Hotel review: Let me tell you a story about Hobart's MACq01
When you arrive at Hobart's MACq01, the first thing you'll notice is the illustrated sliding lobby doors. The map of Tasmania is curiously lopsided.
This is a hotel that wants to challenge everything you think you know about the land on which you stand.
This isn't just a place to stay. Yes, it's beautiful and it's luxurious and the view over the waterfront is breathtaking. But MACq01 is also colourful and storied, and it wants you to meet the people who made it what it is today. All 114 of them.
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The stunning MACq01 complex is named for it's location, MacQuarie Wharf. MACq01
THE LOCATION
Built on what was once an area called Old Wharf but is now Macquarie Wharf, MACq01 sits on Hobart's iconic waterfront and lively Hunter Street precincts — a stone's throw away from restaurants, bars, Salamanca Market and the CBD, with views of Mount Wellington in the distance. Hop on a 20-minute ferry and you'll find yourself at MONA.
The complex was once a busy wharf market, later a giant shipping shed and now a storytelling hotel.
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What is now the luxe MACq01 was once a busy wharf market, later a giant shipping shed. MACq01
THE STORIES
What sets MACq01 apart from the rest is the history.
Guests are welcome to join Master Storyteller Justin Johnstone and his team on one of their three complimentary experiences.
The Viewfinder Tour is a walk that takes you from Old Wharf to New Wharf and allows you to look through the lens of viewfinders to see Hobart's iconic features as they were 35 to 150 years ago.
The Sticky Stones and Secrets Tour lets you creep behind the scenes of the old Hunter Street buildings, including the Henry Jones hotel and what was once the IXL Jam factory and its adjoining buildings.
Finally, the 114 Doors tour guides you through the hallways of the hotel. History buff or not, you'll want to get to know the remarkable Tasmanians behind the 114 doors of this hotel. Their stories inspire the design of each room, but more on that later.
These tales are captivating and, at times, disturbing — as is much of history. While free for guests, visitors can also experience these tours for $20.
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The stories of the 114 characters that make up Tasmania's rich history inspire the design of the rooms. MACq01
THE ROOM
It depends on which room you get. Each door, adorned with illustrations by Rachel Tribout, is dedicated to the 114 characters that make up Tasmania's rich history.
Inside, you'll find artefacts relating to that character and designs that match the character traits of its inhabitants.
My room, a Premium Waterfront (from $780), is Hearty and Resilient — just like Annie and Mary Eden, whose faces greet me on the door as I go to enter the room. The space is earthy and warm — a contrast to the louder and flashier Colourful and Quirky rooms.
Other traits include Grounded Yet Exceptional, Fighting Believer and Curious and Creative.
This is one of the Colourful and Quirky rooms you'll find at MACq01. MACq01
While there are differences in each, all the rooms are sleek and bold. Mine has a king-sized bed, a bath that will make even the most restless person want to relax in it, and a waterfront balcony you can gaze from for hours.
THE FOOD AND DRINKS
We start with Old Wharf Restaurant, open for breakfast and dinner.
Chef Simon Pockran's menu champions locally-sourced produce and explores Tasmania's traditional family dishes.
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The Old Wharf Restaurant is led by chef Simon Pockran. MACq01
Try the Baked Pear & Goats Cheese Tart, BBQ Marion Bay Chicken and Honey Carrots with smoked almonds, Leatherwood honey & brown butter.
For a drink, try The Story Bar, decorated with old Tasmanian newspapers from decades past for that extra touch.
For something special, head to Evolve Whisky Bar — a luxury lounge bar and winner of 2021's Tasmania's Cocktail Bar of the Year and Australia's Hotel Bar of the Year. Enjoy a private whisky tasting ($100) with three $30ml Overeem Whiskies and a cheese selection.
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Evolve Whisky Bar won Tasmania's Cocktail Bar of the Year in 2021. MACq01
THE COST
Rooms start at $360 per night. For more information, visit www.macq01.com.au.
THE VERDICT
Pricey (particularly if you want the waterfront views) but beautiful. You'll leave wanting to know more and, as Australia's only storytelling hotel, you won't find another like it.
This writer stayed as a guest of MACq01.
