Hobart's Hidden Gem: Stunning Heathfield Apartments Await!
Hobart's Hidden Gem? Heathfield Apartments: A Hobart Hustle & Heartbreak Story
Alright, alright, let's be real. I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Hobart, Tasmania, and I'm still sorting through the photos, the memories, and the lingering smell of delicious cheese. And let's be honest, finding a good place to stay isn't always as easy as it sounds, is it? That's where Heathfield Apartments comes in. They call themselves a “hidden gem.” Well, after my stay, I’m here to tell you if the sparkles actually do sparkle…or just gather dust. Brace yourselves, because this review is gonna be a messy, honest, and hopefully, helpful ride.
First Impressions & Landing the Plane (Accessibility & Getting In):
Okay, so the apartment complex itself is pretty tucked away. Which, honestly, I kinda loved after dealing with the tourist throngs at the Salamanca Markets. Navigating to it was a breeze, especially since they offer Airport Transfer, which I highly recommend. After a long flight, the last thing you want to do is wrestle with a rental car. The car park [on-site] was a lifesaver. Finding a parking space in Hobart can feel like winning the lottery. The car park [free of charge] is even better, especially if you're on a budget (like me!).
Now, Accessibility. This is crucial. While the apartment description boasts Facilities for disabled guests, I need to dive deeper. Did I personally test every single aspect for accessibility? No. I’m not in a wheelchair, but I did make a point of looking around. The Elevator is a must for multi-story units. The Exterior corridor seemed straightforward, thankfully. I couldn’t find any specific information if some rooms are wheelchair accessible. This section needs more clarity from the apartments themselves, perhaps a statement "we have wheelchair accessible rooms, please contact us…" or something similar.
The Room: My Little Hobart Haven (and Mild Annoyances):
Alright, the apartment! It's a little… charming is the word I'd use. Let’s get to the good stuff before I rant. I mean, duh, of course they have Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Seriously, in this day and age, it's a necessity, not a perk. And the connection was strong, which is a massive win. It also has Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN, so you are covered if something goes wrong.
- Available in all rooms: Good.
- Air conditioning: Essential.
- Alarm clock: Check.
- Bathrobes: Luxury! I'm a sucker for a good robe.
- Bathtub: Yep.
- Blackout curtains: Bless. Sleep is precious on vacation.
- Carpeting: Fine.
- Closet: Roomy enough.
- Coffee/tea maker: Thank GODS.
- Free bottled water: Yes.
- Hair dryer: Yesssssss.
- High floor: Nice views.
- In-room safe box: Could be a lifesaver, but I didn't use it.
- Ironing facilities: Check, although I'm the king of wrinkles.
- Laptop workspace: Adequate.
- Linens: Clean and comfortable.
- Mini bar: Meh.
- Non-smoking: Crucial.
- On-demand movies: Good for a night in.
- Private bathroom: Always a win.
- Reading light: Excellent for late-night novel binging.
- Refrigerator: Essential for snacks and leftovers.
- Satellite/cable channels: Plenty of options.
- Seating area: Comfy.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Nice touch.
- Slippers: Appreciated the small touch.
- Smoke detector: Safety first!
- Socket near the bed: Praise be.
- Sofa: Chill zone.
- Soundproofing: Needed it. (More on that later, maybe.)
- Telephone: Unnecessary, but there.
- Toiletries: Basic, but functional.
- Umbrella: Tasmanian weather demands it!
- Visual alarm: Don't know if it's actually there, but it's listed.
- Wake-up service: Never used it.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Sold.
- Window that opens: Fresh air is good.
The Meh Moments:
Now for the honesty part:
- The soundproofing: Okay, it’s not terrible, but I did hear some…interesting…noises coming from the apartment next door one night. Let’s just say some couples were enjoying their trip a little too much.
- The "decorations": It's a matter of taste, but some of the artwork felt a little… outdated. I can only describe it as "generic hotel art." Nothing really wowed me.
- The TV: Decent, but it was a bit of a struggle to figure out how to cast my stuff.
The "Things to Do" & "Ways to Relax" (That I Saw, Anyway):
Here’s where it gets tricky. Heathfield claims to offer all sorts of things, and I didn't test everything.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I walked past, it didn’t look particularly appealing.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Nope.
- Spa: Didn't see one.
- Sauna, Steamroom: Doubtful.
In short: the resort-style amenities seem hypothetical. If you're after a luxury spa experience, this ain’t it. If you’re after a good basecamp for exploring Hobart, it works.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking – The Hobart Food Fight (or Lack Thereof):
This is an area where Heathfield lost me. There’s Room service [24-hour], which is great! But here's the kicker: the only dining options listed are a Breakfast [buffet] or A la carte in restaurant. I didn’t find an option for an on-site restaurant. There’s no Poolside bar, Coffee shop, Snack bar, or anything remotely interesting. I did not try the Breakfast [buffet]. This hotel is not a destination for foodies
The Covid-Era Experience: Cleanliness, Safety & Sanitization:
They take the virus pretty seriously, which I appreciated. This is the good part.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Rooms sanitized between stays: Absolutely reassuring.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: I saw them actively cleaning and wearing masks.
- Safe dining setup: I did not experience it.
- Cashless payment service: good.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: I wouldn't say it was perfect, but they tried.
Services & Conveniences – The Perks & Pitfalls:
- Concierge: I did use it, and they were friendly and helpful.
- Contactless check-in/out: A big plus! Efficient and safe.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was spotless!
- Elevator: Yes.
- Laundry service: Available.
- Luggage storage: Definitely there.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Seminars, Meetings, and Audio-visual equipment for special events: Don’t know, didn't see it in use.
- Dry cleaning, Ironing service: Very practical (but I never used them).
- Food delivery: Always a winner.
- Gift/souvenir shop, Convenience store: Nope.
- Doorman, Safety deposit boxes: Yes.
For the Kids (or Lack Thereof):
- Family/child friendly, Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal: It’s a very quiet, grown-up vibe, not exactly the place to bring a rowdy toddler.
Getting Around:
- Taxi service: Yes.
- Bicycle parking: Don’t think so.
- Valet parking: No.
The Verdict: Hidden Gem…With Caveats:
So, is Heathfield Apartments a “hidden gem”?
- Accessibility: Needs more clarification, can’t honestly say.
- Cleanliness & Safety: Excellent.
- Dining & Amenities: Needs improvement.
- Room Comfort: Generally good.
- Location: Very central.
- Overall: It's a decent spot for a base of tourist activities. It’s not a luxury resort, but it's clean, functional, and in a good location. The fact that the staff is helpful and the prices are decent makes it more appealing. If you're looking for budget-friendly comfort, it’s worth considering
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is the Heathfield Apartments Hobart experience, warts and all, coming right up. Honestly, I'm writing this before I even arrive, fueled by a questionable amount of coffee and a healthy dose of pre-trip anxiety. Here goes nothing…
Day 1: The Arrival and the Existential Dread (aka Getting Into the City Without Exploding)
- Morning (ish) - Getting There is Half the Battle… and I'm Already Losing:
- 6:00 AM (or try to be…): Alarm blares. Panic sets in. Did I pack enough socks? Did I actually book the right flight? (Spoiler: I probably didn't). My inner monologue is basically a screaming choir of "YOU FORGOT SOMETHING!"
- 7:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. Let's pray the driver understands 'Hobart' because last time I tried to explain where I was going, I ended up in a pineapple farm.
- 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Flight to Hobart. This is where I unleash my inner travel goblin. I'm a window-seat person, but I'm also a 'need to pee every 30 minutes' person, so buckle up, seat-mates! Prepare for the awkward shuffle.
- 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Arrival in Hobart. Breathe. Smell the sea air. Ignore the tiny voice inside that says, "You're out of your comfort zone. You're vulnerable. RUN."
- 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Airport to Heathfield Apartments. Pray the rental car (if I even remembered to book one—the anxiety is real, folks) works out. Navigating a new city on the "wrong" side of the road? Wish me luck. I'll report back on the carnage later.
- Afternoon - Settle In and… Panic Again?
- 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Check into Heathfield Apartments. Fingers crossed the place is as advertised and doesn't look like a scene from a horror movie. My emotional state is currently teetering between "excited" and "convinced I've booked a haunted Airbnb."
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Unpack, try to orient myself, and fight the urge to crawl back into bed. Seriously, jet lag is a beast.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: A quick walk around the neighborhood. Scope out the local coffee shops (essential!), the grocery store (gotta eat!), and any potential escape routes. (Just in case.)
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Shower, feel human, and try to get something to eat. I'm thinking a nice, simple dinner. Nothing too complicated. Like, maybe… a sandwich.
- 6:00 PM - Bedtime: Crash. Pure, unadulterated crash.
Day 2: Salamanca Market and the Quest for the Perfect Pie
- Morning - Market Mayhem
- 8:00 AM (I'm ambitious, but still, let's be realistic): Wake up (hopefully with less panic). The goal is to get to the Salamanca Market before the crowds descend and the good stuff disappears.
- 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Salamanca Market. This is the big one. I've heard tales of amazing food, quirky crafts, and beautiful art. I will buy something I don't need. It's a given. And the food? Oh, the food. Must try the scallops. The cheese. The sausage rolls. The…well, everything. If there's a local pie, I will track it down, consume it, and probably declare it the best pie on Earth (for at least 30 minutes).
- Afternoon - Pie Pilgrimage
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch and a well-deserved rest. My feet will be screaming. Fuel up for the next stage of pie consumption. This is my primary life goal for the day: Find the best pie.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Explore Battery Point. If I'm still standing after the market, I'll wander through Battery Point, admire the historic buildings, and maybe attempt to look sophisticated. (Spoiler alert: I'm not sophisticated.)
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: More pie research. This is where I'll put everything on the line. Local recommendations? Internet whispers? The distant cries of a hungry soul? I will hunt for the elusive perfect pie.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner. Maybe a salad. To offset all the pie. Maybe.
- 6:00 PM onwards: Recover from the all the pie.
Day 3: MONA and a Deep Dive into the Weird and Wonderful
- Morning - The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA):
- 9:00 AM: Catch the ferry to MONA. This place is legendary. Filled with art that apparently has feelings. I'm both intrigued and slightly terrified.
- 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: MONA. OK, I am going to own up here, I have heard many people say this is an absolute must do. I'll have to be careful not to get too emotionally involved with the artwork, I've been warned that it is an experience. Time to buckle up, the emotional roller coaster ride has begun!
- Afternoon - Art and Afterthoughts:
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Lunch at MONA. I’ve heard they have great food and views – I'm always up for both.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Wander the MONA grounds. Try to make sense of the art, and try not to make an idiot of myself. This is going to be intense.
- Evening - Back to Hobart and Reflection:
- 5:00 PM: Ferry back to Hobart. A moment of quiet reflection. I'll be pondering the meaning of life (and art), and wondering if I'll ever truly understand anything.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner and writing. I will write, to see how much I have processed.
Day 4: Day trip to Bruny Island and the Quest for the Perfect Oysters
- Morning - A Boat
- 9:00 AM: Try to be on time to catch the ferry. If I can, I will. Hopefully I will be lucky.
- Afternoon - Bruny Island
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Hopefully the place I have picked has good food and service.
- 3:00 PM: Explore the island. Check out the Lighthouse and more. Oysters, that is my mission.
- Evening - Quiet
- 6:00 PM: Quiet dinner, get something to eat and hit the hay.
Day 5: The Final Day and the Bitter Sweet Send-Off
- Morning - Last Day
- 9:00 AM: Relaxed start. One last walk around Hobart, maybe one last coffee at that cafe I liked.
- Afternoon - Farewell
- 1:00 PM: Time to pack.
- 2:00 PM: Final check around the apartment.
- 3:00 PM: Journey to the airport.
- Evening - Farewell
- 5:00 PM: Time to leave!
Things I'm Probably Forgetting:
- Adapters? (Probably.)
- A decent camera (My phone will have to do. Pray for me.)
- My sanity (Already questioned).
- A backup plan (Don't have one. Living on the edge, baby!)
Important Disclaimer: This itinerary is a suggestion. It's also a work in progress. It will probably change. Dramatically. My energy levels and emotional state will dictate the actual schedule. I'll probably get lost. I'll definitely eat too much. I'll likely embarrass myself. But hey, that's the fun of it, right? Wish me luck. And send pie recommendations. Seriously.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: The Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain Getaway!
Hobart's Hidden Gem: Heathfield Apartments - Ask Me Anything (Because I've Lived It)
Okay, spill it. What *actually* makes Heathfield a "hidden gem"? Everyone says that. Is it just marketing fluff?
The building itself...what are the apartments *really* like? Pretty, or just pretty pictures?
Okay, so… the neighbors. Tell me the gossip. Was it a friendly building?
Anything *bad* about Heathfield? Because surely, there's a catch…
Would you recommend Heathfield to someone? Be honest!
Any insider tips? Hidden gems within the "hidden gem"?
What’s your ultimate Heathfield memory? The one thing you’ll always remember?
