The lowdown on Hobart's newest gourmet destination

The recent opening of the Mövenpick Hobart Hotel was double good news for the Tasmanian capital. 

Not only did it gain much-needed luxury rooms in the centre city, it also added Tesoro - a new gourmet destination for both locals and visitors. 

Mövenpick is a Swiss brand, known globally for its ice creams as well as its hotels, but this its first property in Australia.

There are 221 rooms over levels three to 18, but the hotel has a more boutique feel. 

The rooms feature Tasmanian artworks and have fast free wifi, while Tesoro uses local produce with an Italian spin. The staff are multinational and uniformly efficient - not always a Hobart strength. 

As is the case in all Movenpick hotels, there is a daily chocolate hour each afternoon with guests offered chocolate-inspired treats, drinks and cocktails. 

The lobby level is warm and welcoming with plenty of shared spaces, stunning art and plenty of power points, and flows into the hotel’s eatery, which boasts a broad selection of cocktails and local and imported wines (think names like Chatto, Holyman and Waterton Hall). Web check-in is available. 

Mövenpick Hotel Hobart boasts a flexible function space for up to 100 guests, which can also be divided into two.   

The rooms are stylish and spacious - even in their smallest iteration. The beds are comfortable and the design well thought out with plenty of plugs and USB ports at bedside, effective lighting and even a wireless charging port. 

TVs come with Chromecast so guests can cast Netflix or Stan from their own devices. Mini bars are "order only" in these Covid times, while the best views of the Hobart waterfront come from the higher levels - and were superb from 1801, where we were lodged. 

The Mövenpick entrance lobby (above) - and that of Tesoro - are in the Hobart bus mall precinct, however hotel guests can drive in their vehicles for valet parking under a "local traffic" exemption. There are several eating options within a couple of hundred metres, and the waterfront is just a short stroll away.    

Accor Pacific CEO, Simon McGrath, said: “Mövenpick Hotel Hobart transcends the traditional hotel experience by masterfully blending the brand’s Swiss heritage with a premium hospitality experience. 

"We’re so excited to share this stunning property with guests visiting Hobart from other parts of Tasmania and Australia. Accor is planning more locations for Mövenpick across the Pacific and we believe this premium brand will quickly gain recognition for its culinary and service excellence.”

Then there is Tesoro, quickly becoming a favourite with the locals.

The range of Cape Grim steaks, dry-aged in house, are a star attraction and bloody delicious, particularly alongside plates of grilled asparagus with black garlic, parmesan, truffle oil and poached egg. 

Risottos of locally foraged mushrooms and Tasmanian truffle oil are also popular, along with local seafood dishes. The dessert pannacotta with Prosecco and wild berries (below) was a perfectly judged end to our evening. 

Executive Chef Trent Whelan said: “For the team at Tesoro, it’s important we showcase the exceptional produce for which Tasmania is known, along with Italian cuisine.

"Simple food and ingredients sourced through local, sustainable and ethical producers – many of whom we know personally – form the foundation of our food ethos."

Tesoro is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. See www.tesorohobart.com.au.

And for sweet tooths, between 4pm and 5pm daily, a complimentary sweet treat, such as an éclair, brownie or truffle, is served with any chocolate-inspired cocktail, mocktail or affogato purchase. The hotel also offers an indulgent assortment of chocolate tasting packages available at any time of the day.

Surely I must have had some complaints? Well, the toilet paper could have been of a higher quality and the breakfast menu was a peculiar mishmash of dishes like breakfast pizzas and corn fritters. But I'm nitpicking.

I'm happy to report both the mushrooms with basil puree, goat's cheese and poached eggs; and scrambled eggs on toast with bacon were delicious and non trendy.   

Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, 28 Elizabeth Street, Hobart TAS 7000. Book before March 31 for an opening special of $325 per night in a classic king or classic twin room for two adults including a Tasmanian cheese platter and wine on arrival and a leisurely 3pm late check-out. To book, visit all.accor.com

The writer was a guest of Mövenpick Hotel Hobart