The Islington Hotel has long been regarded as one of Hobart’s most elegant.  On previous visits to the Tasmania capital, modern waterfront hotels, such as the Henry Jones Art Hotel and the Mac01, best suited our needs.  But on this occasion, we decided to retire to the genteel refinement of the Islington, a boutique hotel a few minutes southwest of the Hobart CBD.  And we found it to be as delightful as its reputation suggests.

 Set on a picturesque garden estate, with stunning views across the slopes of Mount Wellington, the Islington is housed in a honey-coloured stone villa from 1847, painstakingly and lovingly restored.  There are eleven guest rooms, spread across two floors.  The Signature suite, the three Regency rooms and The Attic are in the original period building, while the six Garden rooms are in the west-facing post-modern wing with views of Mount Wellington.  All are traditionally furnished in keeping with the villa’s history, with lavish custom-made king beds, period furniture, sumptuous rugs, bespoke décor and unique artworks.  But there are contemporary features too – a mini-bar and bar fridge are discreetly housed within the furniture, and an ipad describes the hotel and room amenities.  The bathrooms are brightly lit and comfortable.

We are in the Signature suite, the Islington’s premier room.  The Empire-styled king bed is vast, both in width and in height, and is immensely comfortable and warm.  There are deep lounge chairs in front of a fireplace and an antique wardrobe and dresser.  The walls are adorned with colourful modern art and there are a multitude of decorative lamps and objects d’art.  Beyond the heavy brocade curtains, French doors open onto the property’s English-themed front garden, filled with a multitude of chirruping birds.  The bathroom is tiled in bright white, with heated floors, a deep bath and a rainfall shower.  A platter of treats awaits us, as do complimentary bottles of red wine, white wine, beers and ciders in our mini-bar.

One of the most delightful aspects of the Islington are its beautiful shared spaces.  Much of the downstairs of the lodge retains its original purpose, restored and curated with creativity and flair.  There is a vast Library, filled with art both new and old, where an ornate chandelier hangs above an antique dining table.  The Morning Room and Rose Room are equally resplendent, with opulent fireplaces and sumptuous furnishings, and views out on to the gardens.  Even the entry hall is lavishly appointed with artworks and antiques.

And then there is The Conservatory – the glass-walled and glass-ceilinged addition to the original villa, which houses the hotel restaurant.  It is a beautiful space, cathedral-like in its proportions, with expansive views across the hotel courtyard, kitchen gardens and water feature to the hills and valleys beyond.  With comfortable armchairs and white-linen tables, the restaurant is resplendently dappled in golden sunlight during our visits for breakfast.

 A continental breakfast is included in the room rate, with tea, coffee and juices accompanied by selection of mueslis, pastries, toasts and fruits.  More substantial offerings are also available as part of an a la carte menu.

Service at the Islington is personalised, attentive and incredibly friendly.  Guests are encouraged to explore the property, both indoors and out, and to make themselves at home in the shared spaces.  Despite the lavish appointments throughout the property, it feels homely, warm and welcoming.  It is indeed an elegant place to stay.