Hobart's Hidden Gem: Marquis Hotel Unveiled!
Hobart's Hidden Gem: Marquis Hotel Unveiled! – (SEO-tastic Review & My Honest Take)
Alright, folks, let's talk Hobart, that windswept beauty down under. And, more specifically, let's talk about a place that claims to be a hidden gem: The Marquis Hotel. Now, I'm usually skeptical of "hidden gems" – sounds like marketing fluff, right? But after my stay, I'm kinda, sorta, maybe mostly convinced…
Accessibility & Safety: A Big Thumbs Up (Mostly!)
First things first, because it's important, especially for those of us who need it. Accessibility? They've clearly put thought into it. Wheelchair accessible? Yep, they've got it going on. Elevators? Check. I saw accessible rooms – though I didn't personally stay in one, the setup looked promising. Let's be real though, no place is perfect. Always best to double-check your specific needs with the hotel directly if you're relying on it.
Cleanliness & Safety: Pandemic-Era Peace of Mind
Post-pandemic, safety is HUGE, right? The Marquis gets points for this. Anti-viral cleaning products? Tick. Daily disinfection in common areas? Double tick. They seem serious about it. They had hand sanitizers everywhere, and I felt comfortable enough – though I did bring my own wipes, because…well, I’m me. Room sanitization opt-out available? YES! (I always do this, I love to be in a clean and safe environment). Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemed like it, anyway. I didn’t see anyone slacking.
I walked past the CCTV in common areas a few times, and also CCTV outside property, which always helps in the wee hours. And staff trained in safety protocol… look, in the safety department, they're ticking the boxes right. That's the comforting feeling you want when travelling.
Rooms – The Good, The Annoying, And the Surprisingly Lovely
Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the rooms because that's where we spend most of our time, right?
Available in all rooms: They have Air conditioning, thank god. Hobart can get chilly, but sometimes the sun decides to surprise you. Also, free Wi-Fi (Hallelujah!!), yes, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (and I used it, constantly, because…work). Oh, and a decent desk where I could actually work without hunching over like Quasimodo.
What I loved: My room had a window that opens! (fresh air, I heart you!). And, for the sleep-obsessed like me, blackout curtains (thank you, Marquis, for understanding the importance of a good nap). I also loved the bathrobes – a small thing, but it felt luxurious. Alarm clock was there, but who uses those anymore with smartphones! Daily housekeeping was fantastic - a massive win for me. Interconnecting room(s) available makes sense for families.
The Annoying: The internet access – LAN seemed kinda pointless in this day and age. Who uses LAN anymore? The mirror could have been bigger. Also, my room had a mirror, but could have been cleaned a tad more, so I could see myself in all my glory.
The Surprisingly Lovely: The views from some rooms (apparently not mine) are supposed to be amazing, so make sure you ask for a high floor.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: From Buffet Bliss to Late-Night Grub
Okay, let's talk food. This is where the Marquis really shines, or at least, tries to.
Breakfast [buffet]: Okay, the breakfast buffet was…decent. The usual suspects - Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Breakfast service, and a buffet in restaurant. Food quality was not bad but definitely not top-tier.
Restaurants, Bar, and Coffee shop are all on site. This is a big plus. The poolside bar looked enticing, but the weather wasn't cooperating during my trip. Room service [24-hour] saved my bacon more than once when I needed a late-night snack (hello, fries!).
Alternative meal arrangement? They were happy to cook me a vegetarian dish when I asked.
A la carte in the restaurant looked really tempting too, but I didn't have a chance to try it. Snack bar? Excellent. Vegetarian restaurant? This is a win for those who are vegetarian. Desserts in restaurant made me have to stop eating. I think I gained a kilo.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Days and Fitness Fiascos (My Words!)
Pool with view? YES! I swam in the pool – it was lovely!
Gym/fitness? Yep, they had a gym, but I didn’t dare set foot in it (I'm on holidays!).
Spa? Yes, they have a spa. I didn't go BUT the reviews I read were solid. Massage, Sauna, Steamroom, Spa/sauna, AND Foot bath? Sounds like a recipe for pure bliss.
Things to do: Hobart is FULL of things to do. The hotel is a great base for exploring the Salamanca Market, MONA, and the stunning coastline. I spent a particularly glorious afternoon rambling through the vineyards. Amazing!
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
This is where the Marquis really nails it. They seem to have thought of everything:
- **Concierge: **Super helpful. They even helped me book a last-minute tour.
- Daily housekeeping: A godsend.
- Elevator: Essential.
- Luggage storage: Very convenient.
- Laundry service: Because let's face it, no one likes to do laundry on vacation.
- Free car park: Huge win.
- Wi-Fi for special events. Always a bonus.
- Cashless payment service. Excellent.
For the Kids:
Yes, they have Babysitting service and family/child friendly.
Getting Around:
Airport transfer is available. And yes, they have car park [on-site] and car park [free of charge!
My Honest Verdict & A Compelling Offer (Because You Deserve It!)
Look, the Marquis Hotel isn't perfect. It has minor quirks and the occasional slightly dusty corner (okay, maybe more than the occasional). But overall? I had a good time. They’re trying hard, and the staff is genuinely friendly and helpful.
What I'd change: The internet speed could be improved. Better views, and more local art.
Would I go back? Yeah, actually, I would. It's a solid choice for a comfortable, convenient stay in Hobart. It’s a good base to explore the city.
My Personal Recommendation & An Offer YOU Absolutely Cannot Refuse:
Here's the deal: Book your stay at the Marquis Hotel during the next 4 weeks (make sure to mention this review when you book!) and get:
- A complimentary bottle of Tasmanian wine upon arrival (and trust me, the wine is exquisite!).
- A free upgrade to a room with a view. (or so they promise!).
- A guaranteed 10% discount on any spa treatment you book.
- A free late checkout (because you’ll likely need it after all that wine!)
The Marquis Hotel. Hobart's Hidden Gem? Maybe. But definitely worth a try.
(Remember to check Booking.com, Expedia, or the hotel's website directly for the best prices and availability. Let them know I sent you! Don't thank me! Have a great time!)
SEO Keywords (Because I'm doing my job, and I want you to find this review!):
- Hobart Hotels
- Marquis Hotel Hobart
- Hobart Accommodation
- Tasmania Hotels
- Hotel Review Hobart
- Hotel with Free Wi-Fi
- Wheelchair Accessible Hotel Hobart
- Hobart Spa Hotel
- Family-Friendly Hotel Hobart
- Best Hotels Hobart
- Hotels in Hobart City Centre
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your meticulously planned, perfectly-photographed Instagram travel itinerary. This is… well, it's what actually happens when I try to explore Hobart. Prepare for the glorious mess.
Hobart, Australia - The Marquis Hotel: Where My Wanderlust Met Reality (And a Really Comfy Bed)
Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh God, I'm Exhausted But Excited" Phase.
- 10:00 AM - The Saga Begins. Flight delayed, naturally. Spent the entire delay doom-scrolling and overthinking my packing (did I bring enough socks? Pretty sure I didn't). Arrived at Hobart Airport resembling a rumpled, slightly terrified dumpling. Shout-out to the friendly airport staff who directed me to the shuttle bus. They probably get this look a lot.
- 11:30 AM - Marquis Hotel – Oh. My. God. That Bed. Seriously. I may never leave. The room is gorgeous. Modern, with a view of something I think is a mountain (haven't looked closely yet; still recovering from travel). I resisted the urge to immediately collapse on the bed and stayed upright, because, you know, "culture" and "exploration".
- 12:30 PM - Salamanca Square – First Impressions. Walked the few blocks to Salamanca Square. This place! Cobblestone streets, sandstone buildings, art galleries, cafes overflowing with people (mostly tourists. And I'm one of them, duh). Immediately overwhelmed by the sheer options. Opted for a quick (and slightly mediocre) coffee. My mistake.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch Disaster (Maybe?) at a Salamanca Place Cafe. Picked a cafe with a "freshly baked" sign and ordered a veggie burger. It had the texture of… well, let's just say I was in the mood for a burger but got mashed vegetables, and that was the biggest let down of the trip. I'm still not sure if it was culinary sacrilege, or just the result of poor choices. Still, the people-watching was excellent. Watched a dog steal someone's sausage roll (a true highlight).
- 2:30 PM - Mona (Museum of Old and New Art) – The Big One. Took a ferry up the Derwent River to MONA and almost lost my mind. The art is… well, it’s unlike anything I've ever seen. Some pieces I loved, some I just… didn't get. One exhibit involved a wall of… excrement. Yeah. Let's just say it's an experience. The winery on site, however, was pure genius. Sipped a stellar Pinot Noir while trying to wrap my head around existentialism and art.
- 6:00 PM - Back to the Hotel - A Needed Nap. I could have easily spent several hours at Mona, and didn't even have time to see everything, but I can now say the experience was an assault of the senses. Exhausted, but it's okay because that bed is calling my name, and I'm not going to fight it..
- 7:30 PM - Dinner. The "I'm Tired But I Have to Eat" Stage. Headed to a restaurant walking distance from the hotel (because let's be honest, I'm not walking far) and ordered… something. Food was good. Can't really remember what it was. Mostly just remember wanting to be in bed.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime Blues - Nightcap and Thoughts. Back at the Marquis! A glass of wine, a quick scroll through Instagram to remind myself I wasn't the only one completely bamboozled by MONA (thank god for relatable posts). Bed. Pure, blissful bed.
Day 2: Bruny Island and the Quest for the Perfect Oysters (and avoiding the Tasmanian Devil)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast at the Hotel (or the "Coffee, Please, Everything Hurts" Phase). Hotel breakfast was pretty good, nice fresh fruit, the coffee was slightly better than yesterday's experience.
- 9:00 AM - Ferry to Bruny Island. The Ferry of Dreams. Took the ferry to Bruny Island, which is really two islands joined by a very narrow isthmus. The scenery was astounding.
- 10:00 AM - Exploring Bruny Island. The place is a nature lover's paradise. I did a short hike. The views left me speechless. I ended up staying much longer than I thought I would.
- 12:00 PM - The Quest for the Perfect Oyster (a culinary masterpiece). Went to Get Shucked, an oyster place that is very popular on Bruny. The oysters were phenomenal, the best I've ever had, but it was also a bit windy, and I was covered in salt spray. I sat there just savoring them, and staring at the ocean.
- 1:00 PM - Bruny Island Cheese Co. This place was amazing, a cheese lover's dream. They had a variety of cheeses I never even imagined.
- 3:00 PM - Seeking out the Tasmanian Devil - Sort of… I was supposed to visit a wildlife sanctuary, but I made a sudden decision and started relaxing by the beach. The view was far more appealing than seeing a Tasmanian Devil.
- 5:00 PM - Back to Hobart. A long ferry ride was worth it. Spent the evening in the lovely Marquis Hotel, looking back on the day.
Day 3: Wandering, Wine, and the "I Don't Want to Leave" Feeling (and a potential souvenir mishap).
- 9:00 AM - Salamanca Market (with a Sore Head). After staying up a bit later to watch the sun set, I felt bad. Took a walk to Salamanca Market filled with local crafts, food stalls, and buskers. The weather turned out to be beautiful but the crowd was intense. Found a beautiful piece of art but the seller gave me some serious side-eye when I tried to haggle. Decided to leave it, because honestly, I'm way too awkward to haggle.
- 11:00 AM - Wine Tasting at a Cellar Door (a momentary lapse in judgment?). I was determined to embrace the "wine region" thing. It was amazing seeing the vineyards, getting a drink, and enjoying the sunshine. I got a little too carried away and ended up buying a case of wine. What was I thinking? Where will I put them? How will I get them home?
- 1:00 PM - Lunch Disaster (Round 2). I made good choices, I got some great fish and chips.
- 3:00 PM - Exploring the City. Wander through the city, taking in the sights and sounds. Got slightly lost several times (I have a terrible sense of direction). Discovered a cute little bookstore and spent an hour browsing.
- 5:00 PM - A Farewell Dinner. Found a new restaurant and ordered a delicious meal. Stared at the menu for five minutes, hoping inspiration would strike.
- 7:00 PM - Packing (and the Realization That I Won't Have Enough Space for the Wine). The wine. Oh, the wine. I'm going to have to figure out how to ship it, or drink it all myself (tempting, but unwise). Packing proved more challenging than expected.
- 8:00 PM - The "I Don't Want to Leave" Stage (and a Last Glimpse of the Marquis Bed). Another night, another blissful night in the Marquis's lovely bed. The view… the comfort… The hotel, its location, its staff, all add up to the perfect experience. I want to stay here!
- 9:00 PM - A Final Drink and a Bittersweet Goodbye. The final nightcap, a chance to soak in the Hobart atmosphere one last time.
Day 4: "Saying Goodbye"
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast Blues. After a final breakfast, it was time to leave.
- 11:00 AM - Leaving The Marquis. The trip was incredible.
Final Thoughts:
Hobart, you magnificent, slightly chaotic place. The food, the art, the scenery, and that bed… I'll be back. And next time, I'm bringing an extra suitcase. And maybe a better sense of direction. And probably not buying a case of wine. Probably.
Iloilo's Cheapest 9-Pax Transient House? Unbelievable Budget Stays!
The Marquis Hotel: Hobart's Little Secret (or Maybe Not So Secret Anymore...) - FAQs!
So, what *is* the big deal with the Marquis Hotel? Everyone's whispering about it...
Alright, alright, settle down. The 'big deal' is… well, it's the Marquis. Think of it as that quirky aunt everyone has; a little rough around the edges but with a heart of gold (or maybe just a very enthusiastic gin-and-tonic). It’s a historic hotel in Hobart, tucked away like it's trying to be all mysterious, but honestly, it's pretty easy to find if you know where to look (and if you Google it, duh!). It’s got that old-world charm, you know? Like, you half expect a ghost to be playing the piano in the corner. (And honestly, I wouldn't be surprised.) It's not the flashiest, and it's certainly not the Ritz. But that's kind of the point, right? It’s authentic. And sometimes, that’s what you crave.
Alright, convince me. Why should I *actually* stay there? What's the rooms like?
Okay, this is where I get real. The rooms...they're not perfect. Let's be honest. My first experience? Crumbs on the rug. Didn’t notice them right away. Just chucked my suitcase down on the floor, exhausted from the flight, and then... crunch! A rogue biscuit graveyard. (I might have been a *little* dramatic, but still – crumbs!) But, then I got out the window, got a glimpse of the waterfront. Amazing. The rooms have character – think antique furniture, rather than sterile, modern minimalism. And honestly, that won me over. Some have fireplaces, which is a massive win on a chilly Tassie night. They're comfy. Not *luxury* comfy, mind you. More like, "I can definitely spend a lazy Sunday morning here with a book and a coffee" comfy. And that, friends, is often exactly what I'm looking for.
What about food and drinks? Is it any good? Are the prices insane?
The bar...oh, the bar. This is where the Marquis truly *shines*. (Okay, maybe "shines" is a bit much. Let's go with "glows with a warm, inviting light".) Good selection of local beers, wines, and spirits. The food is pub fare, done well. Think hearty meals, proper portions. And the prices? Actually, surprisingly reasonable! You're not getting ripped off, which is a HUGE bonus. I remember one particular night... walked in, freezing, ordered a shepherd's pie. Best gosh darn shepherd's pie I've eaten in YEARS! (And maybe a little too much red wine, but hey, no regrets!) The service is friendly. Sometimes a little slow when they're slammed, but always with a smile. You feel like you're joining a local gathering, not just a tourist passing through.
Is it family-friendly? Or more of a 'romantic getaway' kind of place?
Hmm, good question. Families? Yeah, mostly. But this isn't a Disney resort. There's no playground or kids' club. If your kids are well-behaved and are not averse to a bit of general pub chatter, then sure. It could work. Romantic getaway? Definitely. The cozy atmosphere, the fireplaces... it has potential. I once saw a couple sharing a bottle of wine by the fire. Total 'movie moment'! (I may or may not have been slightly jealous). It's about creating your own atmosphere. If romance is on the agenda, the Marquis has the framework. It's not going to *force* you to be romantic, but it certainly provides the ambiance.
So, what's the vibe? Is it all stuffy, historical, or is it more relaxed?
Relaxed. Utterly, delightfully relaxed. It’s not fussy. You can rock up in jeans and a t-shirt and fit right in. There’s a sense of history, yes – the building has stories to tell. But it's not a 'museum' experience. It’s a pub. It's real. The staff aren't trying to be pretentious. They're friendly, down-to-earth people. The other guests aren’t trying to impress anyone. It's a place where you can just...be. And sometimes, that's the best thing in the world.
What about the location? Any good for seeing the sights?
Location is… awesome! Close to the waterfront. Walkable to pretty much everything. Salamanca Place, the markets, the MONA ferry - all within easy reach. You can leave the car parked and explore on foot. Being able to stroll back from a meal and a few drinks is a massive selling point, let me tell you! It's a great base for exploring Hobart.
Are there any downsides? Be honest!
Okay, okay, here's the REAL talk. Like I said, the rooms are not perfect. Some might find them a bit dated, for example I had a TV about the size of a postage stamp once, and the internet can be a little... temperamental (don't expect high-speed streaming). And the walls aren't paper-thin, but they're not soundproof either. You might hear your neighbor's snoring. (Or, you might *be* the neighbor making the snoring noises, like me, after aforementioned shepherd’s pie and red wine. Sorry, whoever was next door!) It's not a flawless experience. But honestly? Those little quirks? They're part of its charm. If you're expecting a five-star resort experience, then you're going to be disappointed. But if you're looking for something genuine, something with character, and something that feels a bit like coming home… this might just be the place for you. And for me? I'll be back. Crumbs and all!
Should I book? What's your final verdict?
Book it. Just do it. But manage your expectations. Don't go expecting perfection. Go with an open mind, the willingness to embrace a little bit of imperfection, and a healthy appetite (because that shepherd's pie WILL call you back – I guarantee it). The Marquis Hotel? It's not just a hotel, it's an experience. It’s a place where you can relax, unwind, and feel like you're part of something a little bit special, and a little bit… Hobart. Yes, definitely book it. (Just don't steal the biscuits from the jar at the bar. I'm watching you.)
