Walk into the lobby of The Henry Jones Art Hotel and you’re immediately hit by the smell. It’s not that generic, bottled "hotel scent" designed by a marketing team in a skyscraper. It is the scent of old-growth timber and the faint, lingering ghost of jam. This place used to be the IXL jam factory, a massive industrial hub on Hobart’s Hunter Street, and honestly, the conversion is one of the most successful architectural pivots in Australia. It’s gritty. It’s refined. It manages to be both without trying too hard.
The Henry Jones Art Hotel isn't just a place to sleep; it’s a living gallery that houses over 400 original artworks. You aren't looking at mass-produced prints from a catalogue. You’re looking at Tasmanian history and contemporary struggle through the eyes of local artists. Most hotels treat art as wallpaper. Here, the building is the frame and the art is the heartbeat.
The IXL Jam Factory Roots
Henry Jones was a man who worked his way up from labeling tins to owning the biggest private employer in Tasmania. The H. Jones & Co. IXL empire was a behemoth. When you stay here, you’re basically sleeping inside a monument to Victorian-era industrialism.
Architects Morris-Nunn Walker didn't just "renovate" the space. They peeled it back. You’ll see original 19th-century sandstone walls, massive gum timber columns, and the actual machinery bolts still embedded in the floor. It’s a messy, beautiful juxtaposition of 1804 history and 21st-century luxury. Some rooms have views of the busy Victoria Dock where fishing boats bring in the daily catch, while others look into the internal atrium where the scale of the factory really hits you.
It's huge. The ceilings are high. The corridors are wide enough to move massive pallets of jam—because that's exactly what they were built for.
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Why the "Art" Part Isn't Just Marketing
Most "art hotels" toss a couple of local paintings in the lobby and call it a day. The Henry Jones Art Hotel operates more like a museum with beds. They have a full-time art curator. Think about that for a second. While most hotels are worried about linen counts, this place is busy rotating exhibitions and supporting the Tasmanian College of the Arts.
The art is everywhere. It’s in the hallways. It’s above your head while you eat breakfast. It’s even in the bathrooms sometimes. And because the art is for sale, the "decor" is constantly changing. You might visit in June and see haunting landscapes by Philip Wolfhagen, then return in December to find vibrant, abstract pieces from a graduating student. It keeps the energy of the building from becoming stagnant. It feels fresh.
Room Details and the "Rough-Luxe" Aesthetic
If you’re expecting a cookie-cutter five-star room with beige carpets and glass desks, you’re in the wrong place. The Henry Jones Art Hotel leans into the "Rough-Luxe" vibe.
Expect:
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- Hand-carved timber beds.
- Original stonework that might shed a little dust (it’s 200 years old, give it a break).
- Ultra-modern, sleek bathrooms that look like they were dropped into the room from a spaceship.
- Translucent glass screens that divide the space without hiding the industrial bones.
The Peacock and Jones suites are the ones people fight over. They offer that perfect harbor view. But even the standard rooms have character. They’re moody. The lighting is deliberate. It’s the kind of room where you actually want to spend time, rather than just using it as a base to dump your bags.
Eating and Drinking on the Waterfront
You can’t talk about this place without mentioning the food. Peacock and Jones—the restaurant located in the old wool store part of the complex—is legendary for a reason. They don't do "fine dining" in the stiff, white-tablecloth sense. It’s more about the ingredients. Tasmania has some of the best produce in the world, and the chefs here know not to mess with it too much.
Then there’s the IXL Long Bar. It’s dark. It’s moody. It serves some of the best cocktails in Hobart. On a Friday night, the place is packed with locals, not just tourists. That’s usually the sign of a good hotel bar. If the locals avoid it, you should too. But they don't. They come for the live jazz and the heritage atmosphere.
What People Get Wrong About the Location
Some people think staying on the Hobart waterfront is too "touristy." Honestly? They’re wrong. Hunter Street is where the city’s soul is. You’re a three-minute walk from Salamanca Place, but you’re far enough away to avoid the cruise ship crowds when they descend on the market.
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You’re also right next to the North Hobart food scene and a short stroll from the MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) ferry. If you’re coming to Hobart, you’re likely here for the art, the food, or the wilderness. The Henry Jones Art Hotel is the literal intersection of all three.
The Nuance of Heritage Stays
It is important to be real about heritage hotels. These aren't soundproof bunkers. Because it’s an old factory, you might hear a floorboard creak. You might hear the bustle of the docks early in the morning. To me, that’s part of the charm. It reminds you that the building is alive. If you want a silent, sterile box, go stay at a chain hotel near the airport. If you want to feel like you’re actually in Tasmania, stay here.
How to Do The Henry Jones Art Hotel Right
Don't just check in and check out. To actually get the value out of this place, you have to engage with it.
- Take the Art Tour. It’s usually held in the late afternoon. Even if you aren't an "art person," hearing the stories behind the pieces changes how you see the building. It’s free for guests. Just do it.
- Hit the Bar for Jazz. Check the schedule. When the local musicians are playing in the IXL Long Bar, the acoustics of the stone and timber are incredible.
- Walk the Docks at 6 AM. Watching the sun come up over the Derwent River right outside the front door is a religious experience.
- Ask for a room with a "Harbour View." It costs more. It’s worth every cent. Watching the fishing boats come in while you drink your morning coffee is peak Hobart.
The Verdict on the Experience
The Henry Jones Art Hotel isn't trying to be the flashiest hotel in the world. It’s trying to be the most authentic version of Hobart possible. It celebrates the labor of the past and the creativity of the present. It’s a bit rough around the edges, deeply sophisticated, and completely unique.
If you want a story to tell when you get home, this is where you stay. You aren't just a guest; you’re part of the continuing history of the IXL factory.
Next Steps for Your Hobart Trip:
- Check the Art Calendar: Visit the official hotel website to see which Tasmanian artist is currently featured in the rotating exhibition.
- Book Peacock and Jones in Advance: This isn't a "walk-in" kind of place, especially on weekends. Secure a table at least two weeks out.
- Plan your MONA Ferry: The Brooke Street Pier is a short walk away. Book the "Posh Pit" on the ferry for the full art-centric experience that complements your stay.
- Review the Room Map: If you struggle with stairs, mention it during booking. Being a heritage site, the layout can be a bit of a maze, and some sections are more accessible than others.