The Islington Hotel is a hidden paradise just four minutes drive from Hobart CBD. Its 1847 facade hides its moody 1920s-styled interior which houses priceless finds like Picasso’s ‘Musketeer & Prostitute’ etching from his late era and a rare and coveted 1974 Andy Warhol original title ‘Mao’.
This stately sandstone building was one of the earliest homes in ‘Holebrook Place’, now known as Davey Street. It wasn’t until the 1980s that the property was transformed from a grand family home to a boutique hotel with serious character where heritage bones meet refined styling and timeless design.
You’re greeted by a long hallway that unfolds into cosy rooms, each reminiscent of a palatial 19th-century manor house. There’s a cosy tea room overlooking the meticulously-manicured front garden. By evening, it transforms into the perfect spot to sink into a chaise lounge and sip champagne.
To the right, there’s a games room – a refined space to sip whisky and test someone’s intelligence over a game of friendly (if slightly competitive) chess.
Further along the hallway, you’ll find a large room with a plush velvet sofa by the fireplace and a stately wooden table beneath a grand chandelier. It’s easy to imagine the original family gathering here for meals in true Downton Abbey style. Today, it’s a space for business professionals to meet or travellers to sit and journal.
The views of Mount Wellington from the dining room are unparalleled – shrouded in mist one minute, glowing golden the next, the ever-changing weather highlighting its natural beauty in true Tasmanian style.
Architect Robert Morris-Nunn, added the signature glass and sandstone conservatory (now dining room) to connect the historic building to its newer wings. It’s a peaceful place to sit and savour the food & the view while enjoying the gourmet breakfast menu by Executive Chef Anthony Illingworth.
Inside the Suites
The Islington Hotel is home to 11 luxury rooms: Loft Suites overlooking the front garden, Wellington Suites with sweeping views of Mount Wellington, and Garden Suites with French doors opening onto the tranquillity of a secret back garden filled with rhododendrons and cherry blossoms. For honeymooners, there’s also the Courtyard Suite, offering a serene and private outdoor space.
Every room has its own freestanding tub and heated flooring for the ultimate in bathroom luxury.
And of course, there’s a mini bar – for the little essential treats you deserve during a luxury stay (we all know calories don’t count on holiday).
This is the kind of place you enter as a stranger and leave as a friend. The concierge staff and management team provide unrivalled, gold-standard service. Guests are treated to barista-made coffee throughout the day. If you’re wondering what to do during your time in Hobart, the team are happy to recommend things to see and places to eat. Bishal will even check the weather for you so you can decide whether or not to make the winding drive to the top of Mount Wellington.
The Boxwood Collection
The Islington Hotel has recently reopened under the management of Boxwood Group, a Tasmanian-owned accommodation group helmed by Paul and Stephanie Lanzone, known for creating thoughtfully curated spaces that celebrate distinctive design and innovation while honoring the landscapes that surround them.
Boxwood’s range includes an inner-city waterfront apartment in the old IXL jam factory – open-planned and stylishly reimagined while retaining its old world charm with rustic features like exposed timber beams.
Then there’s the Mt Nelson property – a striking architectural retreat set on 30 acres of private bush land. Designed from 23 repurposed shipping containers, this 6000 sq foot private villa is for families or groups ready to experience the height of relaxation. Six beds, five baths, a mini gym, indoor and outdoor cinemas, a poker room, pool room and games room combine to make this a stay that’s as much about the space itself as it is about who you share it with. Keep an eye out for wildlife – you’re sure to spot a few furry friends through the window, so have your camera at the ready.
More to Come…
There’s more in the works for Boxwood and hallelujah because they truly know how to design a space, create ambiance and elevate a stay. Another property is planned for Coal River and there’s rumours the team will be opening an intimate wine bar in the heart of Hobart.
In a city known for doing things differently, The Islington, 2025 Michelin key award-winning member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, more than meets the brief. It’s layered in history, rich in detail, and impossible to forget once you’ve left.
