The Henry Jones Art Hotel – Hotel Review

Everything’s been considered at this former jam factory-turned-boutique hotel on Hobart’s historic waterfront. The music? Especially commissioned by the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. The art on the walls? An extensive homage to local artists both celebrated and emerging. And the rooms? No two are the same. Read on for the full review.

Where is The Henry Jones Art Hotel?

On Hobart’s buzzy waterfront, the hotel is a short walk from Salamanca and Constitution Dock. It’s just a 20-minute drive from the airport (and the hotel offers free valet parking for all guests).

What’s near The Henry Jones Art Hotel?

Pretty much everything. Hobart is a very walkable city and you can be at Salamanca and its weekly Saturday market in 10 minutes. Stop along the way at Brooke Street Pier if you want to catch the ferry to Mona. The CBD is also 10 minutes’ away, while the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and historic Battery Point are a five-minute drive.

Room types

Each of the 56 rooms and suites has a different feel but given the heritage of the building - and the way it has been lovingly preserved – you can expect lots of sandstone and timber. The one-bedroom Henry Jones Suite, which overlooks the harbour, was once IXL’s boardroom and nods to the past (blackwood-lined walls and ceiling) and the present (deep spa bath). The two-bedroom – and two-level – Peacock Terrace was built in 1823 and features a sitting room.

Restaurants and bars

The jewel in Henry Jones’ crown is Landscape Restaurant & Grill, which is open for dinner each night. This stunning space is filled with paintings – John Glover’s works dominate the front room, while the private dining room features past winners of the annual Glover Prize – and makes a serene backdrop to the food, which celebrates steaks cooked on an Asado grill. Chef Nathaniel Embrey works with more than 20 local producers to ensure you’re getting a real taste of Tasmania.

Peacock & Jones, a more casual affair, has a similar focus on local produce. The six-course tasting menu can be matched with boutique drops from around the state. And for more drinks, retire to the IXL Long Bar, which offers live jazz alongside barrel-aged cocktails and a Tassie-strong wine list.

Sustainability

There are no single-use plastics at the hotel and there is a real emphasis on reducing food waste and sourcing local produce.

Accessibility

There is wheelchair access to the property and an elevator to get to upper-floor rooms.

Travel for work

The corporate studios and the suites have desks. There are also a couple of lounges throughout the hotel if you want to find a quiet spot to do a Zoom meeting or whittle down some emails. There are five different event spaces, including The Packing Room, a new gallery that works for cocktail events or sit-down dinners.

Gym

The only pool is the harbour beyond but there is a fully equipped gym, which offers bikes and fitballs, weights and treadmills.

What you need to know

The hotel not only features 500 words of art – it sells them. Guests are invited to join the hotel’s art curator on a complimentary art tour, which includes a glass of sparkling wine while you learn about the art on the walls, the history of the hotel and gain insight into the hotel’s namesake, Henry Jones, who took over the IXL jam company at 27 (and was the first person in the world to tin food).