MACq01 named second most romantic hotel in Australia

With domestic travel off the cards Tasmanians are planning their romantic getaways for the Apple Isle. Find out Tassie’s top hotels >>>

• The inside story according to MACq 01 hotel
• Hobart’s storytelling hotel MACq01 is full of character

A HOBART hotel is proving that despite the coronavirus pandemic, romance isn’t dead.

MACq01 took out the second most romantic hotel in Australia — and the most romantic in Tasmania — in Tripadvisor’s 2020 Best of the Best awards.

Federal Group tourism general manager Matt Casey said many guests visited the hotel for special romantic occasions such as anniversaries, proposals, and even small weddings.

Caitlin and Joe Walker who spent their wedding night at MACq01, MACq01 has been named the second most romantic hotel in Australia, and the most romantic hotel in Tasmania. Picture Chris Kidd

“We anticipate with border closures and social distancing restrictions, we’ll see even more Tassie couples celebrate their special occasions with us in the coming months,” he said.

Since the hotel’s opening three years ago, Mr Casey said MACq01 has been the backdrop for hundreds of engagements, elopements, wedding night getaways, babymoons, and anniversaries.

“Our waterfront suites — particularly those with iconic rooftop terraces — are really popular for couples looking for something unique,” he said.

Matt Casey general manager of Federal Group tourism at Hobart hotel Macq01. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Mr Casey said staff loved to mark special occasions with little surprises, like chocolates or sparkling wine. They also add a touch of extravagance on request, such as 100 red roses or custom balloons.

“Whatever they want, we make it happen. Our team love creating memorable experiences,” he said.

Caitlin and Joe Walker spent their wedding night at the hotel in November, and said it lived up to the award win.

“The experience was incredible,” Ms Walker said.

“We chose MACq01 because it’s pretty much an icon, and we never really had the opportunity to stay there before. We thought if we didn’t spend our wedding night there, when would we?”

Caitlin and Joe Walker who spent their wedding night at MACq01. Picture Chris Kidd

She said they had a magical night, receiving an upgraded suite and champagne on arrival.

Tasmanian Wedding Expo and Pure Bride director Anna Cretan said with uncertainties around travel restrictions, couples were looking for romantic destinations closer to home.

“We’re seeing a huge trend in micro-weddings here in Tasmania over recent years, and COVID restrictions are encouraging more couples to think about celebrating more intimately, and within our own borders,” she said.

“How lucky we are to have so many incredible locations and venues to chose from right on our doorstep. You can’t stop love, after all.”

The top romantic hotel in Australia was Bli Bli House Riverside Retreat at Diddillibah, Queensland, with other Hobart hotels that made the top 10 including the Islington Hotel and The Henry Jones Art Hotel.

MACq01 was also listed as the third best hotel in Australia, with Henry Jones taking out 18th place.

In the top 10 for service were the Islington and Saffire Freycinet, and in the top 25 inns and b&bs were Devonport’s The Grand on Macfie, Swansea’s Meredith House and Mews, and The Ark Stanley.

Follow @kaseywilkins95