Hobart gets the luxury hotel it has been waiting for

It has been much hyped and much delayed but Hobart's five-star Tasman Hotel, part of the Marriott Luxury Collection, finally opened its doors to guests today - and Gourmet on the Road was lucky enough to get a guided tour.

The opening marked the debut of The Luxury Collection brand in Australia.

The Tasman showcases Hobart, a destination steeped in rich history and Australia’s second-oldest capital city.

There has been some smart work in the leadup to the opening with The Tasman snapping up some of the state's key hospitality talent in chef Massimo Mele, sommelier Michael Fisher and bar manager Ronan Kavanagh.

The building itself is a delightful blend of old and new - with a range of room styles to suit all tastes.

This is not a bog standard Marriott like you'd find in Bum's Rush, Idaho. It's the bees knees.

Centrally located within the restored heritage area of Parliament Square - overlooking Hobart’s historic waterfront - The Tasman is just steps away from the city's famous Salamanca Markets, St David's Park and historic Sullivan's Cove.

“Hobart is a truly captivating and dynamic city, allowing a seamless fit for The Luxury Collection, known for creating experiences for global explorers in some of the world’s most enchanting destinations,” said Philipp Weghmann, vice president and Global Brand Leader of The Luxury Collection.

“The Tasman will offer our guests a transformative journey, drawing on the incredible history, evocative contemporary culture, and awe-inspiring natural wonders of one of the most intriguing and farthest corners of the globe.”

The Tasman is an elegant heritage reconstruction of former state government offices that brings together three eras of design: Georgian, Art Deco, and contemporary.

The site contains buildings spanning 180 years.

The Tasman offers 152 guest rooms and suites and the The hotel's Art Deco rooms date back to 1937.

The 108 square-metre Aurora Suite has panoramic views of Hobart's waterfront and city skyline as well as a massive entertainment terrace, perfect for hosting private events.

The Tasman features three distinct epicurean experiences highlighting and celebrating the best of Tasmanian produce and cuisine.

At Peppina (above), the hotel’s signature restaurant, renowned Tasmanian chef Mele combines his passion for championing local producers and quality ingredients, while Mary Mary is an intimate craft cocktail bar and spirit library and the Deco Lounge offers a refined space to enjoy afternoon tea or a light lunch in a setting that spills out onto a terrace overlooking Parliament Square.

I will be reporting sooner rather than later on the wining and dining options.

“We are thrilled to unveil the first The Luxury Collection hotel in Australia with the opening of The Tasman, a hotel that will redefine the destination of Tasmania,” said Rajeev Menon, Marriott International president, Asia Pacific.

“This marks a new milestone in the growth of The Luxury Collection and further diversifies our growing collection of hotels in the world’s most desirable locations. We look forward to welcoming guests to experience this wonderful city.”

For more information visit www.thetasmanhobart.com.

Achingly hip new Melbourne hotel opens its doors

Melbourne has a new luxury lifestyle hotel – W Melbourne – now open at at 408 Flinders Lane in the heart of an eclectic dining and edgy fashion district.

The hotel is operated by W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International.

"Melbourne is the perfect locale for the playfully luxe spirit of the W brand and we could not be more excited to unveil this highly anticipated hotel to the world,” said Jennie Toh, vice president of Brand Marketing and Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Marriott International (phew, quite a title).

"From its unique, locally inspired design to its eclectic line-up of restaurants and bars, W Melbourne is destined to redefine the luxury hotel scene here and become a must-go destination for travelers and local scene-stealers alike.”

W Melbourne’s design inspiration is the city's streetscapes and laneways.

Victorian bluestone tiles connect the Living Room to a laneway, blurring the line between the exterior and interior, where the Welcome Desk stands ready to greet guests.

A vast art installation by local painter and digital artist Rus Kitchin features a canopy of Australian flora and fauna growing above Hosier Lane.

The illuminated glass and wood of the Flinders Lane entrance is juxtaposed against the shadows of the hotel's foyer.

So far, so pretentious.

Here's the nitty gritty.

W Melbourne has 294 guest rooms and 29 suites.

Each room features floor-to-ceiling windows with skyline views.

The room categories are Marvelous, Wonderful and Mega (oops, back to pretentious again) while the 175-sqm Extreme Wow Suite is on the hotel’s highest floor at level 15, and features a large balcony with expansive views of the Yarra River and an interactive music station – a fresh take on an old-school jukebox.

There are three on-site eateries: all-day dining restaurant Lollo, under the creative direction of celebrated chef Adam D’Sylva; Culprit with a floor-to-ceiling charcuterie display and a Vermouth tasting tray; and signature Japanese restaurant Warabi.


There is also a cocktail bar: Curious (below).

FIT and WET (here we go again) on level 14 offer views alongside an ultra-modern fitness facility, gold-roofed indoor pool, poolside bar and DJ booth.

For more info see wmelbourne.com.