I am going to Hobart with my son (20) and Mum (79) for 3 nights and am trying to find a place that would be fun for both!
So far, I have heard from Grand Chancellor, Quest Savoy, Zero Davey and need to make a decision. I am looking for nice, clean and comfortable, 4-5 star. Also read on this forum about Ranelagh, which sounded relaxing and nice. Any advise?

We stayed at the Grand Chancellor. Great location. Right on the wharf. Excellent staff and service. We arrived hours before check in. They put our luggage in store and served us tea even though the kitchen was closed.
As I recall they expedited occupancy of our room as well.
Walking distance to Salamanca market (saturday) and nearby restaurants.
A class hotel.
John

How long ago were you there?

If you do not mind the cost and can get in book The Henry Jones Art Hotel in Sullivans Cove .Best in town .Rave reviews recently and consistently by good travel writers like Susan Kurosawa in The Austrralian .I stayed there in June .Booked on lastminute .com and as a result a good discount .Lovely suites - all different with flat screens , etc ,wonderful breakfasts and excellent dining .Nice things you remember like arriving Friday evening and they were not quite ready to show us to the room so offered any drink we might like whilst we sat in the foyer .I thought Grand Chancellor ( old Sheraton 10 or more years ago ) looked really tired when we walked through it . Also do not eat at Mures Seafood unless takeaway.A greater overrated / overpriced tourist rip - off there is not . Much better places to eat in town

The Grand Chanellor in Hobart was a good choice for us (seniors)April 2004. It's a very nice hotel, well located, good walking distance to many places, and very convenient (especially to the market if you're there on Saturday). If you're looking for luxury, then look elsewhere.

We have stayed at luxury hotels during my husband's career, but I find while they are beautiful they often lack the ambience that is important to us - and I can't quite pinpoint what that is. As retirees, luxury hotels are not in our budget but I haven't found it a loss.

A word of advice about going to places like Bruny Island. If you can don't make reservations prior to your visit. Wait till you're there beccause if the weather is bad like it was the day we went, then you see very little and could have done something else. But the skipper of the boat with his hilarious remarks, and a nice lunch at a home-like restaurant was perfect and saved the day.

Thanks to all. I have been trying to get into Henry Jones, but it's full. So far I have a res at Quest Savoy (?) and haven't heard back from Grand Chancellor.

If you want to stay in a hotel that is the same as just about any other hotel in the rest of the world then the Chancellor is for you - particularly if you don't get a harbourview suite. If on the other hand you want something unusual and different then try something around Salamanca Place as there are some very nice apt. Hotels there which is very close to everything. That is if you want to be IN the middle of Hobart! If you want something special then you will have to go outside of Hobart but not that far. As I have said an nauseum (sp??) the difference between a Chancellor type
hotel ( every city in the world has one) and places like say, The Mill-House in Richmond, Matilda's of Ranelagh is the difference between a nice stay and a wonderful stay. The latter two have got character, are both Heritage Listed, have one on one attention and lots of extras. The former is just a room and probably not as nice as your one back home.

well so far you're getting some good advice on where to stay. My advice is probably where not to stay.

You mentioned the Quest savoy and we stayed there while in Hobart and I can't say that it was terrible but it was not a hotel that I would have preferred.

Reasons were that the hotel was a bit noisy with the guests from the spa and swimming pool in the basement and, unfortunately, our bed was not very comfortable.

You all are very helpful, thanks. Ok, how about the SALAMANCA INN? Liz, I have not heard back from Ranelagh, but will keep trying. Seems like it's a busy weekend when I'll be there. Can't get into Henry Jones, Maquarie Manor and several other good recommendations.

Zanne, just thought that I would let you know that I have had some problems with emails getting lost either to or from Tasmania over the last 4 days. I sent someone an email and wondered why they had not replied and then could not find it anywhere - also someone sent me something and was wondering if I was away so there must be some problem. I did hear from Pam from Ranelagh this morning so I will let her know that you have written and if she did not get it then I will let you know OR send your email again and see if she gets it this time.
Regards
Liz
PS I will continue over the next few months to try and wear Pam down to sell me her lovely property. I would love to win Lotto and I would most definately buy the place if I had the money but alas! I do not. I used to have a B&B and her's is the best I have stayed in.