Exclusive: La Vie embarks on new chapter of timeless luxury at Hobart’s Islington Hotel
Close to $1 million has been spent by owner-operator La Vie Hotels and Resorts in refreshing the 11-room boutique property – an award-winning member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection.
With its storied history as both a private home to well-known figures – including former Premier of Tasmania, James Milne, in 1868 – and later as a hotel, Islington occupies an important place in the heart of the community, something La Vie was careful to protect in the latest evolution of the property.
“What is most important is that we stay true to its history,” La Vie Hotels and Resorts Chief Operating Officer, Marcus Hanna, told HM.
“The property was built in 1847, and it has been a hotel since 1985. We wanted to make sure that those elements of its history were retained – from the furniture to the artwork.
“It’s very traditional but with thoughtful modern touches.”
Located on Davey Street in South Hobart, surrounded by lush, meticulously maintained gardens, Islington Hotel serves as a tranquil adults-only haven, popular with young professionals and retired travellers.
Adorned with original art, antique furniture and rich fabrics, Islington’s eclectic style blends modern pieces with flashes of the past, from its wooden staircase and stone walls to cabinetry engraved with poetry by a former resident.
The latest refurbishment sees the entire interior freshly painted with warm tones; the addition of soft lighting and new fixtures, and thoughtfully selected furniture and bedding introduced throughout.
Working with La Vie’s in-house designer, the team at the South Hobart hotel retained treasured antiques and added complementary pieces in keeping with the style of the hotel.
“We determined all the antiques that we wanted to incorporate to blend the old and the new,” Islington Hotel General Manager Marc Dille told HM, gesturing to the 19th century mahogany dining table as an example of one of the timeless pieces.
Guest rooms are fitted with King-sized beds, handcrafted exclusively for the hotel by Australian bedding manufacturer A.H. Beard at its local facility in the south of the state, while bathrooms offer heated flooring, marble rain showers and deep bathtubs.
The property features numerous spaces for guests to relax, unwind, work or connect, from the Morning Room to the Games Room, the Library and Conservatory with its high ceilings and log fire.
By engaging with local partners, Islington Hotel is bringing artisan food and beverage to the fore to create an authentically Tasmanian experience – from Frogmore Creek wines and Elly’s Gourmet Confectionery in the minibar to Coal River Farm chocolate and Wicked Cheese boxes available for purchase.
A recent collaboration with King Island Distillery has resulted in the creation of an exclusive La Vie Coastal cocktail, using premium King Island Coastal Gin.
“The ethos here that we live by is ‘promote local’,” Dille said.
“Tasmania is very well known for its great produce and that’s what we like to showcase here. It enhances our offering.”
Guests are also encouraged to dine at respected local restaurants to get a flavour of Tasmania, including South Wine Bar, a short stroll downhill from the property.
Run by husband-and-wife team Kathie and Jeremy Waterhouse, the neighbourhood venue serves up uniquely Tasmanian dishes using premium locally sourced produce, from freshly shucked oysters to wallaby tartare and tender wallaby ribs.
Islington Hotel’s refreshed restaurant, located in the Conservatory offering views of the gardens and Mount Wellington, is open for breakfast each morning and offers a menu of light refreshments including soups, sandwiches, salads and cheeseboards from 11am-7pm.
Led by Executive Chef, Anthony Illingworth, the restaurant offers a modern Australian menu using the finest local ingredients, accompanied by an extensive wine list.
Private dining is available for groups of up to 10 people in the library and the hotel also plays host to corporate events, special occasions such as birthdays and intimate weddings, for up to 30 people.
“We love doing weddings and events here,” Dille said.
“The entire hotel can be booked out for exclusive use to share with their nearest and dearest.”
With a small team of 10 people led by Dille – a hotelier that has spent more than 23 years honing his skills in the industry – the property retains its intuitive, old-school approach to hospitality.
“It’s genuine luxury here – high touch, low tech – it’s very service orientated,” said La Vie Hotels and Resorts Group Director of Commercial, Lachlan Harris.
“We don’t ever want to lose that.”
And while finding staff can be a challenge in the island state, Dille is dedicated to nurturing talent.
“I’ve been very fortunate to have long-standing staff members,” he said.
“The majority of the staff have been here for well over a year – our Executive Chef, Anthony Illingworth, is coming up to four years.
“I love my role, because it’s all about training development, and especially with a hotel like this, it’s all about our interaction with guests.
“It makes me very proud to see my team developing and growing personally and professionally.
“When we train them, we give them the empowerment to do their job, and that’s where we really see them soar.”