Built into an unassuming front, situated in the heart of Hobart and boasting water views from many of its rooms, the Mantra Collins Hotel delivers everything one may want from a visit to Tasmania’s capital. The rooms themselves boast a contemporary design with a touch of luxury, and a taste of the practical, with a mix of traditional hotel rooms and one bedroom apartments that feature a fully functional kitchen, living area and separated bedroom with ensuite.
With very huggable pillows and a very comfortable bed, we ended up spending more time snuggled up in the bedroom than anywhere else in our one bedroom apartment. This was in part, too, because the bedroom itself was rather cold (being Winter and all), due to the lack of air conditioning in that room (it’s only in the living area), and the massive windows that give us a great view, but absorb the cold night into the room. On request a small heater was brought up, which made the difference.
But the living area was very comfortable with a couch, desk, table and chairs and a TV on the wall. Nearby in your fully functioning kitchen, the full sized fridge is stocked with drinks for purchase, while tea and coffee comes complimentary.
Make sure to let the front desk know you’re a Mantra Plus member (you can sign up if you’re not) so you get free wifi, with up to 3GB for 3 devices, a couple of bottles of water and a free beer/wine/soft drink for each guest.
We found the front desk particularly helpful at the hotel, with staff who are knowledgeable of the area and booked us a night at Frank (a must for any visit to the city). It’s a small lobby area, but there’s also a meeting room where you can find pamphlets about the surrounds, complimentary strawberry infused water and computers with printers.
Something to keep in mind, too – if you struggle to get out of the comfortable bed and end up leaving the apartment late morning, make sure you let the reception know you want you room serviced. We left at 1130am and found a note under the door when we returned that if we wanted to room serviced we needed to let them know by 1pm. Of course it was later than 1pm by the time we got back so it was too late, but for the next morning we knew to let them know.
And finally there’s the bathroom, which is cosy and well designed; all the amenities feeling fresh and recently installed. You’ll enjoy excellent towels too, and there are thick gowns sitting on the end of the bed as you arrive. So you’ll enjoy a splash of luxury during your stay, and the toiletries from Urban Skincare Co. definitely do the trick.
About the Surrounds
You’ll find a Thrifty car rental around the corner. Franklin is around the corner too, one of Hobart’s best restaurants, as is The Standard with its Breaking Bad inspired burgers. Also look out for Hope and Anchor, the oldest licensed pub in Australia. It’s a 10 minute walk to the cinemas, or the Salamanca Market (pictured below) – where you can have a famous Scallop Pie from Smiths. It’s also less than 5 minutes walk to the world famous Lark Distillery, to enjoy some of the country’s best whisky and gin. So there’s no shortage of things to do!
Final Verdict
With a comfortable room in the heart of Hobart, the Mantra Collins Hotel provides everything you need. And with a wonderfully helpful front desk who were quick to provide local advice or fix any issues you may have had – such as the room’s temperature – you really couldn’t ask for more.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
To book a night at the hotel, which is located at 58 Collins Street in Hobart, head to their Official Website.
This article was originally published in September 2017 and was correct at the time of printing. The author stayed as a guest of the hotel for two nights.
