A new Hobart hotel offers just the right vibe

Opening a new-build city centre hotel poses considerable challenges. 

Launching a new hotel brand in a city at the time of a global pandemic makes that challenge even tougher. 

That's why the team at the new Vibe Hotel Hobart have performed miracles in the few weeks they have been open. 

A new team; the first Vibe in Tasmania, and restrictions of everything from soft furnishings to the numbers allowed in the restaurant, or the lifts. 

That The Vibe has, sorry for the pun, a very good vibe, is a credit to them - and Hobart folk and interstate visitors now have another excellent hotel option at a lead-in price of under $200 a night. 

What we have here is a modern hotel (think plenty of plugs and USB ports, fast free wifi and Chromecast) within walking distance to the waterfront and dozens of Hobart bars and eateries, as well as being just across the road from the Royal Hobart Hospital. 

The first hotel from Raadas Property - and managed by TFE Hotels - the lead-in rate here is $183 with an opening special of 20% off a fully flexible rate, room only. There are 142 rooms, including 16 suites, all with air-con, flat-screen TVs, mini bars (post-Covid) and in-room safes. 

The feeling is hip, but welcoming, not always an easy combination to find.

There are multiple USB charging points at both bedside and the desk and the beds are super comfortable. You get the sense that a lot of planning has gone into the property. My upper storey room had expansive views of the Hobart waterfront a couple of blocks away. 

For those looking to chill out, there is a gym, a lovely heated pool long enough to allow laps and a bar and eatery with a fascinating history.  

Back in the 1930s, the Belvedere Ballroom was Hobart's best address for fun and dancing.

The Art Deco space, which stood where the hotel now sits, is memorialised in chain art – featuring an eye-catching Kriskadecor panel - and several historic images.

All day dining (although dinner is only offered on Friday and Saturday nights right now) features a very well-priced menu including dishes like pork cutlet with seeded mustard, apple and lemon slaw and fennel aoili ($26) and Cape Grim flat iron steak with potato gratin, salad and truffle butter ($35).

There are several vegan/vegetarian options, including a roast pumpkin salad ($17), but the wine list is limited and needs some serious attention. 

Other teething issues include Covid-enforced lack of soft furnishings, garbage bins and mini bar contents in rooms, while the downstairs bar had no chips or snacks, an oversight I am assured has now been addressed. 

I liked my stay a lot - and was particularly impressed with my old school breakfast of scrambled eggs on sourdough toast with crispy bacon.   

The Vibe Hotel Hobart is at 36 Argyle Street, Hobart. https://vibehotels.com/hotel/hobart

# The writer was a guest of Vibe Hotel Hobart