caligirl56

We have plans to stay at the Henry Jones Art Hotel in early spring (beginning of October).

Now I am reading reviews that the rooms can be very cold in winter (and therefore, I assume early spring as well).

Has anyone had experience with this? The rooms aren't cheap. Maybe we should change our plans?

JohnFitz

They have heating and air conditioning. It is a very good hotel as far as my experience of it is concerned and it still gets good reviews . Tasmania can be cold .Where did you read this? Did that person know how to control the heating / cooling ?

oliverandharry

Just seems odd that Trip Advisor has multiple negative reviews for a place so highly trumpeted and expensive. I think you need to decide if you're primary purpose in being there is because it's high end. That matters to some. If not, there are plenty of other very comfortable accommodations in Hobart at the harbor.

caligirl56

Thanks for answering!

johnfitz--We found the reviews in Tripadvisor. Maybe it's hard to heat the rooms because they have the high exposed-beam ceilings. Don't know.

oliverandharry--We like the idea of being right on the harbour. Also thought we might want to eat there one of the nights--so staying there would be doubly convenient.

Now I'm looking into Zero Davey and the Somerset Suites.

We'd still like to do the Henry Jones if it makes sense though--seems like it would be like staying in "a little piece of history". (I've been reading various stories/books about Tasmania--maybe I'm just getting too caught up in the whole historical perspective!).

LizzyF

I live just outside of Hobart and the H.J A H is in a lovely spot BUT as oliverandharry said there are many comfortable places to stay in and around Hobart.
I looked at Tripadvisor and read the reviews and I cannot believe that anyone from the UK could possibly complain about the heating in Hobart as it is NOT that cold - it is on the same line as Lisbon, Portugal, for heaven's sake and could only be called "cold" in comparison to other parts of Australia and not to other parts of the World. Perhaps the complaint was really because we do not heat our homes to " growing tropical plants" temperatures here but stay on temps that are milder - I cannot explain it other than a whinging Pom attitude.
I have NOT heard good reports about Zero Davey Street and it does look like some architect has gone a bit demented - on its good side it is well placed although too close to the main road. If I were staying in and around that area I would be getting an apartment on Elizabeth Pier - am not sure of the name of the place though - but its right on the water and has Fish Frenzy at the front of it, which is a terrific place to get casual sea-food meals and the reports on that place are good!

caligirl56

Lizzy,
Thanks. Fish Frenzy is already on my list! Sounds like a place to have a very enjoyable meal.

Maybe the heating won't be an issue for us--I actually have more trouble sleeping if it is too hot rather than if it is too cold.

I'm tending to think we'll just keep the reservations we have. But, I also plan to keep doing a bit of research on other places.

Any other recommendations (or the name of the place in back of Fish Frenzy would be great!).

JohnFitz

I would be very wary of those reviews . We stayed in mid-June at HJAH , so it was cold outside but lovely winter sunshine .Believe me I would remember if I had been cold or uncomfortable in the room .We got a good deal on wotif.com for it .

LizzyF

The apartment hotel on the Pier I was talking about is Somerset on the Pier. Here is the link on Wotif site with pics etc. This has to be the best location of all.
http://www.wotif.com/hotel/View?hote...p;viewType=all

caligirl56

Lizzy, The Somerset definitely looks like it has a great location! I'm looking into it. If the apartments have washer/dryer that could be a big plus!

And John, I am encouraged that you weren't cold at the HJAH in June (I'm guessing it should be a bit warmer in October).

Thanks so much for all your help! We're rethinking a bit!

LizzyF

Yes they have washer and dryers, kitchens and loads more room compared to a hotel room. Temps in October probably around tops of about 18 to 20 Celcius and if there is no wind then that is beautiful - nights around 12c most likely but guessing temps is like guessing lotto winning numbers.

caligirl56

Thanks Lizzy. It's going to be hard to wait 6 more months. Wish we were there right now!

SkaiSW

Hi everyone.

I saw reviews saying it was cold also, but I noticed on the HJ website that they say the hotel is "quite a bit warmer now." I'm thinking they recently renovated the heating system?

LizzyF

Caligirl - where are you?

caligirl56

skaisw, I hadn't noticed that comment on the HJ website. I'll have to go go back and look around a bit more.

Lizzy, You're asking where I'm from? --California--the San Francisco Bay Area. I would think the weather is probably somewhat similar to that in Tasmania. And we don't keep our heat turned up very high--trying to save energy and all.

The only thing is that before Tasmania, we'll be in the Red Center, Darwin area and North Queensland for over 3 weeks, so I guess we may have readjusted to warmer temperatures.

It will be a bit of a trick to pack the right clothes for different climates. I think we will just bring lots of various layers and then of course plan on washing things out as we go.

LizzyF

Yes you will have to have a full set of clothes for the climates but think of me in less than 3 weeks - I am going to Banff National Park and the Icefields Highway and surrounds then to Las Vegas - then Arizona, back to California for a cruise to Mexico ( only a very short one ) then up to San Fran before coming home. Yes you are correct I would think that your climate is similiar to ours in Tasmania but I lived in Canada for 2 years and can still remember the oppressive heat most places had on in the winter and the gasping difference then when you went outside to the minus 40 deg temps that are the norm on the Prairies.

caligirl56

Lizzy,
Sounds like a fun trip you have planned. You will definitely have a very similar problem with what clothes to bring. Clever packing will be the key for both of us, I guess!

I'll bet we'll be in Arizona at about the same time. We're going in a little over a month. Our plan is to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, camp by the river overnight and then hike out the next day. (And then rest up in Sedona for a bit afterwards). We've wanted to do it for years, and realized that if we wait any longer, our knees may not be able to make it!

LizzyF

Caligirl, I will be looking for two individuals who need resuscitation when I am around the Grand Canyon which will be from April 27 till May 2nd and will also be in Sedona sometime then too. Have had to go back because the last time I was there they had a blizzard with 12 inches of snow and all you could see was white - not much of a painted desert I can tell you. Also want to take a better look at Jerome.

SkaiSW

Lizzy,

Need any vegas help? I now seem to go at least once a year (though you can get a lot of opinions on the US talk forum).

SkaiSW

The HJ comment is under their description of the Oriental Suite. They said it was part of the original ice house, but these days things are alot warmer.

LizzyF

Thanks for the offer SkaiSW but I am only going to Las Vegas so that DH can look at the latest buildings then we are picking up the car there. I may get a chance to visit the one armed bandits as well and seeing a show there is the other reason. This is my 4th trip there.