area. When guests arrive -- for fun -- the historian compares guest names to lists of convicts who arrived during Tasmania's time as a penal colony. The hotel also has a laundry room and can arrange luggage storage. Valet parking is free, as is Wi-Fi.