Salamanca Inn

From the outside, the Salamanca Inn looks more like an apartment block than a hotel, and that makes sense given the apartment-style lodgings found here. The entrance is around the corner from Hobart's bustling historic district. Built in 1988, it provides guests with a peaceful retreat away from the busy harbor area, making it a popular choice for tourists in town for the weekend. Interiors are simple, but modern, and the vibe is casual and laid-back. The expansive lobby is decorated with gray carpets and bold red columns. Contemporary artwork hangs from the walls, while comfy leather sofas and potted green plants add a cozy, homey feel. The hotel's facilities are geared toward independent travelers and groups, so most guests are families and couples that want extra space or self-catering options, though some business travelers also stay here. 

The Salamanca Inn is just steps from the city's beautiful waterfront. It's conveniently located on a quiet side street just off Salamanca Place, a historic area lined with plane trees, old Georgian sandstone buildings, art galleries, and cafes. The popular Saturday Markets are held at Salamanca Place every week, with vendors selling local handicrafts and delicious street food. Vibrant Salamanca Square is also just around the corner, and is a a go-to for brunch, live music, and al fresco dining. Parliament Square and the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery are within walking distance from the hotel, while the Cascade Brewery and Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens are within a 10-minute drive. The MONA Art Museum takes 15 minutes to reach by car, while the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Mount Wellington are around a 30-minute drive from the hotel. Hobart International Airport takes 20 minutes to reach by car or taxi.

The hotel has a total of 60 suites with kitchenettes and private bathrooms. They're ideal for couples and families looking for a home-away-from-home experience while in Hobart, providing greater living space and amenities than regular hotel rooms in the area. The overall look is contemporary, but bland and almost spartan, with gray carpeted floors, white walls, and flowing cream drapes framing big, bright windows letting in plenty of natural light. A few pieces of abstract art are the only style elements in most rooms, though the furniture has a vaguely retro-inspired style as well. Family and Executive Suites add furnished balconies, some of which have lovely views of Mount Wellington in the distance.

All rooms have separate bedrooms with king-size beds, plus spacious living areas with smooth red leather sofas and light wood table and chairs. Some suites have multiple bedrooms that make them a fine choice for families and groups. Modern kitchenettes feature minibars, fridges, tea- and coffee-making facilities, microwaves, stovetops, sinks, and dishwashers. Other modern amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, safes, phones, music players, free Wi-Fi,  and ironing facilities. All-white bathrooms are simple and clean, with porcelain vessel sinks, shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and free toiletries. 

Salamanca Inn has just enough features to give self-catering travelers breaks when they need, though it is missing some extras one might expect from a higher-category hotel -- particularly a spa and fitness center. The Salamanca Inn Beef & Seafood Grill serves locally sourced steak and seafood dishes in a relaxed setting, earning good reviews from both hotel guests and locals. There's a free vegetable and salad buffet when dining, and a breakfast buffet with cooked-to-order options is available in the mornings (for a fee). The hotel has a small bar serving local beers and classic cocktails in a casual setting. A heated indoor swimming pool and hot tub on the top floor are nice for unwinding after a day out sightseeing (or biking down Mount Wellington). Other services include a 24-hour front desk, room service with limited hours, coin-operated laundry facilities, and free on-site parking in an underground parking lot, which is a big bonus as parking can be difficult in the Salamanca area. Basic Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but high-speed Wi-Fi costs extra.