Once a nameless no man’s land between the harbour and North Hobart, the bestowing of a catchy moniker and a surge of new restaurants, wine bars, and breweries have quite literally put Hobart’s Midtown on the map. While there’s no shortage of worthy accommodations scattered around the harbour, those looking to escape the typical hotel experience would do best to look a little further ashore.
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Combining the convenience and luxury of a boutique hotel with the flexibility and independence of an apartment, The Rox Hobart is the ideal jumping off point for travellers wishing to enjoy the harbour city. Reflecting the coalescence of old and new that Hobart is famed for, The Rox comprises a duo of sandstone-walled heritage apartments nestled within a meticulously restored 19th-century building, as well as two modern apartments in the opposite modern building with a curved facade designed by Core Collective architects.
The brainchild of local resident Mary Brownell, The Rox Hobart celebrates the Tasmanian capital’s duality; its rich heritage sitting alongside modern creativity. The heritage apartments—known as the Elizabeth and Alexander Apartments—are housed in what was once the school hall of Scotch College, which sits behind Roxburgh House which was the former school’s main building.
Both the Elizabeth and Alexander Apartments span two bedrooms and sleep up to four guests each, with the self-contained lodgings boasting full kitchens. Staying faithful to the building’s heritage status, each apartment is evocative of a bygone era, with exposed brickwork and high ceilings complemented by restored original timber floorboards and soft furnishings in neutral hues and natural materials; think an abundance of linen, jute, and rattan. The heritage apartments take an introspective approach, with a cosy vibe providing a respite from the urban setting beyond.
Meanwhile, just across the road are The Rox Penthouse and The Rox Apartment. If the heritage apartments are defined by their intimate ambience and introspective feel, this duo of modern apartments takes the opposite approach — letting light in and allowing guests to experience city living at its finest. Perched above Elizabeth Street, The Rox Penthouse is the highlight of the contemporary set, making full use of the striking facade with a curved balcony providing expansive views of Hobart and Mt Kunanyi.
Like the heritage apartments, The Rox Penthouse and The Rox Apartment feature interiors by interior stylist and decorator Tess Newman-Morris. A curated selection of decorative pendant lighting by Duncan Meerding, pottery from local artisans Moonpenny Pottery, Sarah Ellison chairs and coffee tables, and handcrafted bookshelves work to cultivate spaces that are equal parts soothing and elegant.
While The Rox Hobart is ideally suited for those desirous of the privacy that accompanies a completely self-contained offering, there’s also the option to add bespoke services to your stay. Host Mary Bronwell offers priority access to boutique dining institution Omotenashi (located in the Lexus showroom just below The Rox Penthouse and The Rox Apartment) and the award-winning Institut Polaire; both notoriously difficult to dine at sans reservation.
Read on for our full review of The Rox Hobart.
The lowdown: The Rox Hobart, Hobart
The hook; why stay at The Rox Hobart?
A veritable choose-your-own adventure style of accommodation, The Rox Hobart offers a taste of urbanite living in the Tasmanian capital.
Tell us more
The Rox Hobart is located on Elizabeth Street, with both the heritage and modern offerings next door to each other. Choose between exposed brick apartments in the former Scotch College school hall and the contemporary luxury of the apartment or penthouse in the Core Collective Architects-designed corner building.
How to get to The Rox
The Rox Hobart is located in Hobart’s Midtown, less than a twenty minute drive from the Hobart Airport.
Rooms and suites
The Rox Hobart comprises four apartments. Both heritage apartments and The Rox Penthouse feature two bedrooms, a full kitchen, and generous living area, while The Rox Apartment is a one-bedroom apartment.
The Elizabeth and Alexander Apartments are located within the former school hall of the Scotch College, while The Rox Apartment and Penthouse are next door in a new building overlooking the city and Mt Kunanyi.
We stayed in The Rox Penthouse, a generously proportioned two-bedroom (including one ensuite), two-bathroom residence complete with an open-plan kitchen and living area that opens out onto the spacious balcony and a dedicated TV room. The abundant proportions of The Rox Penthouse means that the typical bugbears that accompany hotel stays are a non-issue; there’s ample wardrobe space for hanging your clothing and multiple areas to find solitude and convene in equal measure.
Bathroom products?
Bathroom products are by Tasmanian brand Milie Organics, with hand wash, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash provided.
Comfort factor
Plush beds are topped with French linen bedding from I Love Linen; these ensure a cool, comfortable sleep though are less soft than traditional cotton bedding. The air conditioning was efficient and heated up the space quickly during our—wintertime—stay.
Food and drink
Full kitchens are stocked with salt, pepper, and olive oil as well as Nespresso coffee and an assortment of tea bags. There’s the option to dine downstairs at Omotenashi or at the award-winning wine bar Institut Polaire.
Spa and facilities
None.
The service
The Rox Hobart is self-contained, with keys to the apartments accessed via a lockbox at the front of the building. That said, owner and host Mary Bronwell is easily accessible via email to offer suggestions on what to do in town and organise reservations at Omotenashi and Institut Polaire.
AR Verdict
A charming design-led quartet of apartments in Hobart’s Midtown, The Rox Hobart offers a welcome departure from the formalities of hotel accommodation.
The Rox Hobart is open for bookings, with apartments priced from $310 to $750AUD/night.
Address: 160/162 Elizabeth St, Hobart TAS 7000
Words by T. Angel
