Shipwrights Arms Hotel

Stayed in the rooms with shared bathroom, kitchenette, and lounge area. Cannot comment on the self contained rooms. Sadly the write up of the accommodation sounds more appealing than what is delivered. First on checking in we had to search for staff that knew what to do, were given the key and directed to the stairs with a very rushed vague run down of access and facilities. The room door lock was loose and far from most secure. The room was very small far from suitable for a couple let alone a single, there was no hanging space except a three hooks on the back of the door one of which was broken, no air conditioning or even a fan in 30 degree heat only opening the window for airflow, nil insect screens. The room was furnished with a double bed, bedside table and chair that was dirty and stained. The lounge area was far from appealing with dirty stained chairs. The kitchenette was questionable with ripped chairs and questionable hygiene standards and not utilised. The shared bathrooms (Gents and Ladies) the floor of the shower cubical had a large crack where the water was draining under the cubical (Clearly occurring for some time by the signs of blackened wet wood rot around the base of the shower unit). It is questionable if it would pass Tasmanian Health and Building Standards. The security for the accommodation section from the bar and restaurant consisted of an unlocked gate on the staircase, with an additional access via the fire door to the carpark which at one point we found chocked open allowing anyone to enter unchallenged and un noticed and depart the same way. It is evident that a lot of effort and expense has been placed into the downstairs public bar and restaurant and very little on the accommodation offered. The rooms are far from quiet until after closing time. With all this they have the audacity to charge the same as nights accommodation for cancellation of the booking. Despite the clever write up - it is a room over a pub, with questionable sparse amenities. With its proximity to the city and reasonable restaurant and a fair bit of work it could be a nice place to stay but at the moment I would not recommend it to anyone.

If you have any interest in yacht racing a quick drink at the Shipwright is a must. Walls are covered with photographs of Sydney to Hobart yachts. Old bar area blends in with new extension. Staff are friendly and assist in choices of local beers and ciders. Food menu is extensive. Meals were good quality.

Firstly I had my photo taken at the front door just to say I had been standing where my G-G-G-G Grandfather would had stood when he was the owner from 1861 to 1864. Inside were a few photos of the early Hotel and a list of the licensees from 1846 to 2019. Most of the other photos are from Sydney to Hobart races over the years. These are only in the Main Bar area and really could have more extending throughout the whole Hotel. We had a really great experience and were served by great staff who gave excellent service.

Disappointing visit to the newly refurbished Shipwights Arms. Entered via main car park entrance into a dark, dank upper level. Hard to imagine anyone would desire to sit in such a gloomy atmosphere. Downstairs to refurbished and stylish atrium area. Lovely space and we were seated in the middle of the atrium with the late afternoon sun shining through the upper level windows. There was no escape from the discomfort of the sun glaring into one's eyes until the sun was low in the sky. This discomfort could be easily remedied by the installation of trendy, glare cutting, mesh style blinds to cut the glare and still allow bright light. Pleasant wait Staff took original drink orders but there was a long delay before receiving same. No water offered but happily supplied when requested. Several large groups seem to fully occupy the wait staff and it was difficult to get service for our small table. Food orders taken and delivered. The Pork Belly was a truly lovely and pleasantly presented but it ended there. The Gnocchi had a great sauce, but the actual Gnocchi was a glutinous blob and very chewy. The scallops were deep fried to a dark brown crisp which overpowered the Scallops - oil too hot? Eventually managed to attract attention and ordered further drinks, which never arrived. Further 30 minutes and, once again, attracted attention and reordered drinks. Another long wait and orders were placed for Dessert. The Poached Pear was disappointing, and the Banana Splits were a letdown. The Menu did describe the Banana Splits as different, but this Dessert should never be called Banana Split - no resemblance to the classic and looked a mess on the plate. Overall, a disappointing experience.