Luxurious Lenna offers a grand old time

There are plenty of new accommodation options in Hobart these days but don’t forget the old classic establishments that offer a mix of old-world charm and modern luxury. A LOOK INSIDE >>

The Lenna of Hobart's elegant Lounge Bar which features a cosy wood fire, antiques and the original gas-lit crystal chandelier was also the setting for some of Tasmania's finest 19th and 20th century social occasions.

Hobart has seen several new hotels pop up over the past few years, however, we shouldn’t overlook the beauty and luxury of one of the city’s oldest and classiest establishments, the Lenna.

With interstate restrictions and the latest round of travel vouchers providing many with the chance to holiday at home why not take this opportunity to explore and stay in one of Hobart’s oldest, original buildings.

With the older, perfectly preserved sandstone section built in the Italian Renaissance style of architecture dating back to the 19th century, guests at the Lenna get to enjoy a mix of old-world charm while also having the convenience and comfort of modern luxury in its newer extension.

The Lenna of Hobart built in the 1800s, is a perfectly preserved example of the Italian Renaissance style of architecture.

The beauty of this hotel and the real point of difference of the Lenna is that when visiting you really feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to another century and world.

On walking into the hotel’s foyer I am immediately struck by the grandeur of the place and notice the high ceilings, intricately detailed, well-preserved cornices, ceiling roses and stained glass. I am also impressed by the grand staircase leading up to the second and third storeys and the impressive timber balustrade, which is said to have been imported all the way from London, and the wrought iron holding up the railing that was cast at a nearby foundry in Battery Point.

The Lenna of Hobart's elegant Lounge Bar which features a cosy wood fire, antiques and the original gas-lit crystal chandelier was also the setting for some of Tasmania's finest 19th and 20th century social occasions.

Next, I discover the lounge bar which is equally as grand and has a distinguished air about it. You can imagine this elegant room with its antique furniture, original gas-lit crystal chandelier and call bells beside the fireplace for summoning the servants down from upstairs, would have hosted many a fine social occasion for all the ladies and gentlemen of Hobart Town back in the 1800s. The room also features several glass display cases containing reminders of the building’s heritage such as the clipper barques named after Harriet the beloved wife of Alexander McGregor, the home’s original owner.

The House of Lenna gin, crafted on site at the Lenna, by Jack Lark, is a great tipple to enjoy in the hotel’s elegant lounge bar. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Today the bar is the perfect place to sit beside a toasty wood fire, relax, kick back and enjoy a cocktail made with the hotel’s signature tipple, the House of Lenna Gin which is distilled on site.

Another must-see part of the hotel is located up several flights of stairs, past the attic/loft and then up a smaller ladder where you’ll find McGregor’s clerestory lookout, which offers one of Hobart’s best original views. Even today the views of Battery Point, kunanyi/Mt Wellington, the River Derwent and up to Mt Nelson from Alexander’s tower, are still some of the best and most commanding I’ve ever seen in the city.

McGregor's Lookout, at the Lenna, which offers one of Hobart's best original views.

It’s no wonder McGregor was one of the wealthiest merchants of his day. With such a prime vantage point from his tower he could spy with his telescope the marine board’s flags at Mt Nelson signalling ships coming up the river. If it was a trader he sent his men out to inspect the precious cargo and got first pick of all manner of interesting imports he could then sell on to the early settlers.

And just before you climb up to the turret in the loft/attic, you’ll notice the tiny arched hallways and bedrooms where the servants once slept. These petite quarters also give you a great sense of the past, so much so you almost feel as though you could be on the set of Downton Abbey.

The Lenna's impressive staircase which includes balustrade which is said to have been imported all the way from London, and the wrought iron holding up the railing that was cast at a nearby foundry in Battery Point.

When you’re finished exploring the original section and discovering the history of the home, which up until the 1970s was a private residence, you can then take a short walk to the modern extension. This section was added in the ’70s and recently refurbished over the past five years. The modern rooms are stylish and comfortable and from our fourth floor suite there’s a spectacular view out over Constitution Dock, the Hobart waterfront, the Tasman Bridge and up to the Domain.

There are also two luxury penthouses available on the third storey of the modern wing, which were added in 2007, with even more enviable views.

The Lenna, the construction of which was completed in 1880 sits proudly on the Hobart skyline.

The other beauty of the hotel is its location in Runnymede St, which is less than 100m from Salamanca Place and in the heart of Battery Point. This makes it the ideal base from which to explore all the hidden gems of Battery Point from the cafes and gift shops and the wonderful old architecture of the Victorian terraces and Kelly’s Steps, to the narrow, winding streets and laneways from Arthurs Circus to Nanny Goat Lane.

One of the stylish, modern suites featuring generous king-sized beds at the Lenna of Hobart.

A stay at the Lenna offers the chance to stay somewhere truly classy while discovering a unique window into Hobart’s past.

The view of the older section of the Lenna of Hobart from the modern extension offers a stunning view of the original sandstone building's imposing terraces.

MAKE A NOTE

■ Lenna of Hobart, on the corner of Salamanca Pl and Runnymede St, Hobart

Phone [phone]

■ Standard rooms range in price from $200 to $350 per night; while the penthouses start from $1000 a night.

■ Guests can dine in at the Lenna for breakfast and the hotel also offers room service for other meals from several Salamanca eateries including Annapurna; Blue Eye; and La Mensa.

For more information go to the website: lenna.com.au

The impressive view from one of the penthouses at the Lenna of Hobart.