Hobart's BEST Graham Apartments: Unbeatable Views & Luxury Await!
Hobart's BEST Graham Apartments: My Brain-Dump Review (Be warned: it's long and opinionated!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I've just emerged from a stay at the Graham Apartments in Hobart, and honestly? My brain feels like a Tasmanian Devil got loose in it. This won't be your polite, polished travel brochure review. This is the unvarnished truth, peppered with my own brand of chaotic enthusiasm. Consider this your warning.
SEO & Metadata First (because, you know, algorithms):
- Title: Hobart Graham Apartments Review: Unbeatable Views, But is Luxury Worth the Hype?
- Keywords: Hobart, Graham Apartments, Tasmania, Luxury Accommodation, Accessible Hotel, View, Pool, Spa, Fitness Center, Restaurant, Reviews, Hobart Hotels, Best Hotels, Australia, Travel, Vacation.
- Description: My unfiltered take on the Graham Apartments in Hobart. Is it truly luxurious? Does the view live up to the hype? Accessibility, dining, services – you’ll get the full, messy picture.
Right, SEO anxiety attack over. Let's dive in.
A. Accessibility (Because It Matters, Always):
Okay, first up – accessibility. This is critical. The Graham Apartments does tout itself as having facilities for disabled guests, which already earned them some points. I’m not in a wheelchair myself, but I always look for this for friends and honestly, it's a basic human right. The elevator was smooth and fast, which is a win. Now, I didn't personally scope out every single nook and cranny, but from what I saw, they seem to have thought about things. Check-in was a breeze, and the staff was very pleasant, so that helps. There are exterior corridors, which could be good for anyone with mobility issues. This makes access potentially easier. But seriously, I am no expert in this matter, and I always recommend a quick call to the customer service to double-check specifics. Overall, I’d grade them a solid B here. Room for improvement always, but they seem to be on the right track.
B. On-Site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges:
I didn't actually get a chance to fully check out the restaurants and lounges with a critical eye toward accessibility. I was too busy stuffing my face (more on that later). But again, given the generally modern vibe of the place, I assume there would be accessible options. They had a poolside bar which I wanted to visit, but it was closed! They also feature restaurants. I didn’t see any glaring issues, but don’t take my word for it! Before you book, reach out and ask specifics!
C. Wheelchair Accessible:
See section "A".
D. Internet Access: Free Wi-Fi Everywhere!
Okay, praise be! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it actually works! I had to catch up on some emails, and the connection was strong and reliable. They also had Internet [LAN] if you're a dinosaur who still uses wired connections (no judgement). And Wi-Fi in public areas was solid. Zero gripes here. Seriously, after staying at some hotels where the Wi-Fi is slower than a snail on Valium, this was a HUGE win.
E. Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Oh, the Bliss… and the Regret):
This is where the Graham Apartments really tries to shine. And mostly, they succeed.
- Pool with a view: Seriously, the outdoor swimming pool is stunning. It’s an infinity pool, the water temperature perfect, with a killer view. I spent a good chunk of one afternoon just floating there, feeling my worries literally melt away. Seriously, that pool will stick with me.
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/Sauna, Steamroom: I am partial to a good steam room. After that marathon swim in the pool, I hit the sauna and the steamroom. Both were sparkling, and the scent of eucalyptus filled my lungs. Utter bliss.
- Fitness Center/Gym/Fitness: I’m not a workout fiend, but I did peek in the fitness center. It was well-equipped, with all the usual suspects (treadmills, weights, etc.), and looked clean and modern.
- Body Scrub, Body Wrap, Massage: Okay, here’s where I confess to something… I totally fumbled on getting a massage at the spa. I kept putting it off, thinking I'd do it "tomorrow." Then tomorrow became check-out day. Massive regret. Learn from my mistake, people! Book the massage! They also offered Body scrubs and Body wraps.
- And a Foot Bath! I didn't try it, but how can you go wrong with a foot bath?
F. Cleanliness and Safety (Because Covid, Ugh):
Alright, let's get real. It's the pandemic era. Cleanliness is not just a perk, it’s a damn necessity.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good. Checked.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Good. Checked.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Good. Checked.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Good.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Largely observed.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: I’m going to assume so, given the overall high standard of the place.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Yes.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Yes.
The Graham Apartments took things seriously. I felt genuinely safe. They even offer a Room sanitization opt-out.
G. Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (My Weakness, My Joy):
Okay, food. This is where I truly, deeply engaged with the Graham Apartments. And folks, it was a rollercoaster.
- Restaurants: There were multiple restaurants on-site.
- A la carte in restaurant: All good, even had Alternative meal arrangement, thankfully.
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant: They had this—which, for an Asian food snob like myself, was a huge plus.
- Bar: Yes. A good one. Happy Hour was actually happy.
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant: The breakfast buffet was a masterpiece. I’m talking mountains of fresh fruit, pastries that practically melted in your mouth, and a made-to-order omelet station. I might have eaten my weight in bacon.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant/Coffee shop: excellent coffee.
- Desserts in restaurant: Oh, the desserts. One word. Devilishly good.
- Poolside bar: See earlier comments. Closed when I wanted a cocktail. Heartbreak.
- Room service [24-hour]: Yes. I used it at 2 am. No regrets.
- Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant: Tried both. Tasty.
- Snack bar: Great for a late night bite.
- Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: All available.
The Imperfection: The service in one of the restaurants, on the first night, was a train wreck. It was slow, the server seemed overwhelmed, and my order got messed up. I was hangry! It put a damper on my evening. But, look, even high-end places have their off nights. The next day, everything was back on track, so, I quickly forgave and forgot.
H. Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter):
- Air conditioning in public area and Available in all rooms: Crucial.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: If you're hosting an event, they got you covered.
- Business facilities: They have the usual suspects.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: Handy.
- Concierge Super helpful.
- Contactless check-in/out YES!
- Convenience store: Great for late-night snacks.
- Daily housekeeping: Spotless.
- Doorman: Always there to greet you.
- Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service: Important!
- Elevator: See Accessibility.
- Facilities for disabled guests: See Accessibility.
- Food delivery: Useful.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Tourist traps, but hey, you need to bring something back, right?
- Luggage storage: Helpful.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Seminars, Indoor and Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Wi-Fi for special events: If you’re running a business, they have the goods.
- Safety deposit boxes: Peace of mind.
- Smoking area: For the smokers among us.
- Terrace: Lovely to sit and sip a coffee at.
- Xerox/fax in business center: Still useful for some!
**I. For the Kids (I Don't
Escape to Paradise: Unbelievable Castle Kaha Lani Resort Awaits!
Hobart, You Absolute Darling (and Occasionally Haughty) – A Travel Itinerary (That Probably Won't Stick)
Alright, alright, so I technically have a plan for my week at the Graham Apartments in Hobart. But let's be honest, my "plans" are more like vague suggestions sprinkled with wishful thinking and a healthy dose of "see-where-the-wind-blows-me" philosophy. But hey, here's the attempt:
Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh My God, It's Beautiful!" Syndrome
- Morning: Arrive at Hobart Airport, pray my luggage isn't in Buenos Aires. Grab a rental car (hopefully, the one I booked isn't a literal death trap). Breathe in that Tasmanian air. It's supposed to be crisp, clean, and make you want to run through fields of lavender. (Side note: I'm allergic to lavender. This could be… problematic).
- Afternoon: Check into Graham Apartments. Pray it matches the brochure. (Fingers crossed for a decent coffee machine and, crucially, a comfy bed. My back is not what it used to be after that nightmare of a flight). Stare out the window. Hobart, you are ridiculously picturesque. Seriously. Mountains, water, quaint little houses… it's like someone built a fairytale and plonked it on the edge of the world.
- Evening: Walk along Salamanca Place. Soak in the vibes. Eat something… anything… because I will be starving from the travel. Probably some fish and chips. Must. Try. The. Tasmanian. Seafood. Obsessively.
Day 2: MONA – Is This Art or Just… Stuff? (And My Existential Crisis)
- Morning: Take the ferry to MONA (Museum of Old and New Art). Prepare to be challenged/confused/slightly horrified. I fully expect to spend the day wandering around, staring into space, muttering things like "Is this art? Is I art?" and generally questioning my entire existence. There's actually a lot to take in and even more you can't take in and it makes the entire thing, a glorious confusion.
- Afternoon: Get utterly lost inside MONA. Find the Poo Machine (don't ask). Have a coffee. Debate the merits of conceptual art with a slightly pretentious fellow tourist (because that's what you do at MONA). Contemplate my own mortality. Realize I'm probably too old for all this cool stuff.
- Evening: Re-emerge from MONA, blinking in the sunlight. Head back to the city. Find some pub food and a local brew somewhere in town. Try to process the day. Fail.
Day 3: History, Hiking, and the Great Bruny Island Bake-Off (Me vs. The Sea Air)
- Morning: Explore the historic Battery Point. Walk the charming streets. Imagine myself as a wealthy colonialist (briefly, before I remember how problematic that is). Visit the cottages. Feel vaguely guilty about being a tourist.
- Afternoon: Drive to Bruny Island (fingers crossed the ferry runs on time). Hike to the top of The Neck for the panoramic views. Gasp. Take approximately 87 photos. Struggle to catch my breath (it's a steep climb, people!).
- Evening: Hunt down the famous Bruny Island Cheese Company. Devour cheese like a cheese-obsessed savage. Also, I plan to try to snag a scallop pie, because I hear those are legendary. If I don't get one, I am going to go full-on, hangry-hulk mode. And then back to the Graham Apartments. I bet they don't have a cheese wheel in the fridge… which is a crying shame.
Day 4: Cascade Brewery and the 'Whiskey, Oh Whiskey!' Phase
- Morning: Visit Cascade Brewery. Take the tour. Pretend to understand the brewing process. Sneakily hoping for a free sample (or three). Consider quitting my life and becoming a brewer. Realize I'm allergic to hops. Cry.
- Afternoon: Explore Salamanca Market (if it’s Saturday!). Browse the stalls. Try to avoid buying a ridiculous souvenir I'll regret later (good luck, self).
- Evening: Go to a distillery in the Huon Valley. Sample some of that lovely Tasmanian whiskey. (I hear it's amazing). Immediately decide I'm moving here and becoming a whiskey connoisseur. Realise I'm probably still too old for that too! Start a nightly journal entry which will soon become a rambling series of blurry memories of conversations with strangers.
Day 5: Huon Valley and the Apple Isle's Charm
- Morning: Drive through the luscious Huon Valley. Admire the apple orchards. Stare wistfully at the countryside. Wonder if I can pick some apples. Get told I can't. Realize I am not cut out for the simple, rural life.
- Afternoon: Some kind of walk around. Probably. The plan involves something outdoors. I’m thinking a walk around Mt Wellington.
- Evening: Find a nice restaurant on the waterfront. Treat myself to a fancy dinner because hey, I deserve it! Possibly go back to the distillery.
Day 6: Port Arthur – Ghosts and Hard Truths (Plus, Maybe Some Tears)
- Morning: Take a day trip to Port Arthur Historic Site. Prepare to be deeply moved. Read up on the history beforehand so I don't just wander around feeling vaguely uncomfortable. Accept that it will be a heavy experience.
- Afternoon: Walk the grounds. Listen to the stories. Feel my heart break a little. Wonder if I should have eaten more before I came in, because I can already feel the tears welling up. (The architecture is stunning though, I will say). Spend more time at the gift shop than I should (stress relief via retail therapy).
- Evening: Head back to Hobart. Order a takeaway pizza. Watch a cheesy movie. Comfort myself.
Day 7: Farewell, Hobart (Sob!) and the "I Need to Come Back!" Syndrome
- Morning: Pack. Vaguely sort through souvenirs. Realise I haven't eaten all snacks… maybe I'll buy them on the way.
- Afternoon: Last-minute wander around Battery Point to make sure its real. Head to the airport.
- Evening: Fly out of Hobart. Settle back into that awful flight seat. Start planning my next trip to Hobart. (Seriously, I already miss it).
Important Notes:
- This itinerary is a suggestion, not a rule. I fully expect to deviate wildly from it. Spontaneity is my middle name (and so is "procrastination").
- I'm a huge coffee snob. Finding good coffee is paramount.
- If I accidentally fall in love with a local and decide to stay forever, don't be surprised.
- I'm notoriously bad at taking decent photos. Apologies in advance.
- I will probably get lost. A lot.
- Most importantly: Embrace the chaos! Hobart, here I come! Wish me luck (and send cheese).
Hobart's BEST Graham Apartments: Unbeatable Views & Luxury... or Is It? Let's Get Messy!
Okay, the brochure says "Unbeatable Views." Seriously, are they *really* that good? I'm a sucker for a sunset.
Alright, let's be real. The views from the Graham Apartments... they're pretty darn good. I mean, seriously good. I've seen sunsets there that made me actually *weep*. Yeah, I know, dramatic. But picture this: deep orange, purples bleeding into each other, and the Derwent River shimmering like liquid gold below. And, okay, *yes*, I'm a sucker for a sunset.
Now, here's the thing. It depends on which apartment you get. Some look directly at the mountain, which is amazing when it's snow-capped, but maybe not so much on a grey day. But even the "lesser" views? Still stunners. I'm talking postcard-worthy every. single. day. I had Apartment 12B, and lemme tell ya, I'd wake up and just… breathe, because the water view was… wow. I spent a good 2 hours in the morning just watching the boats. I think I even lost a lot of my productivity just staring at the damn view.
"Luxury Awaits!" What does that even *mean* in practice? Are we talking gold-plated taps and a butler? Please say no to the butler.
Okay, "luxury." Let's decode that buzzword, shall we? No gold-plated taps (thankfully). No butler (thank god, I can barely handle my cats, let alone a butler). It's more like good quality finishes, modern appliances (the dishwasher in Apartment 12B was a *beast*!), and a generally well-appointed space. Think sleek, minimalist, maybe a touch too much grey for my taste, honestly. But hey, I'm a person of color, and sometimes it feels like I can't get the wall colors correct, and always have to be making decisions-- I mean, the apartments are well-built, and spacious, with a decent amount of storage (which, believe me, is a huge win). The ones I stayed in had a balcony, which was fantastic for a morning coffee and a little bit of meditation while enjoying the view. A LOT of money for that balcony, though.
And the "luxury" carries over to the common spaces. The gym? Actually pretty decent. The rooftop terrace? Epic for sundowners (and Instagram, let's be honest). Parking? Easy peasy. But let's not kid ourselves. Luxury comes at a price, and you're definitely paying for the location and the views. Worth it? Hmm... that's up to your bank account (and your love for sunsets).
What's the deal with the location? Hobart's not exactly the biggest city...is it a hassle to *get* anywhere?
The location is a double-edged sword, okay? The Graham Apartments are close to the CBD, which is a HUGE plus. Restaurants? Check. Cafes? Check. Shops? Double-check. You can wander down for a coffee and a pastry, or go for a proper sit-down meal within a few minutes.
However... parking, let's talk about it. Because honestly, I found it to be a bit of a nightmare, as it is in most cities and towns with high resident populations. It can be a bit of a pain to find a spot, especially during peak hours. I actually once spent a full 20 minutes circling the block looking for a park just so that I could have a coffee – 20 minutes! And that's only when I decided to go down and drink that delicious coffee, so it's not a deal breaker. Public transport is okay-ish, but let's be honest, you're probably going to need a car to truly explore Tasmania (and trust me, you NEED to explore Tasmania). The closer you are to the water, the better. And because some apartments offer a higher view than others, you may wind up paying more for a view that's just not worth it.
Are the apartments noisy? I can't stand noisy neighbours! And what about the construction?
Noise is a definite consideration. Apartment living, you know? Mostly, it's been alright. But, I did have a run-in with my upstairs neighbour, who, let's just say, had a *very* enthusiastic dog. And don't even get me started on the one night a week where they had a band practice, it sounded like I was in a rock concert. The walls are fairly thick, but you definitely hear the communal hallway and some of the street noise. Traffic, late-night revellers… you're in the city, so expect some level of noise. The builders, well, they were done by the time I moved in. So that's good! But if you're like me and need absolute silence to function, this might not be the place for you.
What's the deal with the management/staff? Are they helpful or a nightmare?
Alright, management. I've had both experiences. Some of the staff were fantastic – super friendly, quick to respond to emails, really helpful. Like, went above and beyond levels of helpfulness. Others… let's just say communication could be a bit slow. The maintenance crew were good, responsive when I had a leaky tap (which, let's be honest, happens), but the initial process of getting things sorted... a bit of a bureaucratic dance. It's a mixed bag, basically. Keep in mind that everyone is human, after all, and sometimes things slip through the cracks.
Let's talk about the price. Is it worth it? Are we talking "mortgage" levels of expensive?
Okay, the million-dollar question (pun intended, because it probably *is* a million dollars). Is it worth it? Ahh, that's the million-dollar, as I noted before. Graham Apartments are not cheap. Nope. They're definitely on the pricier side, especially given you're not getting a whole lot of square footage – you're mainly paying for the location and those views. So yes, mortgage-level is a potential. However, consider the lifestyle: walking distance to everything, the convenience, that breathtaking view. For some, it's absolutely worth it. For others, it's an investment that isn't worth it. Do your research, compare prices, and think about what you value. And prepare for the sticker shock! It might take a second to recover.
I'm a foodie. Are there good restaurants/cafes nearby? (Because I'm not cooking!)
Foodie heaven! You are in the right place! The Graham Apartments: a foodie's dream. Within walking distance, you'll find everything from casual cafes to fancy-pants restaurants. I, personally,Wander Stay Spot
