The property
A historical and beautifully restored building, The Islington was built in 1847 but was only converted to a hotel in 1986. Prior to that it had its fair share of famous inhabitants – including former Premier of Tasmania, James Milne, who lived here in 1868. Islington was one of the first grand homes in what was once known as “Holebrook Place,” now Davey Street, South Hobart and it sits alongside equally glam mansions in this rather opulent part of town. These days it’s part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, and it’s easy to see why. Behind its gates, the stunning building, a gravel parking area and magnificent gardens all await to delight and surprise guests.
The location
South Hobart is a prime location for anyone wanting to be slightly away from the city centre, but walking distance to many restaurants, bars and green spaces. The beautiful Rivulet Park walking track is a five-minute stroll away – where you should keep your eyes peeled for the platypus who call this waterway home. For those wanting a little peace and quiet it’s the perfect place to spend some time, but if you’re in town to get in on the action of Salamanca or the CBD be warned, it’s a five minute drive away.
Set the scene
There have been around $1 million worth of renovations done recently in this 11-room boutique property and it shows – from the handcrafted king-sized beds, made exclusively for the hotel by Australian manufacturer A.H. Beard to the soft furnishings and thoughtful paint job. Then there are surprises – like the restaurant’s glass walls through which you can gaze out at the gardens and Mount Wellington in the distance. The staff, led by General Manager Marc Dille, are helpful and hospitable, but never in your face, allowing you to feel as if you’re simply enjoying someone’s home. It’s adults-only too, which means it’s whisper quiet.
The room
My Wellington suite is upstairs in the original house – as opposed to the newer post-modern West Wing – and looks out over the gardens towards a very photographable Mt Wellington. The large bed dominates but the French doors also beckon – filling the room with light and framing that view just perfectly. There’s a TV – positioned atop what I can only assume was a fire-place, now a weirdly shaped box that serves little purpose. There’s also a wardrobe/dresser that houses the mini bar (think Tassie faves like Coal River Farm chocolates and Frogmore Creek wines as well as loose leaf tea and plunger coffee), two toasty robes and a quaint ironing board that folds out of a drawer, making ironing something of a challenge, but not impossible. The large marble bathroom is well lit, with a big bath in its centre, a separate toilet but a very tiny shower stall.
Food and drink
Breakfast is included here and it’s upscale – with house-baked bread and pastries, homemade muesli and hot dishes available. I had the corn and zucchini fritters, which were delicious, and the bircher with fruit was equally good. The local Zimmah coffee is great, too. The kitchen is then open from 11-7 every day serving a variety of light meals and snacks, but isn’t open for dinner just yet. While that may be surprising – and disappointing to some – there are a host of restaurants nearby (I can recommend South Wine Bar).
Or you can fill up on an early evening charcuterie board or cheese selection with a glass of wine or a signature La Vie cocktail made with local King Island Coastal Gin – while reading or playing cards in the character-filled Games Room or Library. With notice, however, the hotel can arrange for head chef Anthony Illingworth to create a private dining experience for up to 10 people, and you can enjoy it around the 19th Century mahogany dining table. We did, and it was delicious.
What’s hot
The art collection here includes etchings by David Hockney, lithographs by Brett Whiteley, a painting by Matisse and an original Warhol, all on display for guests to enjoy.
What’s not
While phase one of refurbishment is done, phase two includes the bathrooms – which will make all the difference. While all 11 rooms have large baths, as mentioned the shower cubicles are very small and could be an issue for some guests.
The verdict: 9/10
La Vie Hotels and Resorts say their goal in their renovations was “to preserve the essence of Islington’s heritage while enhancing the guest experience with thoughtful modern touches” and they really have achieved that… I loved it.
The Wellington Suite starts at $579 a night.
The writer was a guest of The Islington and La Vie Hotels and Resorts.