Saturday, 18 November 2023

A Launceston address worth noting


Launceston's Hotel Verge is something of a rarity nowadays,

Opened in late 2020, it is a locally-owned and -operated independent hotel that is not part of any of the major international chains.

That turns out to be both a strength and a weakness.

The locally-designed new build hotel has 86 rooms and is centrally situated and well thought-out with an "industrial luxe" vibe. 

Book direct and use the code "Tassie" and you are guaranteed the best deal.

There is a range of rooms including king, twin, luxe and "ultimate". Ours was comfortable and well equipped and overlooked the popular Saturday morning Harvest Market.

You'll find free wifi and in-room movies, a fully equipped hotel gym and a guest laundry. Most of Launceston's attractions are within strolling distance and City Park is directly across the road.

The weakness is that staffing is a problem. On arrival for breakfast on our first day, we were asked rather abruptly "do you have a reservation". No one had told us we needed a reservation as in-house guests.

And when we discovered that a bedside light was not working, our first request was greeted by a sheepish grin from the receptionist, and a follow-up request with information that "no one is available to do maintenance over the weekend". 

Well someone should be. And the duty manager, if there was one, should be capable of such a task.

There is also not enough parking if the hotel is at capacity - something the local council should surely have insisted on.

Most of the staff were charming, however, particularly the lady who checked us, and the very efficient restaurant manager. Both breakfast and dinner at Diverge eatery were well presented and fairly priced.



The scrambled eggs and bacon ($20) were outstanding and at dinner, starters like pork, chicken and chive dumplings with soy, black vinegar ($19) and Cantonese chilli oil, and Marion Bay chicken served Korean style ($15) were excellent. The menu has a Mod Oz feel with an Asian accent.   

Breakfast and dinner are served seven days a week - which is more than can be said for many "international" hotels.
 


Operated by the boutique Stay Tasmania group, rooms start from $221 a night - which is very fair. I’d stay here again.

Hotel Verge is at 50 Tamar St, Launceston. See www.hotelverge.com.au





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