THE PLACE
In the trove of job titles,"master storyteller"must rate among the best. At MACq01,the title belongs to Justin Johnston and it is an excellent fit as he colours in the local history for guests at this smart Hobart hotel,revealing the rich and sometimes scandalous stories of this wharf and this area in its eras past. Take one of his tours to really get a sense of place and get behind the scenes of the old Hunter Street buildings,the haunts and hangouts of its former inhabitants and discover some traces they left behind
THE LOCATION
Built,as Johnston will tell you,on an area once known as Old Wharf,the new structure is clad in timber designed to fade in the sea and sun of Sullivans Cove on Hobart's waterfront. Here you're close to the CBD and close enough to the various bars,restaurants and other attractions around that waterfront.
THE SPACE
The Lounge in the hotel lobby acknowledges Hobart's Indigenous past,with artefacts and installations like an extraordinary ceiling that resembles the kelp of the coast. On one side of the Lounge is Evolve Spirits Bar,recently named Australia's Hotel Bar of the Year and Tasmania's Cocktail Bar of the Year and setting for the"Overeem Experience";a curated tasting of single malt whiskies. Turn in the other direction at the lounge and you'll walk through the Old Wharf Restaurant to the Story Bar,with everything from smart cocktails to local wines and Tasmanian draught beers,served with a backdrop of newspaper front pages from decades past.
THE ROOM